Brian Carson

Brian Patrick Carson, 65, of Englewood, Colorado passed away peacefully in his sleep after enjoying the last game of the March madness college basketball tournament. For him, the ultimate sports fan (especially basketball), this would be a most fitting end to a well-lived and enjoyably full life. Brian was born in Scranton, Pennsylvania to Robert and Mary Carson. He had two older brothers, Paul and Robert. In his early years, he attended parochial school in the Scranton area where he was active in church and even became an altar boy. Later, he attended and graduated from Scranton Central High School. Throughout his youth, Brian was very active in sports, particularly basketball and baseball. He won many awards and accolades for his participation and contributions to the numerous leagues and teams within the area. Besides lettering in baseball and basketball all four years of high school, Brian was offered over twenty different scholarships to colleges for his exceptional skill in basketball. He chose to attend Rollins College in Winter Park, Florida as a business administration major. On the court, Brian was a standout player. Newspaper clippings from that time describe him as a “top flight rebounder” and the number two scorer in the league. It comes as no surprise to those who knew him that basketball would always play a major role in Brian’s life, whether he himself played the game or if he was coaching one of his grandchildren’s teams. He loved the sport and it brought him great joy being able to impart his knowledge and expertise to younger generations. After leaving college, Brian held several different jobs including being a mail carrier for the USPS as well as a stint with Phillips 66 before settling into the career for which he shined- sales. As a successful traveling salesman with Fashion Seal/Shane Uniforms, Brian was able to see a great deal of the country while living in various locations. He finally settled with his family in Phoenix, Arizona where he spent much of his life. Being in sales allowed him to tap into the side of his personality for which he will always be remembered- a caring, compassionate communicator with an uncanny ability to make people smile and laugh. He loved to lift your spirits, it was just in his nature. When listening to your problems, he really tried to walk in your shoes and genuinely cared about helping guide you through the rough spots. Given these wonderfully charismatic traits, it only makes sense that he would be such an exceptional salesperson. Brian always said he was a people person. Being around people in general, always lending an ear and offering up solid advice coupled with his infectious laugh and an incredible sense of humor will probably be the most notable hallmarks of Brian’s life. It is truly what he will always be remembered for by his family and friends. Following his retirement from sales, Brian moved to Westminster, Colorado with his daughter and her family where he took up volunteer coaching of his grandson’s basketball team. Papa Brian (or just “Papa”, as he was known) seemed to come alive again once he began this chapter of his life. He seemed to recapture his youthful spirit while also being an integral part of something he truly loved. Mentoring youth- on and off the court- was his specialty and brought him the greatest fulfillment in life. In his spare time, he also enjoyed taking trips to the casino, meeting new people, and spending quality time with family. He will be greatly missed by all those whose lives he touched. Surviving are his daughter Kelly McCarty and husband, Don, of Westminster; daughter (in spirit, if not blood) Donna Rylander and husband, Stewart, of Thornton; grandchildren, Devin and Carson Campbell, Jake McCarty, Austin and Samantha Rylander; and great-granddaughter, Taya Campbell.