Brian Kristen
June 5, 1965 – October 23, 2023
A memorial service is being planned for Saturday, December 9, 2023, at 11:00 a.m. at Unity of Kalamazoo, 1204 Whites Rd., Kalamazoo. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to Unity of Kalamazoo, in c/o the funeral home.
Obituary
Age 58, passed away Monday October, 23, 2023. Brian was born in Lancaster, PA, on June 5, 1965, the son of David and Sandra (Stover) Kristen. Brian loved playing his drums, whether it be playing with his high school band, “The Invasion,” drumming encouragement to the marathon runners as they raced by, or just playing along with his favorite heavy metal bands. He also loved listening to all kinds of music, everything from Van Halen to Barry Manilow. Besides drumming he loved singing karaoke, watching Big 10 basketball and football, especially the University of Michigan teams. He also enjoyed cooking his special spaghetti and German potato salad. Brian was an outstanding soccer player. In 1983, Brian was selected to be on the All-State high school soccer team. He worked for many years as a graphic designer in the printing industry. During his employment he was voted Employee of the Year. At age 35, he won his hard-fought fight with brain cancer, and joined the annual Relay for Life event in Kalamazoo as a survivor for many years following. He also served as a volunteer at West Michigan Cancer Center. Brian was a kind and gentle soul. He had a wonderful sense of humor and had the ability to make people laugh. He will be remembered as someone who was always willing to help out. Brian was preceded in death by his father. Brian is survived by his mother, Sandra Kristen; brothers, Andrew Kristen, Jeffrey Kristen; niece and nephews, Cameron, Oz, Macy, and Shae; Saturday, and countless friends.
Once upon a t, over fifty years ago, when time seemed to move more slowly and the sun shone brighter, young families were moving into a new Kalamazoo neighborhood, Winchell. Some landed on and around lower Broadway, and soon added an impressive number of offspring. The parents became friends. The kids roamed their neighborhood, doing as kids will always. One of the younger cohort of this menagerie of 24 or more was Brian. And, one of the most memorable. It was hard to forget Brian, because he was one of those young boys who had a million dollar smile. Swooping up and down Broadway on his bike, trailing after his two big brothers, and, being a wicked good athlete, involved in any team game he could find, he always had a grin. If you were a modern Brueghel (Dutch painter of many medieval parties), you would have painted Brian. But when Brian was in his early 30s, he faced a dire challenge: cancer. He did survive. His life changed forever. But his smile remained. I remember, during his early recovery, him walking down Broadway with his Mom. Slow and smiling. He made another life and gave to many. My favorite mind picture of this Brian is ae year of the Kalamazoo Marathon, Life played a wicked one
Brian was consistently a bright light in a troubled world. I loved his candor and openness. I will sorely miss you my friend. Until we meet again. Artie
My deepest condolences to all of Brian’s family. Prayers are being sent to each one of you for peace during this most difficult time. Brian, I know you are already experiencing this; No eye has seen, Nor ear has heard, Nor has ever entered the heart of man, what the Lord has prepared for those that love him. Brian I know you loved him, there is no doubt. It was an honor to know you, Thank you for all you shared with others in this life. 💜 Until we meet again, in heaven, in the next life.