Brian Ray Barnhisel passed away in Sandy, Utah on March 5th, 2018. He was born to Donald Barnhisel and Christine Layton on June 9th, 1971. A 1989 graduate of Alta High School, Brian was a natural athlete who excelled in football and wrestling. After an impressive high school athletic career, including a state championship title, he played football on a collegiate level at Snow College in Ephraim, Utah as a walk on. Brian attributes most of his success in life to lessons learned on the football field.
Brian took great initiative to accomplish his ambitions, including graduating from the University of Utah and serving a mission for the LDS church in Brussels, Belgium as well as Fort Lauderdale, Florida. Brian married his first love, Brooke Anderson, in the Salt Lake City LDS Temple on July 19, 1993. They later divorced in October of 2004.
Brian cultivated an impressive career in the financial industry, working for many years with Fidelity Investments and Jackson National, but most recently in capacity as a Regional Vice President for Global Atlantic.
Brian emulated success in all aspects of life. Not only did he excel professionally and athletically, he is one of the rare who cultivated and maintained lifelong friendships and relationships. He is lovingly acknowledged by his group of childhood friends - friendships that began in elementary school and are still intact today - as being a true, dependable, and valuable friend. There is no coincidence that Brian is the oldest of six children. His impressive leadership qualities are what endeared his younger siblings. Passionate, driven, and charismatic, he was full of life and love. Brian somehow found time amongst all his pursuits to mentor and coach young men as a previous middle school wrestling coach and youth football coach. He greatly enjoyed working with the youth.
Above all, Brian\s greatest joy was his three children. Brian cared deeply for them and was, unquestionably, a devoted father.
Brian found his soulmate in Natalie Baer, with whom he spent the last three years of his life. She and her two children, Walter Rouse and Nicole Baer, brought deep joy and love into Brian's life.
Perhaps one of Brian\s most unforgettable qualities was the depth of his capacity to love. His middle name is a representation of how he will forever remain in our hearts. \"Ray\", meaning light or radiance, Brian was a larger than life personality who brought great light into the lives of all who knew him. Hearts with such a capacity to love, unfortunately, experience many pains of this life on levels we may fail to understand. Though he has left us too soon, we feel a renewed commitment to live each moment with passion, integrity, and joy.
Brian is survived by his parents, Donald Barnhisel (Jinx), and Christine Layton (Clark); three children, Jackson, Lydia, and Dylan Barnhisel; five siblings Randy Barnhisel (Melissa), Darren Barnhisel (Cindy), David Barnhisel (Shanna), Amy Barnhisel, and Liz Layton; three step siblings Jacen Layton, Melissa Carstens (Roger), and Katie Layton. He is preceded in death by his step sister, Lisa Layton Okland.
A Celebration of Life will be held Monday, March 12, 2018 at 2:00 p.m. at the Larkin Sunset Gardens Mortuary Chapel (1950 East 10600 South, Sandy, Utah). There will be a viewing for family and friends Sunday, March 11, 2018 from 6:00-8:00 p.m. at the Larkin Sunset Gardens Mortuary.
