This blog is dedicated to the memory of our dear Dad.
Pat lived such a rich life that you were a part of. We would love for you to leave a memory or story that you cherish. Click on the comment button and remember to include your name and relationship to Pat.
We want to thank you all for your kind words, thoughts and prayers at this time. They have been a great comfort. In lieu of flowers Dad would have dearly appreciated a donation to The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints Perpetual Education Fund.
Did you ever wonder why he was so excited to see a bunch of teenage boys in his house or at the ranch? Free Labor! He was not a fan of us sitting around and "causing trouble." The funny thing is that I loved doing work for this great man and still don't really understand why. My favorite project was moving the road into the ranch 200 feet. I still think we moved it just because he didn't want any of us "orangatangs" sitting around. I will miss you and your tight handgrip around my neck.
ReplyDeleteLove,
Seth
I remember that grip around the neck! When I was 12 years old and living in California, he asked me "Mary, when are you getting baptized?" "This Saturday," I replied. And that was that! He baptized me that very next Saturday! Thank you, Bishop Brian. Thank you for everything. - Mary Rice
ReplyDeleteI always looked forward to Pres. Brian's visits to out stake in Castle Dale. His teachings were interesting and profound.
ReplyDeleteHow fun to run into Elder & Sister Brian in Kirtland on a visit there with a Church History group.
The Church & the world are better because he was here.
Condolences to your family. He will be sorely missed but leaves a great legacy!
~Patrice Fairbanks
I was living in Juneau, Alaska with my late husband who worked for the Dept. of Labor, we had moved there in 1958. One morning a knock came to my door and there stood two missionaries from the Church of Jesus Christ of Latterday Saints. I noticed one was an elder Brian, I said are you related to Art Brian? He said "He is my father how do you know him." I told him I was from Torrey, Utah. Pat said "great I came all this way to teach the Gospel to someone from Torrey. I got to know Pat quite well while he was serving in Juneau. I even pegged his pants because he said his mother didn't want him to wear pegged pants. He was a great missionary, we shared many meals together.
ReplyDeleteNeedra June Cook Johnson
I love my Uncle Pat! He always had such a concern for everyone he talked to. He made you feel so loved and cared for and had the most positive outlook on life which was contagious and his positive influence will forever be contagious through his memory. I loved many Lake Powell Powelligator trips, Laguna Beach times and of course Ranch moments with Uncle Pat. He was always so generous with his invites to trips, his means, his love and smiles.
ReplyDeleteI love you Uncle Pat!
Love,
Heather
I remember when Grandpa got me my car. The stick shift little red Jetta! Man, I love that thing. And of course we bought it right in Torrey. I had absolutely no idea how to drive stick shift so Grandpa taught me how all day long. Let's just say it was a long day... A few months later he asked if I was any better at driving stick shift and when I said I was he said, "Well, it's about time Tana! I didn't think you'd ever be able to drive that car properly!"
ReplyDeleteMy Grandpa was one of the most kind and selfless people I have ever known. He will always be the greatest example to me.
I love you Grandpa!
Love,
Montana
We met Pat and Sherry through Wild Bill. We visited with them in many parts of the world, Anchorage, Wayne County, Kirtland and several others. We were always treated like a brother.
ReplyDeleteI know about the hand behind the neck.
Love Gary & Sonja Woodruff
I met Pat and Sherry at BYU. They were the "Stars" then and continued their shining light throughout their beautiful adventures in life.
ReplyDeleteI thank them both for nurturing my daughter's dearest friend.
The loss of Pat as husband, father, Grandfather, and friend will always be felt by all who knew and loved him.
We are never ready to say goodbye to a loved one, and only time heals such sorrow.
Wonderful, fun, happy memories fill the void in our hearts.
Love,
Stephanie
Dear Brian Family,
ReplyDeleteI am so sorry to hear of the passing of such a great man. I told Brandi yesterday that I had the opportunity to see him in action at work, and it is something I still remember today. I got called to Jury Duty about 6 or 7 years after I graduated High School and low and behold, who was the Judge? Judge Brian. I did not think he would remember me since it had been so long since I had been in your home, but he did and asked if I was one of the "Lloyds". I felt pretty special that day that I knew him and he made me feel even more special that he remembered who I was. What a great man and I loved that he always had a smile on his face, it was so contagious. May your family be blessed and comforted during this difficult time.
Love,
Susannah Lloyd Harris
Uncle Pat was such an example to me of a positive attitude. In fact, I don't ever remember a time seeing him down, even in the last couple of years when he was not feeling well. He also taught me the importance of conservation - whether I was doing dishes with the water on, leaving lights on, or food on my plate. He never wanted us to waste! I will truly miss Uncle Pat.
ReplyDeleteLove Amber Benson, niece
Pat and Lake Powell will always be synonymous to me. The Lake will never be the same without him. Pat had a wonderful routine of waking everyone up in the morning by jumping off the back of the Powell-a-gator and whooing from the water. Even though I was cursing his name while he was doing it, I know the mornings at Powell will never be the same. I loved the man and I will miss him.
ReplyDeleteRyan Radebaugh-nephew
Memories of Pat when we were much younger and served together in the first Laguna Hills Ward bishopric with Bishop Ficklin, and then later riding home on Sunday afternoons from the Newport Beach Stake Center to Laguna Hills in his little two seat roadster (you kind of got in and wore it). This was shortly before their move to Alaska. The best story, however, was when shortly after purchasing their home in Laguna Hills Pat, being a country boy from Wayne County, and obviously knowing nothing about citrus trees, went to the nursery on El Toro Road to purchase a orange tree for his back yard. The nurseryman asked what kind of a tree he wanted, and his reply was, "I would like a SunKist orange tree". What wonderful memories of years gone by.
ReplyDeleteLarry and Colleen Gwynn
I have so many wonderful memories of my grandpa. He was so generous with everything and everyone, and taught me never to judge a book by its cover and to give everyone a chance. He was such an honest and loving man and was a huge insparation to me. He was so adventurous and I will always remember getting little gifts and souvenirs from him from all corners of the world. He was such an example of how to live a wholesome and purpose-driven life and I will miss him dearly. I love you grandpa!
ReplyDeleteMadeline-grandchild-age 16
We became acquainted with Pat and Sherry when we moved into our home on South Mountain. Pat was the Sunday School teacher in our ward and Sherry the Relief Society President. We loved attending Pat's inspiring lessons on Sunday.
ReplyDeleteAfter returning from their mission to Kirtland we have had the priviledge of being their Home Teachers. Through these last difficult years both Pat and Sherry have always been upbeat and positive. They have truly been an inspiration to us. We will miss Pat dearly.
Jack and Carolyn Theler
I feel honoured to have known a man such as Uncle Pat. I think I have a perminant dip on the top of my head from all of the "nuggies" he has given me over the years. Thank you for your gravy recipe, your eggnog recipe, and most of all for the memories. I will always picture you in your neon baseball caps standing at the edge of the water at Powell like it were heaven on earth. I love you Uncle Pat.
ReplyDeleteMelanie Peterson - neice
I loved coming up from college with Brandi to eat with the Brian's. Uncle Pat was always in the kitchen cooking his famous gravy. I remembered thinking then, how great it was to have a couple cooking together. Now that I'm married, I'm more grateful for his example of love. I loved spending time at your house in the summers. I never knew what you were going to ask me, but knew the answer had to be "Yes". I loved and will miss you!
ReplyDeleteEmily George - neice
Dear Brian Family,
ReplyDeleteWhat an honor it has been to know you through the years. I have fond memories of you living in Anchorage and serving so faithfully in our stake. My Dad was forever influenced as he served with President Brian. Because my father was a convert, he was always somewhat self conscious of his gospel knowledge. As he served closely in his calling with President Brian he was lifted to higher ground. My mom has always said "Dad soared in the gospel and in every way under the direction of President Brian". I will be forever grateful for that tremendous influence on our entire family. My father passed away ten years ago from cancer and within a year my Mom was leaving to serve a mission. I still remember my true joy when President and Sister Brian surprised us by coming to her missionary farewell. What an example of true friendship. May you all have the peace you will seek over the coming months and know that you are in God's care.
Love,
Marcia Hight Kunz
(daughter of Chuck and LaRae)
There is much to say about Judge Brian the Great(uncle)! I will never forget upon entering the Hale ranch house Uncle Pat's wide grin and his classic "cheek squeezes", he always went out of his way to chat with me and make me feel so special. Some of my most cherished memories as a child were on the Powelligator, Captain Pat and his "the more the merrier", attitude, even when the houseboat reached well beyond its capacity. His zest, passion, and love of life will always be remembered.
ReplyDeleteLove you Uncle Pat!
Heidi-Niece
Dear Sherry and family,
ReplyDeleteI am sorry to learn of the passing of your father and husband. Serving in the same stake as your wonderful family has taught me a lot about him and all of you. I have always respected Pat's ideas and thoughts and especially his jovial nature. Who would think that he would ever go this soon.
Serving as your stake president showed me that he was always open to others thoughts and ideas and wanted to listen to them. The interaction I had with members of your family during the growing up of our children was an interesting and enjoyable time that I will always remember. For example the scripture study evenings that we held at our home which included our son Devin and your son Kam. As soon as midnight struck, and they left the house, I knew that the morning might be interesting.
Thank you Sherry for allowing us the opportunity to share your wonderful husband with the "world". He will always be remembered but never like he will by his family.
May the Lord bless all of you,
Stewart Glazier
Deepest sympathy to all of Pat's family. I am a retired DA Investigator from Orange County, Ca. At times Pat seemed take on a case without much background info and when going down old Dept 5, he would always say, "lets walk and talk"! By the time we got to court, he knew how he as going handle the case! If a case went to a jury, Pat's great charm and manner would easily sway any jury! I am sure that he will be missed by all!
ReplyDeleteOnce a year, for the four years I was the Explorer Scout leader in our ward, I'd take the 16-18 year old boys out of school on a Friday and visit Judge Brian's courtroom for his "show cause" hearings. These were wonderful, because there would be dozens of "mini trials" where people would literally have to "show cause" why they shouldn't be thrown into jail, back into jail, or whatever because of parole violations, failing to wear their "I am a drunk driver" t-shirts, etc. Before and after each session, Pat would have our group back into his chambers and answer questions. He had quite an impact on these young men (and for the last two years, the young women who accompanied them). Of the 48 boys that first year, 10 of them became attorneys! That's over 20%. Wow, talk about a positive influence in lives.
ReplyDeleteI had no idea when my sister Christy married Brett, how lucky we would all be to get to know Pat and Sherry so well. Not only are they my sister's in-laws, but I have also been in their ward in Draper for several years. How fun it has been to get to see them each Sunday and to enjoy so many of Pat's gospel doctrine lessons. I always loved when he was teaching and he would call on someone and say "In 2 minutes or less please read this scripture and give us some thoughts". He was always so precise and conscious about time. I always tell Christy, "I know they are your in-laws, but I just love them so much!"
ReplyDeleteMy favorite memory of Pat happened about a year ago. He wasn't feeling well, so one evening I ran some soup and bread over for him and Sherry. About 30 minutes after I got home I received a phonecall from Pat. Imagine his booming, enthusiastic voice saying to me "I just called to thank you for that Thanksgiving feast!" Only Pat Brian would refer to some soup and bread as a "Thanksgiving feast!" That is how I will always remember him....so positive and making you feel so important. One of the greatest men many of us have ever known will be truly missed!
Love ~ Jen Richardson
I got the opportunity to meet Pat and Sherry while he was Mission President in Tulsa, OK. I was going through a difficult time of my life and he introduced me to his family. It was a wonderful experience and knowing him. Sherry bless your heart, my prayers and condolences goes out to your family. I was the person that got the opportunity to live with is older brother, Dean, in Utah. Getting to see where he grew up was just a beautiful experience that I will always keep near to my heart.
ReplyDeleteArdyth Power (maiden name Porter)
Pat Brian was a very kind friend to me. He was in my ward. He always had a smile for every one.
ReplyDeleteI remember talking to him about things and he always remained such a great friend.
The last time that I saw Judge Brian was in Harmon's last spring. I gave him a hug and he hugged me back. I was with mom and dad and we stood and talked to Judge Brian for a good 20 minutes. When we parted I hugged my friend again and told him I love you Judge. Not knowing that would be the last time that I would see my friend.
I just hope that Judge Brian knows how much his friendship meant to me. He was and is my hero and friend and brother. It is a honor for me to have been taught by Judge Brian just through his example how to be postive and happy despite what we have to go through in this life. Don't worry be happy. I will see you again my friend and brother.
Love Robyn Taylor a friend to Pat and Sherry Brian
I feel so grateful to know the Brian family and to have lived next door to them in Alaska-and then see them every week in Oklahoma. President Brian was such a wonderful friend! I remember once in Tulsa, my car was side-swiped in traffic and my parents were out of town( So-I called Pres. Brian) He talked me through the accident, gave me legal advice, and when I asked how much I could pay him for his time...he told me to bake him a cake:) So, I made his favorite cake-and put a big "Thank You! on top with his picture...He was my hero:)
ReplyDeleteAs one of Pat's cousin's children, my father is Verle Brian, I remember Pat as Camiele's big brother and Diane Nelson Potter's uncle. He was in High School and we were small only in elementary school but he loved to tease us and would give us money buy a treat at the local store in Loa so we would leave him alone. I remember him always hauling hay on the family farm and he was always a busy person. To me he seemed more like an uncle instead of a cousin. After I married I saw him once in Price and called out to him. I told him who I was and he remembered me and my family. My thoughts and prayers go out to your family at this time.
ReplyDeleteTeri Ann Brian Parsons - daughter of Verle and Connie Brian.
I would rather not to write on this Blog to memorize Judge Brian, who is my best mentor and friend. I am not willing to see him only in my memory. I wish he was still able to talk to me and share my life stories frequently.
ReplyDeleteI was a Chinese law school student. I met Judge and Sherry in 2002 at Fudan University, Shanghai, China, where Judge and Sherry have spent a lot of time teaching the law school students the U.S. law. The students there were greatly benefited from his lectures, including me. In 2004, I came to the United States to pursue a master of laws degree. We have been calling each other on weekends since then. Judge Brian and Sherry treated me and my husband Larry as their own children and helped us on many occasions.
In 2006, my sister and I drove from New York to visit Judge and Sherry in Kirkland, OH. Their hospitality really impressed me. We stayed for several days. Judge showed me their Memoirs, where I first learned that Judge was the most preferred man in Brigham Young University, how he met Sherry and many interesting stories in their courtship. The relationship between Judge Brian and Sherry is a good example for us. As Sherry said, Judge Brian is the best husband.
I did not know that the long talk between Judge Brian and me in this May would be our last conversation! It is such a loss that Judge Brian is not with us anymore. But, his voice, his smile and his everything will be my forever memory. I miss you, Judge Brian! Condolences to your family.
Love,
Elissa Lu
Dear Sherry and Family,
ReplyDeleteOur deepest sympathy goes out to all of you. Even though we knew the outcome of his cancer, we were hoping that he would be the one that would be healed.
We are so happy that you invited Harry and I to come to Kirtland. We were only going to go as far as Nauvoo, but I finally convinced Harry that we needed to go a little farther. We had a wonderful time and both you and Pat made us feel right at home. It was so fun to watch Pat get excited with every bus load that came, and it was great seeing the sites through his eyes. We loved the sourdough pancakes. Pat was so excited telling us how he got the sourdough start so many years ago. Having that one on one opportunity with both of you was wonderful. Being with the two of you was the highlight of our trip. I will always remember Pat's love for his family and being a part of the Hale family. We will miss him until we meet again.
Love, Connie & Harry
I have been writing down a lot of memories of Judge Brian. I just miss my friend and Judge and hero. Judge Brian and Sherry were in the Jordan River Temple one day. And I walked down to the basement floor and opened the door and there stood Judge Brian and Sherry. I ran to the Judge and I gave him a hug. Suddenly I jerked back and said Maybe I am to old to be hugging. Judge Brian said to me Robyn you are good at giving hugs that is what makes you you. He went on to say I would miss my Robyn hugs. You be yourself. Sherry was standing right there nodding her head yes. Sherry said "Robyn if I were you, I would listen to the Judge. I have followed his advice to me. Judge Brian always had a hug for his friends and family. I could go on and on with great memories of Judge Brian. He and Sherry always had a hug for me. It was such a joy for me to see Judge Brian and Sherry in the temple. I missthe Judge and my friend and his hugs and his advice to me. Sherry I love you. You are in my prayers. God Bless you all Sherry and family.
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