My Beloved Brian ...

Here's the obituary for Brian that will run in tomorrow's Idaho Statesman, written by my faithful sister, Kimberly Kooyers:

Brian Wayne Schlador, 49, of Meridian, Idaho, was welcomed into Heaven Monday, March 3, 2014. He died from cancer while surrounded by his wife Susanne and children, Jacob, Kayla, and Tyler. His family was the center of his life.

Brian loved the ocean, body surfing, playing soccer, hunting, and above all spending time with his family.  He is remembered as an infectiously positive, fun-loving prankster, who put others first. He was a man of faith, character, and patience; an exemplary father and dedicated husband.

During his year-long bout with cancer, Brian continued to be an inspiration. In a note to friends and family, Susanne, said, “I have more intense love and respect for Brian today than at any other point in our almost 23 years of marriage because of his perseverance in the face of pain and absolute faith in our Creator’s hand in his life. Why does he stay in the battle? For love. It’s just that simple. He fights this cancer to stay with those he loves all the while knowing that ultimate healing only comes through leaving. Love alone IS worth the fight.”

Brian was born on September 16, 1964, in Encino, California, and spent his childhood there and later moved with his family to the San Francisco Bay Area. He graduated from Homestead High School in Cupertino, California and went on to attend San Diego State University where he earned a bachelor’s degree in Business Administration. In his career he worked in various Information Technology capacities for Chevron and Hewlett Packard.

He married Susanne Kooyers in 1991 and they lived in the San Francisco Bay Area until 2000 when they relocated with their young children to Meridian, Idaho. In addition to his wife and children, Brian is survived by his parents Fred and Phyllis Schlador and his siblings Mark Schlador and Jennifer Schlador.

Memorial Services for Brian will be held at Cole Community Church, 8775 Ustick Road on Saturday, March 8, at 1:30 pm.