Brian was born in Clarksville, Tennessee. He graduated in Cheboygan, MI in 1990. He was in the United States Navy for two years aboard the USS Gridley, West Pac Tour of duty. Brian enjoyed snowboarding, scuba diving, rock climbing, and surfing. He was attending college in Traverse City, MI in the aeronautics program and had earned his private pilot's license and was working on his commercial certification.

Forgive me, Forgive me, my love, for if you have died, all the leaves will fall upon my breast, it will rain on my soul all night, all day, my feet will march to where you are sleeping, but I shall go on living. by P. Neruda