Sad News About a Beloved Capitol Hill Fixture

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Terribly sad. RIP, Brian.

gloomy gus on September 7, 2011 at 10:35 AM

I'm so, so sorry to hear this.

TVDinner on September 7, 2011 at 10:38 AM

i'm wishing comfort and strength to the vivace family and to all the people brian touched and inspired

reverend dr dj riz on September 7, 2011 at 10:45 AM

Before the snark starts, he was wearing a helmet.

Banna on September 7, 2011 at 10:46 AM

Brian has always been so fun to talk to and set the standard for what I expect from a barista. He was filled with endless knowledge on a million topics and always in good spirits. We weren't friends but he was one of the nicest, most interesting person i've ever had the privilege to meet. Is it too late to hope for a miracle?

Thanks for the great chats and perfect pours.

Brian Geoghagan on September 7, 2011 at 10:50 AM

Brian was such a sweetheart. This is so terribly sad.

ian on September 7, 2011 at 10:55 AM

@4 - thank you. Let's hope it stems the tide of helmet-related comments.

I heard about this last night and am just crushed. My thoughts are with Brian's family (including the Vivace family).

genevieve on September 7, 2011 at 10:58 AM

This is heartbreaking. Brian was a really good man. What a loss.

Rubykelp on September 7, 2011 at 11:00 AM

Take note. This is a tragedy, not kids ignoring signs and climbing over railings to their dooms.

suddenlyorcas on September 7, 2011 at 11:02 AM

I am stunned and deeply saddened. When I lived in Seattle I lived on the hill and frequented the Vivace cart often and Brian was always so very nice - to everyone! What a senseless tragedy. A big, big loss for Vivace and for Seattle.

xina on September 7, 2011 at 11:03 AM

Oh no! He was such a wonderful man and pretty much the face of Vivace as far as I am concerned. I used to see him at the ballet and the opera, and he was always so nice. This is just awful. God dammit!

Lissa on September 7, 2011 at 11:11 AM

So sad...

cracked on September 7, 2011 at 11:12 AM

Lots of commiseration about Brian's amazing sweetness, which I'm so happy to see, but it also makes me want to point out that he wasn't some auto-pilot smile robot behind the counter. Sometimes he had bad days and acted bitchy but EVEN THEN HE WAS STILL A SWEETHEART. It was amazing.

David Schmader on September 7, 2011 at 11:13 AM

My thoughts are with the extended Vivace family. I've known Brian since the cart days, and I'm so sorry. This must be devastating. Love to you all.

jen on September 7, 2011 at 11:14 AM

@4 @7 there are no clear details about the accident. The source of that information is unnamed and unverified. If he was wearing a helmet, that at least gave him a much better chance than he would've otherwise. Stop letting facts get in the way of your personal agendas.

In the meantime - wear a fucking helmet.

on September 7, 2011 at 11:15 AM

My first Seattle Barista. RIP Brian. :(

Njoy on September 7, 2011 at 11:15 AM

This sucks. I hardly knew the guy, but feel just awful for all of you who knew and loved him.

So what happened? Was he hit by a car? Who can we blame for this shit?

Gurldoggie on September 7, 2011 at 11:15 AM

probably served me my first real cup of coffee when I arrived in Seattle and many more when I lived on the hill. Even after I moved away, and he moved down to the new store by REI and it might be a few years between stopping in - he always remembered me - great guy.

myr on September 7, 2011 at 11:16 AM

Such sad news and Brian will be truly missed. :(

Forgotton2011 on September 7, 2011 at 11:20 AM

Oh how sad! Brian was one of my favorite parts of the morning. The city is poorer without him in it.

Crafty on September 7, 2011 at 11:23 AM

Oh Crafty, I know! I was going to call you, but didn't want us both crying at work. :(

Lissa on September 7, 2011 at 11:29 AM

Oh, man. Brian has served me pastries for the past year at the SLU Vivace. He was always so super friendly and positive. This is very, very sad news.

DOUG. on September 7, 2011 at 11:39 AM

So devastating, Brian is one of those amazing ppl who lights up life. You will be missed.

on September 7, 2011 at 11:39 AM

This man was awesome. He represented the Hill's spirit as much as anyone. So sorry.

Roumen Tomanov on September 7, 2011 at 11:43 AM

This man was awesome. He represented the Hill's spirit as much as anyone. So sorry.

Roumen Tomanov on September 7, 2011 at 11:48 AM

If y'all feel motivated into action and want to do something in his memory, go take a CPR class. These types of deaths (due to lack of oxygen to the brain) are often preventable if someone can immediately begin CPR on the injured person.

Rotten666 on September 7, 2011 at 11:48 AM

allow me to way way back on this anecdote, like 1986.

Brian was one of the performers in a benefit for some art space on western and hmm, wall? anyway, it was down the street from skyway luggage and it ain't there anymore. he did a very sexy belly dance and the audience loved him. i always thought of that when i'd see him at the vivace next to the chase bank parking lot. this is very sad news, and i shall definitely miss him.

scary tyler moore on September 7, 2011 at 11:48 AM

Barring illness or travel, I've been to Vivace *every fucking day of my life* for almost 15 years. And when I first started going there, Brian was the guy that helped this little newfag see the world through wise eyes ... and taught me it was okay to tell it like it really was. Honestly, I'm devastated. I can only imagine how his families feel. Blessings to all.

Hallucinoseattle on September 7, 2011 at 11:49 AM

Barring illness or travel, I've been to Vivace *every fucking day of my life* for almost 15 years. And when I first started going there, Brian was the guy that helped this little newfag see the world through wiser warmer eyes ... and taught me it was okay to tell it like it really was. Honestly, I'm devastated. I can only imagine how his families feel. Blessings to all.

Hallucinoseattle on September 7, 2011 at 11:55 AM

Brian was one of the kindest, most genuine people I've ever had the pleasure of knowing. As a young, just out gay kid in Seattle many years ago, his wisdom and humor taught me a lot. I always looked forward to seeing him, and after many years, and not frequenting Vivace as often, he always remembered me, and took time out of his day to chat. Even though we weren't close friends, he was an example, and I'm sorry I'll never be able to tell him how much he impacted my life. He'll truly be missed by many, many people.

Sorry, Chris is taken on September 7, 2011 at 11:55 AM

I remember Brian from the Broadway stand. RIP, and condolences to his friends and family.

Dougsf on September 7, 2011 at 12:02 PM

Heartbroken.

kerri harrop on September 7, 2011 at 12:08 PM

I'm so sad. My thoughts go out to his family and friends and to you too Brian, if you can hear me. XX.

Does anyone know if this was the terrible accident by City Market last Thursday around 5pm?

supakook on September 7, 2011 at 12:39 PM

I'm so sad. My thoughts go out to his family and friends and to you too Brian, if you can hear me. You are loved. XX.

Does anyone know if this was the terrible accident by City Market last Thursday around 5pm?

supakook on September 7, 2011 at 12:42 PM

Looks like it was last Tuesday. Here's some info from the Brian's Caring Bridge page:

THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 1, 2011 9:59 PM, PDT
Status Update

We have pieced together bits of the accident timeline. Brian was cycling on Fairview E (5:30 pm on Tues.) and hit a tricky bit of dirt path near a stairwell. He may have headed down the path to the stairs thinking it part of the BG trail. Medics found him on the stairs and performed CPR as he wasn't breathing or had a pulse. Apparently, 20 min elapsed between his last sent text and being admitted to Harborview. Luckily, the EMT recognized him and had HV contact Vivace within 15 min of his admittance.

.

I fucking love that the EMT recognized him.

David Schmader on September 7, 2011 at 12:50 PM

stunned shocked and saddened, truly.

on September 7, 2011 at 12:53 PM

Very sad.

Dan Savage on September 7, 2011 at 1:10 PM Stranger Staff

That guy was super cool, seriously saddened. I don't live in Seattle anymore but was planning a trip back to visit. It will be strange not seeing him at the Vivace cart. He always had a sharp wit and brightened my day. My condolences.

on September 7, 2011 at 1:21 PM

This is incredibly sad. Brian served as caregiver for a patient I once had at a local hospital. He was loving, caring, tender, and kind. I never knew he worked at Vivace until about a year ago, I happened to stop in - and instantly recognized him. He recognized me as well and it was as if we were old friends getting together for coffee. What a sweet, kind, happy person.

seattletrigirl on September 7, 2011 at 1:39 PM

Every day he would ask me if I wanted a pastry. Most days I said no. Tomorrow I will be having a chocolate chip cookie in his honor. Super nice guy.

Heather555 on September 7, 2011 at 2:08 PM

There were times when I would be out in a resturant or other public place and I would hear his unmistakable laugh over the din. I will miss him and the warmth he brought. Can't say much else. So sad.

ferkle on September 7, 2011 at 2:23 PM

What a sweet wonderful man. My heart aches. I will indeed miss him. Much love to your family and to David and Vivace gang. What a terrible loss.

tkc on September 7, 2011 at 2:24 PM

I've grown up in this city and there are some people you just accept and expect to be there always. Brian was one of those people for me; from high school to now middle age. I will truly miss his presence and my heart goes out to his family and friends.

pinksoda on September 7, 2011 at 2:46 PM

He is one of those people that makes Seattle such a great city. I will miss seeing him and his bouncy ponytail around town. very sad.

on September 7, 2011 at 3:24 PM

When I was the Wine Steward at the QFC Broadway Market, Brian was always one of my favorite customers. Such a friendly, kind man who always made my day better. So sad to hear this news.

Jameson on September 7, 2011 at 3:40 PM

@30 - You can go to any Vivace and write a note to Brian. There is a large picture of him and paper to write prays and wishes to him, his friends and the Vivace family.
Take a walk this evening around a park and thank the sky for the presence of this amazing man in your life. He WILL KNOW and he WILL sense your blessings and gratefulness.

Annie Wilson on September 7, 2011 at 4:06 PM

Brian was my special barista friend since I was around 18. My girlfriends and I were daily regulars at the cart, where we sit and and talk shit for endless, and happy times... Now 15 years later I'm learning of this heartbreaking news...
My love and heartfelt condonence to the entire Vicace family, and all who knew and were touched by this Angel man, Brian

on September 7, 2011 at 4:07 PM

I visited my sister in '95 and the first place she took me was Vivace on Broadway and I met Brian, we chatted for maybe 15 minutes. 5 years later I moved here and went straight to Vivace after driving into town, Brian was working and recognized me like an old friend. I was so happy to see him and share a few words every day. Nicest guy! I am in shock!

pintadera on September 7, 2011 at 4:55 PM

Terribly sad. Even if I was gone from Seattle for a year or two Brian would instantly recognize me and make me feel at home. Seriously the best barista ever. Condolences to his family and the Vivace staff. He will be sorely missed.

on September 7, 2011 at 6:21 PM

This is so sad.

turingcub on September 7, 2011 at 6:34 PM

Although I only saw him 3 or 4 times a year, I was amazed that Brian remembered details of my own life, asking about my kids, my career, my partner. Brian is a magical, wonderful, beautiful man. I'm going to cry all night.

Vesparado on September 7, 2011 at 6:58 PM

He was behind the counter during my first visit (and only) visit to a Vivace. I was new to Seattle and wasn't familiar with the menu, and I asked if they served drip coffee. Brian looked down his nose at me, and said (with sarcasm dripping) "I can get you an americano, do you know what that is?" I told him that if I wanted an americano, I'd have ordered one and I left.

He may have been nice to you, but he was a bitch to me.

on September 7, 2011 at 7:32 PM

I keep thinking this is a joke hes gonna wake up.. i just have to face the truth, a great kind man is gone.. he will be missed
who the hell orders a drip coffee at a espresso stand? dumbass! one time vivace visitor

on September 7, 2011 at 8:50 PM

His laugh has been echoing in my head all week. Brian was very kind as has been mentioned and he had a playful trickster quality in him as well and enjoyed playing with people's expectations and pre-concieved ideas. My last deep conversation with him was about dating and he encouraged me to be wild and outrageous in meeting people and let the cards fall where they may. Bless your spirited life Brian!

srudinoff on September 7, 2011 at 9:23 PM

one of my favorite people. i am so saddened by this. my wishes to his closest friends and family, and to all the vivace people. <3!

on September 7, 2011 at 10:46 PM

Brian never was afraid to tell it like it was. Every time I saw him, I learned something. Every morning he told me a new joke. I once chose my apartment location because it was closer to vivace. I moved away 14 years ago and lost touch with almost every part of my former life...Brian was the one thing that reminded me I was home... He was always as glad to see me as I was to see him. He made me my first vivace back in 92... I aspire to be like him. He did not judge people and did not tolerate bullshit. He was strong and kind and was not to be f.$46!d with. My thoughts are with the vivace family. Seattle will never be the same. This is one person u just loved being alive at the same time with because he embraced how perfectly imperfect we all are. I am very sad.

Shana kemp on September 7, 2011 at 10:47 PM

So sad.. Thank you for making such a profound experience. Like Shana says above, you are always a mythical part of the Seattle experience and it's not like any of us wanted, but I guess it's time for you to join the pantheon of Seattle Gods who have passed before you..

CourageDeLeon on September 7, 2011 at 11:12 PM

CourageDeLeon on September 7, 2011 at 11:21 PM

I met Brian over 20 years ago at Evergreen State College. He was a very out and proud gay man/faerie. I was closeted at the time, but had no problem chatting with him from time to to time. When I came out, he didn't even bat an eye, and instead, invited me to a talk on "gay spirit" that he was giving. Absolutely blew my mind... I have known Brian off and on for these past 20 years, and I'll always remember his sharp wit and his maniacal, I mean MANIACAL laughter long after he has gone. Take care good man!

somahome on September 8, 2011 at 12:13 AM

Wow. The worst news in a very long time. Brian was probably the greatest guy you could ever come across. I didn't know him well, but he always said hello and asked how I was doing, no matter where I saw him. The thing about it was, he was completely present and sincere when he'd ask. He actually cared, you could see it as his eyes would light up. That guy was truly the best, and the rarest of rare. I didn't know him well, but I know all of this to be true.

StaticInvasion on September 8, 2011 at 12:34 AM

I want to make sure that Maryanna Hops of Vashon Island knows about Brian. They were very close friends and I do not have a phone number for her.
If anyone has a phone number or knows friends of Maryanna Hops and her partner, Judy Pells would someone please make sure they are notified about this tragedy.
Thank you.

Annie Wilson on September 8, 2011 at 1:02 AM

I will miss seeing his smiling and welcoming face in the neighborhood. When I moved here from out-of-state 8 years ago everything was new and unfamiliar, and he was a ray of light in the neighborhood that helped to assure me I'd found my place.

What a powerful impression he had on so many people. It's quite touching. Should we all have such an affect on those around us.

Dod on September 8, 2011 at 6:52 AM

OH NO!!! My heartfelt condolences go out to Brian's friends and family. He was a bright and cheery man who could make anyone smile on a bad day... He will be truly missed.

rickklu on September 8, 2011 at 9:02 AM

@52 ' He may have been nice to you, but he was a bitch to me.'
i'm thinking particularly, as it's mixed with all the other sentiments, he would've LOVED this anecdote..

reverend dr dj riz on September 8, 2011 at 10:45 AM

@53- "Who orders a drip at an espresso stand?"

People who like coffee. People who have experienced the 50% or so of espresso stands that keep a thermos bottle of drip for customers who want a coffee instead of a luxury beverage.

dwightmoodyforgetsthings on September 8, 2011 at 10:58 AM

I'd been going to the Broadway Vivace stand off and on since I was 15 years old. I never knew Brian's name, but I always recognized him and always appreciated the delicious coffee he made. My condolences to everyone who loved him; it sounds like many people will be hurting today.

keshmeshi on September 8, 2011 at 11:45 AM

Brian, as you pass into the afterlife, please look my Momma up in heaven and make her a delicious cup of coffee for me. She will hold you in her arms and guide you into your new life my friend. Seattle will never be the same without your smiling face and that sparkle you had in your eyes. May love guide everyone through this tragedy.

Christopher Kelly on September 8, 2011 at 11:48 AM

What a heartbreaker. My condolences to everyone at Vivace, his family, friends and all the other people whose lives Brian touched.

mitten on September 8, 2011 at 9:00 PM

So sad to hear; when I lived on Capital Hill in the early 90's, I always stopped at the cart when it was in front of Washington Mutual. He was always such a great person to talk with on cold rainy mornings. Condolences to all his friends and family.

tiger_mik on September 8, 2011 at 9:13 PM

pretty damn sad. Rest in Power Brian......light and love to the vivace fam...We feel you in oakland.

Jose soul on September 27, 2011 at 3:48 PM

Sad News About a Beloved Capitol Hill Fixture

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