Dear Bantilan  Family

I am so sorry for your loss. I have never met Brian but I came across Brians’s obituary in looking at a friend of ours. And I felt moved to share with you a message that has helped me in such a sad and difficult time. Death is the oldest enemy for mankind and it takes our most beloved ones away from us. I have found comfort in knowing that soon Jehovah our God will rid us of death. 1 Corinthians 15:26 says And the last enemy, death, is to be brought to nothing. Ridding us of death will be such an exceptional blessing, but God will not stop there. Acts 24:15 talks about a beautiful hope that will bring many of us joy. A hope that many of us can find joy in…the resurrection. We will get to hold our loved ones again. God promises it. I hope that in such a difficult you can find comfort and strength to endure till the day we can see our loved ones again!

Brian was a part of our extended family . My sister married his brother Inlaw. It was a perfect fit,  our family is also Polynesian. Our girls could bond over their culturally rich  names. We immediately had a connection that made us family not just through marriage. 

Brian was a good father. He enjoyed life, laughing often. 

You will be missed USO. Aiga forever. Rest in peace. Until we meet again ❤️🙏📿

Brian was a man who always had a smile for a friend. I was fortunate to know Brian as a neighbor in a small Duplex area in Morgan Hill in the early 90’s. Brian and Paulann would open their home for Sunday potluck dinner, conversation and so much laughter. The food Brian and Paulann prepared was always amazing. Watching our children growing up together was wonderful. I feel blessed for the time spent in our little neighborhood and the memories of good times.

We were next door neighbors of the Brian  & Paulann’s . Paulann and I were pregnant at the same time when she was pregnant with Kekoa , Paulann use to watch my daughter Maddie. Maddie didn’t like men, the only men she liked were her Dad and Brian, nobody else, every time Brian came in the room he had a way of saying her name that she just loved and loved  him so much. Brian was a great friend. He took Mike and I out for our very first ever deep sea fishing trip.  I have missed our Sunday night family dinners  with us and another one of our neighbor’s family. The really good food he use to teach us to make and the card game nights we had. He was a good friend, dad and coach. Brian  will be missed by so many who had the privilege to know him. 

People called him Brian,  I called him Buddha. My name is Simon, as a young man in my teenage years I was working for a good old boy by the name of Jim Early.  He was a masonry contractor, tuff as nails and had a group of guys working for him that definitely were on the same level. One of which was Buddha! He was an amazing man at his craft,  some one I looked up to in the trade.  Some one that inspired myself to make the same carrier choice.  He  was a great mentor and friend.  Talented coach and a hell of a fishermen. I had the pleasure of knowing him for many years, we were the best of friends and enjoyed some great memories.  Work hard, play hard kinda guy! A beloved father and husband.  I will always remember the good times we had.  Save me a seat at the big table when I see you again. 

It’s heart breaking to hear the news of my friend passing on. I will always remember learning to fish with Buddah so many years ago. The real love and passion for that sport has never left me and has been passed on to my sons as well. His experience in masonry and stone he shared gave me a career for life and his friendship will always be cherished. 

It’s times like these I am reminded to reach out when I remember or think of someone . I wish I had now more than ever shared some recent stories or pics with Buddah  we always think I’ll do it tomorrow but tomorrow is not promised. 

 when you think of someone don’t hesitate to reach out it may be your only chance  sorry I missed that bro.

All my love and condolences to Paulann and the kids ( who are not kids any more!) although Brian  has moved on. His memory and all the positive ways he impacted people will never be lost. Big Fatty on the ocean at Big Sur for you brother. Keep a seat warm for me over there with Ricky and the bro’s. Soon come bra. 

I was Paulann’s Maid of Honor in her wedding to Brian yes I said Brian , I think I was the only person who didn’t call him Buddha, anyway we decided to go deep sea fishing and I spent the whole time leaning over the boat. We all drove in my new car and on the way home the ice chests tipped over and there was Salmon all in my trunk, I know Brian felt bad but I never got that fish smell out. I can laugh about it now and it’s a memory I will always remember.  Rest in peace Brian and you don’t have to worry about your family they will always be cared for. I hope you catch the big one. 

In loving memory of Brian Bantilan, a remarkable man whose sudden departure has left a profound void in our hearts. 

I first met Brian when I began dating his son Alika, and he swiftly became a second father to me. His unwavering kindness and boundless generosity defined our relationship. Brian's impact on my life is immeasurable, and the news of his passing has left me utterly heartbroken.

He shared his wisdom generously, offering invaluable advice that I will always hold dear. Brian treated me like a cherished daughter, his warm smile a constant presence whenever we crossed paths. 

Words fail to express the depth of my grief, and I can only hope he knew the immense love I hold for him. Brian will forever be in my heart, and I will continue to honor his memory by affectionately referring to him as dad. 

I met Brian's oldest son Alika in the Fall of 2003 at Martin Murphy Middle School. We both shared similar interests in baseball and sports and remembered each other from the many battles Morgan Hill Pony Baseball had with Blossom Valley Pony Baseball in San Jose during the annual Memorial Day and All Star Tournaments. Alika and I have been best friends ever since 2003 as I would spend many weekends at the Bantilan Family household all the way up to the year 2009, when we graduated from High School. You can tell Brian loved his kids very much and raised them with his wife Paulann to be outstanding young men and women. He instilled hard work in all of us and did everything he could to provide for his family. In the summer of 2006 I was able to attend the family 4th of July vacation to Hawaii. I just remember how happy he was to be back in Hawaii visiting family. We lit off so many fireworks for 4th of July that year, I will never forget it. I am going to miss playing cards and catching up on sports with Brian. Rest Easy coach. 

— with John Austin, Isaiah Chapa, Anthony Austin, Alika Bantilan, John Chapa, Cody Casino and Kekoa Bantilan