Brian was the very definition of Love

– patient, kind, trusting, accepting, generous and hopeful

– treating everyone in his life with warmth and affection

Brian was born in Baytown, Texas on April 14, 1960, to a humble, hardworking father from Wisconsin and a gracious, gregarious mother from Galveston who instilled in him the value of friendship and enjoyment of family and social gatherings.

At 15 months old, he welcomed twin sisters, Stefany and Erica, whom he often teased while tolerating their dubious mischief. They will forever remember his sense of humor and love of life.

Brian grew up attending St. Joseph Catholic Church and School in Baytown. At an early age, he excelled at swimming and water polo, advancing to state individual and team championships at Ross S. Sterling High School. His passion for these two sports later inspired his son Stephen to pursue and excel in them.

Brian was a National Merit scholar who earned a Plan II Liberal Arts degree from the University of Texas and a Masters in Accounting from the University of Houston Clear Lake. He became a Certified Public Accountant and eventually established his own firm working in the field for over 40 years.

A lifelong passionate Texas Longhorn, he reveled in every UT victory (especially football). He inherited this passion from his Texas Exes parents.

In 1998 Brian wed Sandra Hendrickson with whom he shared 28 years of marriage.  They also shared their son Stephen. Together they enjoyed a life full of family, friends, beloved pets, travel, cooking and sampling as many craft beers as humanly possible.

From an early age Brian always loved being in nature. He found peace in breathing in God’s creations from glistening oceans to majestic mountains, from plants to trees and all of God’s creatures. He was also an avid reader with an enlightening Mind and quick wit. His sense of humor lifted everyone’s spirits especially when they needed it most.

Brian enjoyed so many things in his life it is impossible to name them all, but they included:

• Sailing, boating and water sports.
• Cooking, grilling and baking bread.
• Tending his pepper plants and walking around MAAS nursery.
• Spending time agitating his nieces, nephews and everyone else around him.
• Traveling and touring as many pubs, wineries and breweries as possible.
• Reading a good book in his favorite chair with his beloved Buster sitting beside him.

More than anything else, Brian was a wonderful husband, father, son, brother, uncle and friend. His passing leaves a giant hole in our lives that can never be filled. He will be forever missed.

Brian is survived by his loving wife of 28 years, Sandra Bartz; son, Stephen Bartz and wife Dr. Laura Johnson; mother Carol Querolo Bartz; two sisters, Stefany Bartz and Erica Stepchinski and husband Patrick; two nieces, Leanne Stepchinski and Hailey Cleveland; and two nephews, Alan Stepchinski and Kingsley Cleveland.  He is preceded in death by his father, Kenneth Bartz.

Brian’s family would like to thank everyone who called him a friend. We are blessed and grateful for the many who showed him care and compassion and who prayed for him throughout his life.

May he rest in peace and may perpetual light shine upon him.

In lieu of usual remembrance, the family requests memorials be made to Second Chance Pets at the following link:

www.secondchancepets.org/donate

A Memorial Service will be held at Crowder Funeral Home in Webster TX September 12^th at 1:00 PM

(Please adhere to Brian’s personal dress code; NO suits, NO jackets and NO ties).