I love this picture of Brian. It really captured a man who never really knew how truly attractive he was to everyone around him - but especially his wife Becky. Her affection for him was never a secret.

I have wanted to post a tribute since Wednesday. But I confess, I am struggling to make a fuss about it. He would have hated that. I can see him giving me his stoic, hard eye-roll in my head as I post pictures of him. And this makes me forget and laugh for a second. He could always make me laugh. And sarcasm was his love-language.

He was a brilliant musician and performer, but not a diva. I don't know many that can pull off that paradigm.

I knew in my heart the end was coming, and thankful that Becky texted me early enough to allow me to prepare myself for this.

And now, I weep. Of course I do. But Wow! Just so grateful to have known this amazing gentle giant and unsung hero these past 29 years, to break bread with his amazing family. I will miss his smart-ass sense of humor and mischievous grin.

As young parents back in the nineties, Dave and I sat at the feet of Brian and Becky as they navigated some both difficult and joy-filled waters with humor and great humility. This gave us courage to brave the wilderness that is marriage and family. Brian is our Tevye (from Fiddler on the Roof); teaching us how to love and hold it all in tension.

And nothing- not even death- can ever take that away.

Thank you, Brian!

(repost from FB on October 8th)

I apologize if I’ve got this wrong. My memory is not so great these days. But I seem to recall, one day when the McCormick cousins were visiting the Shaws, we were playing tag on our triple bunk bed. And I remember Brian diving from probably Kathy’s top bunk to Judy‘s middle bunk, missing the mark, and shooting through the plate glass window next to our bed! Thankfully, the only harm done was to the window. LOL!

Love to all the family.  You are continually in my prayers.

Susie (Shaw) Karnesky

Revelation 21:4 (NRSV)

[4] he will wipe every tear from their eyes.

Death will be no more;

mourning and crying and pain will be no more,

for the first things have passed away.”