Share the Stories.

Never did Brian imagine you would be reading his obituary so early in life. And he wouldn't blame you if you just looked at the photos. He loved to learn, but he rarely read for pleasure, especially if there was a movie. He did, however, love the smells of life, especially the scent of books and newspapers. So, hold this page, breathe deep the pulp and ink, and remember fondly a man who took "stop and smell the roses" to the extreme.

Brian's laughter was full-bodied and uninhibited. It rang through the air, captivating all within earshot, including that of his wife, Jenny. Their twenty-one-year love affair began when she heard that laugh at their acting school in New York. The two would have been married fifteen years on July 22nd.

His generosity and kindness were without restraint. In their sixteen years living in Manhattan, he never failed to carry fists full of change, handing out portions to anyone in need. Though his heart was deeper than his pockets, at one encounter, his wife said, "you probably gave that man five dollars in quarters." He replied, "I know."

Home and family meant everything to Brian. With the world at his fingertips, his favorite vacation spot was his hometown of Northport, and introducing Jenny to the beauty of Northern Michigan was one of his greatest joys. Fischer's Happy Hour Tavern was his home away from home, and up until their move to Kentucky, he would return each summer to help friends with the cherry harvest and tend bar at the Happy Hour. He often laughed, "Just pay me in broasted chicken." 

His sense of humor was legendary. He could keep a joke going for hours, with an ability to spin the most outrageous of tales with unbelievable and hysterical plot lines, and he did it all with a straight face. His love of a good prank kept everyone hoping to the last moment that he would wake up and apologize for taking this final joke too far. 

To know Brian was to love Brian. And to be loved by Brian meant you were well fed in spirit, and especially in food. He had a passion for cooking. He was a master at the grill and prepared every plate beautifully. He would often be too excited to eat, feasting instead on the enjoyment of those he served. During his catering days in New York, he closely watched the master chefs on-site and practiced their techniques when he got home. He studied food in restaurants and spent hours on YouTube researching the greats. Even comfort foods were a delicacy, and one day he brought his wife a grilled cheese with a sense of validation. "I found a video by Gordon Ramsay, and he makes them like I do!"

At 42 years of age, he had accomplished so much with years of laughter and adventure ahead of him. What an adventure it would have been. "Life's too short to drive a boring car," and Brian's 87 Grand National was his pride and joy. When he and Jenny first met, she knew all about this unicorn, making him realize she might be the one. Polishing his car to a mirrored shine, rolling down the windows, and setting out on a sunny drive was his happy place.

He went to stunt driving school in California, did movies and television in New York, and in 2015 was one person away from becoming Chris Hemsworth's stand-in for a feature film. He's met presidents, movie stars, rock stars, and surfing legends. He stood in landmark buildings and took photos from the top of the Freedom Tower before it opened; the rich history of iconic moments colored his legacy, but unless asked, one would never know. Brian was humble, down-to-earth, and not one to brag.

On March 20th, Brian suffered a brain aneurysm that led to cardiac arrest. Unexpected and sudden, this set off a series of miracles that allowed his wife and family to be at his side for his last days. The official date of death occurred on March 24th. Physically, he was an astounding man, and with the excellent medical treatment he received, Brian was the perfect candidate for organ donation. His gift of life, and improved quality of life to so many others, ensure that he, through them, lives on.

If you run into Brian's family, tell them how much he meant to you. If you have stories, photos, or videos, share them. Though Brian may no longer walk this earth, the memories will keep him alive. Because this is not the end, it's "To Be Continued."

Please join us for Brian's "Celebration of Life" at the Northport Marina and Park in Northport, Michigan, on July 24th, 2021. Celebrations in Campbellsville, KY and New York, NY are being arranged.

Brian Ray Kawa is survived by his wife, Jennifer (Jenny) Edwards Kawa, his mother, Janet (and the late Bill) Burmeister, his father Gerald Kawa (wife Eileen), siblings Andrea Fera (husband Tony and children Brycen and Jenison), James Kawa (wife Desiree Mejia and daughter Phoenix), and Elaine Russette (daughter Kelsey). His beloved grandmother, Marie Jagielski, is 97 years young. He leaves behind a remarkable extended family, including aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces and nephews, in-laws, and friends from all over the world whom he considered family (including his work families at Ultra Events, Eli Tahari, The Happy Hour, and Amazon SDF1).