Brian Decker

Briane A. Decker, 73, of Longmont, CO, died Sunday, April 20, 2014 at Spring Creek Health Care Center in Fort Collins. Briane was born October 24, 1940 to Harold and Mary Ellen (Smith) Decker in Neptune, NJ. He began his career working with the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Department, moving to the Detective division with Bank of Americard when credit cards were just coming out. After moving south, he worked with the West Palm Beach Police Department. Briane was the biggest man in the department, standing at 6 feet 7 inches tall and weighing a solid 300 lbs. He was given the nickname on the streets he worked as “Big Beef”. Being known as an honest cop, he was feared by some – loved by some – but respected by all. Briane was involved in a race riot while on duty and his injuries led him to retirement. He moved his family to North Carolina and enjoyed coaching youth basketball, baseball and softball. In 1989 Briane moved to Colorado where he went back to school, earning multiple degrees. He became very involved in Longmont Youth Sports and began coaching baseball and basketball. Kids loved him and everyone wanted to be on “Stretch’s” team. He was given the name Stretch as a young child, because of his height, and carried the nickname throughout his life. Briane loved all his kids back. He was a coach, friend and even a father to many of them. He loved singing and would sing at many events. Survivors: Son, Adam Decker; Daughters, Amanda (Danner) Decker and Alicia-Ann Decker; Grandchildren: Azriella Decker, Jason Chandler, Brittany Danner, Jesse Danner and Kendall Danner; Sister, Peggy Pfannenstiel; and Brother, Myles Decker. A Visitation will be held from 6:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m., Friday, April 25, 2014, followed by a Celebration of Brian’s Life at 7:00 p.m. – and a gathering for stories at 8:00 p.m., Carroll-Lewellen Funeral Home Chapel, 503 Terry St., Longmont, CO. Service Information A service summary is not available