Brian, our Christmas Eve surprise arrived December 24, 1994 and became our Christmas Angel on December 21, 2016. He worked very hard to recover but died from injuries sustained in a fall on August 8, 2014. He will be forever 21.

Brian was born 5 weeks early at the UW Medical Center and thought for many years he was born in Husky Stadium (Go Cougs)! A joyful and happy child, he knew no stranger and always had a big smile on his face when hanging out with family or friends.

The happiest day in his young life was when he became a big brother to Blake. From the moment we brought Blake home, they were the best of friends (even if they fought just a little bit). He was always so proud of him, and knew he would do great things.

Brian loved school. He was a proud student at Lucille Umbarger Elementary School where he had many wonderful teachers, coaches, and mentors. He was a natural born leader and a positive role model to younger students. He was so honored to receive the American Legion Citizenship Award at promotion.

In 7th grade, his life began to change when he started playing B-E youth football. League rules said he was too heavy to play in games but he participated in every drill at every practice and eventually lost 90 pounds due to the ideals football taught him. This is where he found his love for health and fitness, of which he would study in his year of college at Washington State University.

Brian was a proud honor graduate of the class of 2013 from Burlington-Edison High School. He loved every part of being a Tiger. He played football, managed the basketball team and was on the track team. He lettered in all. Brian was honored to be the Most Inspirational, Team Captain, and the Most Perfect Tiger for several years in a row. He captured what it meant to be a part of a team, no matter how skilled he was. Brian was also a great student who had self-discipline and knew how to budget his time wisely. He was so honored to be selected as Burlington Rotary Student of the Month in October 2013 and upon graduation was proud to receive scholarships from the Burlington Rotary Club and the B-E Alumni Foundation.

Brian's leadership skills grew in high school. He was a lead mentor and was elected ASB Secretary his senior year. He so enjoyed being a part of the leadership team. The work they did was meaningful and the skit roles he had were epic. A highlight of his high school career was when he was selected as Homecoming Royalty. He was the first Prince with his Princess Hillary. He was so happy.

Brian had such a special way with young people with his enthusiastic and positive attitude. He was a confirmation leader at Salem Lutheran Church where he was both baptized and confirmed. He also helped coach youth football and track. Brian knew then he wanted to work with youth encouraging good health through teaching and coaching. Along the way, Brian and his brother enjoyed many a day hanging with their cousins, relatives and friends. He always wanted to know who was coming over, what we were going to do, and what we were going to have for snacks! Brian and Blake would spend many a day with their older cousins John and Michael Drummond. And after John went off to college, Brian and Blake would go on many "Nicholas Cage" adventures with Michael! So many fond memories and times of great laughter.

Brian was always going to be a Coug. The fall of his senior year he was accepted as a student and he was so happy. He could not wait to live his dream of going to Washington State University and being a Coug along with being a "frat bro".

After recruitment, he pledged the Gamma Theta Chapter of Beta Theta Pi at WSU. He was a proud member of the "Smash Brother Family" with A.D. and Marshall as his relatives!

Brian was a part of the philanthropy team, and was proud of the monies they raised for others. He was selected the Pledge of the Year for 2014.

Brian earned great grades and made the President's list and was on the Honor Roll. He also enjoyed working at Holland Terrell Library. The year he spent at WSU brought him so much joy, forming many great friendships that were life changing.

He is survived by his parents William and Barbara, brother Blake and his dog Barkley at the family home, Grandma Ama, Joan Bricka, Beloved Aunts and Uncles David Bricka and Michael Bonacci, David and Sarah Drummond, David and Melissa Gurney, James and Susan Gurney, and Kathryn Gurney. Cousins John Drummond, Michael Drummond, Deann Krupich and her children Amanda and Jacob. Ben and Anna Gurney and their children Reagan, Logan and Ester.

The family would like to thank the community and medical teams that worked tirelessly to help him recover. They will be forever grateful for everything you've done. They include the physicians, nurses and teams at Skagit County Search and Rescue, EMS, Harborview Medical Center, Kindred Hospital, Skagit Valley Hospital, Life Care of Skagit Valley (Sedro-Woolley), Hospice of Skagit County. A special thank you to our B-EHS family, WSU family, Skagit County Citizens, the Skagit Valley Herald, and all of his faithful, special visitors and friends.

Thanks to all of you and your support, Brian did more than anyone ever dreamed possible. But now he is free to run and scream as he crosses the finish line. Brian's spirit will live on and we will all honor him in everything we do, each and every day. So today be joyful, smile and do something kind for a stranger or neighbor and think about Brian. He would like that. We love you Bubby. #GURNEYSTRONG

In lieu of flowers a scholarship will be established in his name. Donations can be made at any branch of Skagit Bank or your favorite charity. There will be a public viewing on Friday January 6th at Hawthorne from 10 AM-6 PM. Please join us to celebrate his life Saturday January 7th at 1 PM at Salem Lutheran Church, Mount Vernon 2529 N. LaVenture Road.