Brian Richard Rufe

Brian was an exceptional husband, father, grandfather, friend, mentor, and leader. Dedicated, resilient, smart, loving, caring, attentive, quick-witted and fun, his impact and memory will live on far past his time.

Brian grew up in Catasauqua, a small town in Eastern Pennsylvania. After high school, at age 17, he enlisted in the United States Air Force, which would take him around the world and introduce him to his career and family.

Brian worked tenaciously for a distinguished career. In the US Air Force, he worked as a 9S-100, making it to the rank of Master Sergeant. After 21+ years, he retired from the military to work as a civilian in the classified sector and made it to the rank of GS-15, and Branch Chief with the National Geo-Spatial Intelligence Agency (NGA). In his time, he earned multiple awards for his exceptional decades of service.

However, nothing shows Brian's dedication and heart more than his nearly 31 years of marriage to the love of his life, Kathy. Brian was a wonderful husband, a fantastic father to his daughters Shae, Jadyn and Ashton, a wonderful father-in-law to Skyler and the best Pops to his grandson Ronin. Above all, he was a simple man who loved spending time with his family.

Brash North-Eastern charm may have sometimes given an appearance of toughness, but beneath it all Brian was a total softie. Brian cared. He cared to call friends when they were overseas, and he heard they might have been in danger. He called people during the pandemic every week, knowing they were quarantined alone and that a familiar voice might help ease the strain. Brian cared to check on people, whether it be for their mental, physical or professional health or just to catch up.

Despite his numerous accomplishments, Brian didn’t care about fame or glory. Brian cared about people. To know him was to know true warmth, care, and support.

Our lives will never be the same without him.

I carry your heart, I carry it in my heart.

An inurnment & military honors for Brian will be held Friday, May 31, 2024 at 10:00 AM at Fort Logan National Cemetery, 4400 W Kenyon Ave, Denver, Colorado 80236.