Michael B. Brians was born Nov. 19, 1945, in Richmond, California, and passed away on June 2, 2025, after a lengthy illness.

Mike attended elementary school, junior high and high school in Santa Barbara. He was a star football player at Santa Barbara High as a proud Don.

As a senior, Mike and a friend bought a pet monkey and named him “Elmer Gantry,” who happily lived with Mike and was trained to “entertain his dates.”

After high school Mike entered the United States Army and was stationed in Germany for 18 months. Upon his return in November 1968, he married the love of his life Patty Temple on Dec. 17.

Mike and Patty’s love for pets was always evident in the Brians’ household, which included sometimes as many as four dogs.

As a general contractor, Mike worked remodeling and building houses including the Cottages at San Ysidro Ranch.

In 1974 Patty and Mike welcomed their son Rob into the world, and together the Brians family spent many happy hours playing tennis and attending all of Rob’s many sports events.

Every summer they traveled to Hawaii, always staying in their favorite location Hale Napilii. Mike and Patty traveled extensively, visiting many countries with family and friends.

Mike was predeceased by his parents, two brothers, his infant son Eric, and his beloved sister-in-law Cindy Ricci.

He is survived by his wife Patty; son Rob; and grandchildren Eric, Riley and Taylor.

Together, Mike and Patty enjoyed so much their years as grandparents, and the kids spent many nights with “Gammy” and “Pop-Pop.”

Mike was very close to his nephews Stevie, Shawn and Brian Ricci, and considered their children as his own grandchildren. Patty remains very much involved in all of their lives.

Mike is also survived by his sister-in-law Bonnie Buzard, her husband Bob and their family.

The family would like to thank Dr. Robert Byers for his long-term care as their family physician, who was always there when needed.

Mike was a wonderful husband, father, grandfather, uncle and friend who was admired and loved by so many. He will be missed by all who knew him.