Brian Kristen Obituary

A memorial is being planned with the date and time to be announced shortly.

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 person. He had a wonderful sense of humor and had the ability to make people laugh. He will be remembered as someone who was always helpful. Brian is survived by his mother, Sandra Kristen; brothers, Andrew Kristen, Jeffrey Kristen; nieces and nephews, Cameron, Oz, Macy, and Shae; and countless friends. Brian was preceded in death by his father.