Brian C. Franklin

Brian Franklin was born in Cincinnati on February 19, 1974, and he passed away on March 13, 2024, in his city of birth.

Brian was born to Cecil and Vivian Franklin, and he was raised in the Bond Hill community of Cincinnati. He grew up a fan of the Reds and Bengals (no matter how well they performed), and fine art.

He grew up with his brother Todd. His parents instilled in Brian the importance of family and loyalty at a very young age. In fact, he spent his entire life reminiscing about the love he felt growing up in his childhood home.

After graduating from Woodward High School in 1992, he attended The University of Michigan and earned a bachelor’s degree in fine art. After graduation, he decided to remain in the Ann Arbor area and pursue a career in graphic design. Brian stayed there for a number of years, and eventually got bored (or angry). Desiring a change, he moved to New Jersey to pursue opportunities on the east coast.

Brian always felt drawn to the military, in part because his father Cecil had served in both World War II and the Korean Conflict. Unable to deny that calling any longer – and perhaps because he was bored (or angry) – he enlisted in the New York unit of the Army National Reserve. He enjoyed the Victoria’s Secret parties at the armory in Manhattan – but he did not care so much for cleaning up afterward.

Eventually, the New York reserve unit was called to participate in Operation Iraqi Freedom – an experience that was to have a tremendous impact on Brian’s life. He spent a year overseas, fighting for our country. Once back on American soil, he reconnected with friends and family and continued his civilian life. He also met a number of new friends who he would come to regard like family.

Anyone who encountered Brian following these experiences would often see him wearing either a University of Michigan clothes, or a U.S. Army jacket or hat. More often, he would wear the former; while he was proud of his military service, he never felt he deserved special treatment because of it. In fact, he seldom (if ever) took advantage of Veterans Day meal discounts offered by numerous restaurants.

Brian’s friends considered him fun-loving (he was often smiling), optimistic, and a ridiculous Michigan fan…well, when he wasn’t bored (or angry). To his proud family, he was an example of what could happen when intellect and ambition intersected. He was a successful artist – something dreamt of but not accomplished by many. His successes drove him to encourage others to pursue their dreams as well.

Today, we remember Brian for all of these qualities – and more. His entire life, he remained a devoted artist, a rabid Michigan fan, and a distributor of positive vibes.

HAIL TO THE VICTORS VALIANT

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