Obituary of Brian James Elias

Brian James Elias, 64, of Edwardsburg, passed away peacefully, surrounded by his family at Indiana University Hospital in Indianapolis after his valiant struggle from complications of natural occurrence. He was born on October 19, 1957, to the late Emery L. and Lorraine J. (Chlebek) Elias. Brian grew up in the South Bend area and graduated from Clay High School in 1976. Afterward, he began his lifelong career as a salesman in the RV industry. On April 1, 1978, he married the love of his life, Sylvia Bartels. They shared 43 timeless years together. And their relationship was one based on mutual support and a deep love for each other. Brian also leaves behind a daughter, Rebecca (Stephen) Wright, and two grandchildren, Mia and Paxton. They were the pride, and joy of his life. The legacy of Brian’s kind and generous spirit, passion for fishing, love of golf, and zest for life will live on through them. Brian was the kind of man who always had a smile on his face and a beer in his hand. There was nothing he liked more than spending the day in the company of family and friends. He spent many of his days fishing on Lake Erie, or on a charter boat reeling in Blue Marlin, and Dorado down in the Keys. He frequently traveled to Mexico to enjoy the beautiful sunshine during the cold winter months. But he always made sure to spend time with his grandchildren: taking them for boat rides on Eagle Lake, riding around a golf course teaching them how to putt on the greens, cruising the neighborhood in his Corvette, or simply watching their favorite movies together like “Frankenstein” or “The Grinch.” A day won’t go by that this world won’t be saddened by his absence; this world has lost one of the very best. To all who knew him, he was a man of his word. He was very generous and kind and wanted everyone to feel welcome in his home. He encouraged those closest to him to call upon him if ever they needed help as he would be the first to offer up his support. He was the type of man who took his pleasures from the simple things in life and the people he shared these moments with. His friends reach from far and wide: the Michiana Motorhead Mugs, the Fraternal Order of the Eagles 2083, his fishing buddies, his childhood friends, and his best friend, Robert Bruni. Brian is reunited with his parents and godparents in Heaven. While he will be missed, he will never be forgotten. He is survived by his wife, Sylvia Elias of Edwardsburg; daughter, Rebecca (Stephen) Wright of South Bend, his two grandchildren, Mia and Paxton; a brother, Ronald (Lisa) Elias of Bridgman; his niece, Emily Elias and his nephew, Aaron (Jennifer) Elias; along with extended family, and many friends. In keeping with his wishes, cremation has taken place, and he will be laid to rest at Mission Hills Cemetery. A Celebration of Life Memorial Party will be held at a later date. Condolences, photos, and memories may be left for the family at www.BrownFuneralHomeNiles.com. Arrangements have been entrusted to Brown Funeral Home & Cremation Services of Niles, MI.