Brian Stanley Riepen, 58, of Dallas passed away peacefully at home with his family by his side on March 17, 2012. For nearly 28 months he battled glioblastoma multiforme with everything he had. No one has fought brain cancer with more courage, determination, cheerfulness, and optimism. He always told us, "If someone in the family had to get this disease, it's a good thing it was me."
Brian was born November 24, 1953, in Greenville, South Carolina, to Maxine June (Euler) and Ernest Christian Riepen, Jr. He is preceded in death by both his parents. Brian is survived by his wife, Lynn, and their four sons, Albrecht, Erich, Dietrich, and Blair; his brother Michael Riepen, wife Jan and their son Scott; cousin Ray Riepen; mother- and father-in-law Jean and Frank Walker; numerous loving aunts, particularly Melanie Drake, uncles, cousins, and nieces and nephews; and countless close friends. Mike O'Connor and Debbie and Rob Schaaf were like family to him. Larry Mealer was a special friend during his illness.
Brian grew up in St. Joseph, Missouri and was graduated from Central High School in 1971. He studied mathematics at the University of Missouri-Columbia, earning his degree summa cum laude, Phi Beta Kappa in 1975. He attended law school at the University of Southern California, made law review, and was graduated in 1978. He then clerked for a federal judge in Lincoln, Nebraska. After working at law firms in St. Louis and Dallas, he opened his own practice in Dallas in 1985 and practiced civil litigation. He was a member of the California, Missouri, and Texas Bars. Brian was committed to being the strongest advocate for his clients and gave each individual his most dedicated effort. He had a passion for representing the underdog and eagerly took on difficult cases.
Brian had a big smile, a generous heart, and an unmatched joie de vivre. He made the impossible happen—"I never got anywhere by being negative." His optimistic attitude, lively gestures, and enthusiastic personality enriched the lives of everyone around him. Travel, wine, foreign languages, and new, uncommon experiences were important pursuits in his life. He believed in thinking for oneself and having an open mind toward understanding the world. Above all, Brian loved his family unconditionally, and he was committed to sharing his love, knowledge, and worldly views with his sons. A proud Eagle Scout, he dedicated a lot of time to his sons' scouting experiences. He was a Firebuilder in the Tribe of Mic-O-Say at Camp Geiger in Missouri and a 3rd degree Mason of the Grand Lodge of St. Joseph. His commitment to those he loved will be warmly remembered.
A celebration of his life will take place in Dallas at a later date.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions for Brian Riepen may be directed to UT Southwestern, P.O. Box 910888, Dallas, TX 75391-0888, or online at www.utsouthwestern.edu/donatenow to support brain cancer research conducted by Dr. Elizabeth Maher.
Brian was born November 24, 1953, in Greenville, South Carolina, to Maxine June (Euler) and Ernest Christian Riepen, Jr. He is preceded in death by both his parents. Brian is survived by his wife, Lynn, and their four sons, Albrecht, Erich, Dietrich, and Blair; his brother Michael Riepen, wife Jan and their son Scott; cousin Ray Riepen; mother- and father-in-law Jean and Frank Walker; numerous loving aunts, particularly Melanie Drake, uncles, cousins, and nieces and nephews; and countless close friends. Mike O'Connor and Debbie and Rob Schaaf were like family to him. Larry Mealer was a special friend during his illness.
Brian grew up in St. Joseph, Missouri and was graduated from Central High School in 1971. He studied mathematics at the University of Missouri-Columbia, earning his degree summa cum laude, Phi Beta Kappa in 1975. He attended law school at the University of Southern California, made law review, and was graduated in 1978. He then clerked for a federal judge in Lincoln, Nebraska. After working at law firms in St. Louis and Dallas, he opened his own practice in Dallas in 1985 and practiced civil litigation. He was a member of the California, Missouri, and Texas Bars. Brian was committed to being the strongest advocate for his clients and gave each individual his most dedicated effort. He had a passion for representing the underdog and eagerly took on difficult cases.
Brian had a big smile, a generous heart, and an unmatched joie de vivre. He made the impossible happen—"I never got anywhere by being negative." His optimistic attitude, lively gestures, and enthusiastic personality enriched the lives of everyone around him. Travel, wine, foreign languages, and new, uncommon experiences were important pursuits in his life. He believed in thinking for oneself and having an open mind toward understanding the world. Above all, Brian loved his family unconditionally, and he was committed to sharing his love, knowledge, and worldly views with his sons. A proud Eagle Scout, he dedicated a lot of time to his sons' scouting experiences. He was a Firebuilder in the Tribe of Mic-O-Say at Camp Geiger in Missouri and a 3rd degree Mason of the Grand Lodge of St. Joseph. His commitment to those he loved will be warmly remembered.
A celebration of his life will take place in Dallas at a later date.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions for Brian Riepen may be directed to UT Southwestern, P.O. Box 910888, Dallas, TX 75391-0888, or online at www.utsouthwestern.edu/donatenow to support brain cancer research conducted by Dr. Elizabeth Maher.
Brian Stanley Riepen, 58, of Dallas passed away peacefully at home with his family by his side on March 17, 2012. For nearly 28 months he battled glioblastoma multiforme with everything he had. No one has fought brain cancer with more courage, determination, cheerfulness, and optimism. He always told us, "If someone in the family had to get this disease, it's a good thing it was me."
Brian was born November 24, 1953, in Greenville, South Carolina, to Maxine June (Euler) and Ernest Christian Riepen, Jr. He is preceded in death by both his parents. Brian is survived by his wife, Lynn, and their four sons, Albrecht, Erich, Dietrich, and Blair; his brother Michael Riepen, wife Jan and their son Scott; cousin Ray Riepen; mother- and father-in-law Jean and Frank Walker; numerous loving aunts, particularly Melanie Drake, uncles, cousins, and nieces and nephews; and countless close friends. Mike O'Connor and Debbie and Rob Schaaf were like family to him. Larry Mealer was a special friend during his illness.
Brian grew up in St. Joseph, Missouri and was graduated from Central High School in 1971. He studied mathematics at the University of Missouri-Columbia, earning his degree summa cum laude, Phi Beta Kappa in 1975. He attended law school at the University of Southern California, made law review, and was graduated in 1978. He then clerked for a federal judge in Lincoln, Nebraska. After working at law firms in St. Louis and Dallas, he opened his own practice in Dallas in 1985 and practiced civil litigation. He was a member of the California, Missouri, and Texas Bars. Brian was committed to being the strongest advocate for his clients and gave each individual his most dedicated effort. He had a passion for representing the underdog and eagerly took on difficult cases.
Brian had a big smile, a generous heart, and an unmatched joie de vivre. He made the impossible happen—"I never got anywhere by being negative." His optimistic attitude, lively gestures, and enthusiastic personality enriched the lives of everyone around him. Travel, wine, foreign languages, and new, uncommon experiences were important pursuits in his life. He believed in thinking for oneself and having an open mind toward understanding the world. Above all, Brian loved his family unconditionally, and he was committed to sharing his love, knowledge, and worldly views with his sons. A proud Eagle Scout, he dedicated a lot of time to his sons' scouting experiences. He was a Firebuilder in the Tribe of Mic-O-Say at Camp Geiger in Missouri and a 3rd degree Mason of the Grand Lodge of St. Joseph. His commitment to those he loved will be warmly remembered.
A celebration of his life will take place in Dallas at a later date.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions for Brian Riepen may be directed to UT Southwestern, P.O. Box 910888, Dallas, TX 75391-0888, or online at www.utsouthwestern.edu/donatenow to support brain cancer research conducted by Dr. Elizabeth Maher.
Brian was born November 24, 1953, in Greenville, South Carolina, to Maxine June (Euler) and Ernest Christian Riepen, Jr. He is preceded in death by both his parents. Brian is survived by his wife, Lynn, and their four sons, Albrecht, Erich, Dietrich, and Blair; his brother Michael Riepen, wife Jan and their son Scott; cousin Ray Riepen; mother- and father-in-law Jean and Frank Walker; numerous loving aunts, particularly Melanie Drake, uncles, cousins, and nieces and nephews; and countless close friends. Mike O'Connor and Debbie and Rob Schaaf were like family to him. Larry Mealer was a special friend during his illness.
Brian grew up in St. Joseph, Missouri and was graduated from Central High School in 1971. He studied mathematics at the University of Missouri-Columbia, earning his degree summa cum laude, Phi Beta Kappa in 1975. He attended law school at the University of Southern California, made law review, and was graduated in 1978. He then clerked for a federal judge in Lincoln, Nebraska. After working at law firms in St. Louis and Dallas, he opened his own practice in Dallas in 1985 and practiced civil litigation. He was a member of the California, Missouri, and Texas Bars. Brian was committed to being the strongest advocate for his clients and gave each individual his most dedicated effort. He had a passion for representing the underdog and eagerly took on difficult cases.
Brian had a big smile, a generous heart, and an unmatched joie de vivre. He made the impossible happen—"I never got anywhere by being negative." His optimistic attitude, lively gestures, and enthusiastic personality enriched the lives of everyone around him. Travel, wine, foreign languages, and new, uncommon experiences were important pursuits in his life. He believed in thinking for oneself and having an open mind toward understanding the world. Above all, Brian loved his family unconditionally, and he was committed to sharing his love, knowledge, and worldly views with his sons. A proud Eagle Scout, he dedicated a lot of time to his sons' scouting experiences. He was a Firebuilder in the Tribe of Mic-O-Say at Camp Geiger in Missouri and a 3rd degree Mason of the Grand Lodge of St. Joseph. His commitment to those he loved will be warmly remembered.
A celebration of his life will take place in Dallas at a later date.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions for Brian Riepen may be directed to UT Southwestern, P.O. Box 910888, Dallas, TX 75391-0888, or online at www.utsouthwestern.edu/donatenow to support brain cancer research conducted by Dr. Elizabeth Maher.
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