His favorite Bob Marley song "Waiting in Vain" was playing softly in the background which also happens to be his and Anna's wedding song and song they danced to on their first date.
Tragically, Brian was diagnosed with melanoma cancer on May 6th 2008 so he fought a courageous battle but short-lived 2 month battle with the will and determination that could only be Brian Hogan's.
He is forever in our hearts and the memories of his existence will never escape our minds.
Memorial Celebration to be held Monday, July 14th at 5:30pm at the Norman P Murray Community Center in Mission Viejo.
40 comments:
I am without words and full of grief.
-Cousin Kate
Tears filled my eyes at the sight of the message. Brian is now and forever missed. Those with him at the end were loved and cherished to be sure, and Brian will pave their way to the pearly gates. Those of us that remain will live with Brian by remembering his spirit and his song, by taking care of the things he held dear, as the Raider Faithful always has.
Like him or not, Al Davis has employed past Raiders as Scouts, coaches, field assistants, front office typists, ticket agents, or whatever his old veterans could do at their age and with their individual physical handicaps gained as a member of his beloved family. He takes care of his flock.
Anna and her family and Brian's family need that same everlasting comfort, care, compassion, and charge from each of us. The Nation will always stand with you Anna - Because of Brian, and because of You.
Our love and prayers will sound eternal from
The Raider Nation
Words cannot express how deeply saddened I am. Our thoughts and prayers are with you Anna.
Love,
Rick and Steph
Anna, Judy, Jim and Entire Family,
Our prayers are with all of you during this very difficult time.
Glen Sharrar's Parents
Sue & Dick
I have no words, only tears. I will say: this has touched me very deeply and taught me very important lessons about life, love, family and friends and I will try to cherish these things more. I admire the Hogan and Nelson families. Throughout this tragic ordeal (and thanks to this blog) I have been reminded about the things that are most important in life. There is some comfort in knowing that people are capable of this kind of love and that Brian surely felt that love. This love and Brian’s spirit will always remain. God Bless
When words are so hard to find, "The Raider Nation" always says the words perfectly...
My love to Anna, Brian's mother, Brian's father, and all of his wonderful friends and family.
Linda (Jan's friend)
Anna, Jan....
I am so sorry for your loss. I have a daughter Brian's age and cannot imagine losing someone so young.....as a Mother, Wife or Family member.
My thoughts and Prayers are with you and "momma jan" ....and all who loved him !
Addie Strassburg
Anna, Judy, Skip and the rest of the Hogans and Nelsons: Words really can't express how sad is this. It is heartbreaking and so very sudden. My thoughts and prayers are with all of you.
The best we can do to honor Brian’s memory is to cherish each day with those whom we love and be grateful for the blessings we have in our lives.
Anna, thank you for being such an amazing wife to Brian; I am honored and very proud to call you my sister.
Love, Mandy Nelson
I am so sorry about your loss. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. Anna, you have taught me so much in these past two months. You are an amazing women and have reminded me that we need to appreciate all of those special people in our lives. Thank you both for your inspiration.
My heart waves at half mast for you Brain. I regret the lost opportnities missed, but will always remember the good times shared.
Anna, you're in our thoughts and prayers. Joann & I took a moment last night to "absorb" the news. I can only partly relate to your loss and grief having gone through the sudden loss of my sister only last year. In the days to come know that we are all here at your side willing to help with anything you need.
Our most heartfelt love and prayers to you and the family.
RandO
(The Williams Family)
Anna and family,
I'm so sorry for your loss...
Words cannot express how heavy my heart is of the news.
My prayers are with you all during this difficult time.
-Ed Palladino
Brian is at peace today and I know that Anna's dear sweet friend Emily will great him at the Gates of heaven and hold his hand and guide him to a better place. God called him so early that he must have a very important job for Brian to do up there. so Brian, keep those gardens green until we see you again in heaven. Love, Jan
Anna, my thoughts and prayers are with you and your families. Take care of yourself, you are a wonderful person. Tina Brunello
According to Anna, Brian came into her life a little over 7 years ago. In those seven years they acomplished more than most of us do in a normal lifetime. It was cut short by Cancer but what a great time they had. Lots of great memories and "Big B" hugs.
Anna, Judy, Jim & Family,
I will always remember meeting Big B about 10 yrs. ago on his first day at the office. We hit it off from the start. He was a great person and will be deeply missed. This news has brought great sadness to Rebecca and I. This is a very difficult time and we will pray for you and especially for my friend, Big B.
-Juan & Rebecca Contreras
Brian
Big Dog rolls in like thunder
The moment gets charged
A pearl storm
Caught our breath
And lightening now
Rides the air
Anna,
My heart fell to reading your sad news. It's tough to even write about it. He was a very special person and I know how hard it must have been going thru this. I will miss him especially during football season. God Bless my friend. Brian will always be my Raider Buddy...
Big Daddy Rai
Annabelle - I am speechless right now and grieving for you all. I wish there was something I could say.... You and your family are in my thoughts and prayers.
I love you!
~Tricia
Anna, I am in tears over the loss of Brian. I can hardly imagine your pain. My heart goes out to you and your families. He is so fortunate to have such an amazing wife, loving family and devoted friends by his side to help him through his final passage. We will always love him and remember him as the strong and beautiful person he was.
With sympathy and sadness,
Christina and Reuben
Our hope is that everyone’s love and prayers will comfort you at this time.
I will always envy the love that Brian and Anna share for each other. They are lucky to have that love for ever in their hearts.
Brian has the best cheerleader in Anna. Now Anna has Brian cheering for her in all she does!
With compassion,
Kim, Alex and Mike
Anna, I know that it has been YEARS since I have spoken with you, but I just wanted you to know how very sorry I am for your loss of your adorable husband. As others have said, it really makes us look at life and see how precious it really is....please know that my thoughts and prayers are with you!
-Amy Sharp (Wright)
We are profoundly saddened by this tragic news. Brian was a rare soul. The way that he lived his life and the attitude and dignity with which he faced his death will forever be an inspiration to us. A light went out yesterday that will never be replaced.
We wish you all courage and peace in these difficult days.
"Perhaps they are not the stars,
but rather openings in Heaven
where the love of our lost ones
pours through and shines down upon us
to let us know they are happy.”
Eskimo Legend
My heart aches for you and your family. I am so sad to hear the news. I hope that you can be comforted by God's love for both you and Brian. I will be praying for you...
Anna, I am so sorry for your loss. This whole tragedy has really puts life into perspective.
Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
Chris & Kelly
Anna and Family,
I don't know what to say or where to begin.
I am so deeply saddened by your loss, and can't believe it has only been 2 months.
I will continue to offer my support and prayers for all of you during this devastating time.
Anna I love you,
Wendee
Anna,
I know I have not been in touch with you in a long time, but ever since I began reading this blog last week, my thoughts and prayers have constantly been with you. I will continue to pray for your strength and whatever else it is you need to get you through.
Much Love,
Lea (Geli) Doyle
Anna. I'm extremely sorry to hear about your loss. You and Brian are close in my mind and in my thoughts and prayers right now.
Randy MacBeth
Anna, Judy, Jim & Tim.
We are so sorry for your loss..
Brian was and still will be one of the happies people. I am honored to have met him and spend time with him at our Golf outings. He will be missed. Our prayers are with the entire family.
Love, Spedden Family
My heart jumped and ripped when I saw the last post. I'm so sorry. Brian was so full of life and smiles. Anna, please know that I'm here for you anytime you want to call or come to visit us. Love to you and your family, Christina
Ann & Family,
I am deeply sadden by the news and find it hard to find the proper words to give you comfort. My time with your family and Brian has been short, but it has given me great impact. Brian’s enthusiastic nature, passion for sports and overall striking personality really showed me that life should be lived to the fullest. Brian will be missed. A donation will be given in his name, at The Angeles Clinic Foundation.
Respectfully, Jerico & Anju Farfan
Dear Anna, Tim and Mr. & Mrs. Hogan,
I am so very sorry to hear this news about Brian. I met Brian long ago at TOW and I remember being so grateful that he invited me to his birthday party while in the first grade. Since then, he was always the friendliest person in school...all the way through LBHS, always carrying the biggest smile and most positive attitude.
Although I have not seen him (or Tim) in years I will always remember Brian for his friendship all throughout our childhood. My family sends our love and prayers to you in difficult time.
Sincerely,
Stephen J. Schaefer
"But my hand was made strong
By the hand of the almighty".
-Bob Marley
GOD IS WITH YOU AND WILL KEEP YOU STRONG...
YOU ARE IN OUR HEARTS & PRAYERS!
Thank you for sharing your experience with us. Brian's death is terribly sad, but he also was blessed to able to say goodbye to close family and friends. You did everything to make him as comfortable as possible providing support and playing his favorite Bob Marley song. Anna will treasure the necklace he gave her forever.
Dearest Judy, Jim and Tim,
I am empty with grief and sorrow at Brian's passing--but full and happy with silly memories of our neighborhood life in Laguna.
I love you all.
D'Anne
Anna and all at Team Hogan---All love and prayer.
I was looking forward to seeing Brian at the 20yr reunion to rehash a PCL FB championship. He used to kick my Butt in practice everyday Senior year. He made me a better player for it. Timbo- Hang in there Buddy. It was great to see you at the Canyon Club a few years back. To wife and Family my deepest condolences- Tony Bruno
Anna,
I'm very saddened to hear this news about Brian. My heart and prayers go out to you and your families during this difficult time.
Corey DeManty
Dear Anna, Mr. and Mrs. Hogan, and Tim,
May God's comfort be with you in this time of loss. I knew Brian (and Tim) from TOW, Thurston, LBHS, and Honda Hills. Brian was always a very nice person, down to earth, and would always say hi. Although I hadn't talked to him in over twenty years, I still have fond memories of him. Take care of each other.
Jerry Immel
I pray that you celebrate Brian's life tomorrow with many fun memories, laughter and love. He will always be with you--when you see a rainbow, hear a bird sing, watch a child play--it will be Brian smiling at you.
I'm so sorry for your loss,
Carolann Ceglar
a friend from the Crosby
So saddened to hear about Brian. I remember him from childhood days growing up in Laguna...just a few blocks away from TOW school. I was looking forward to seeing him and catching up at the 20-year reunion.
Our thoughts and prayers are with you and his family.
-Jeff Shelton
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