Brian James Bastow

It is with great sadness that we announce the death of Brian James Bastow, who passed away unexpectedly on Tuesday, May 30, 2023.

Brian was the oldest of seven children. Born in 1954 to an Irish Catholic family in Providence, RI. He attended schools in Cranston, RI during the 60’s and 70’s.

At the tender age of 18, Brian enlisted in the US Air Force, where he would study aircraft maintenance. In 1977, he found himself in England where he met Kathy Simoneaux, who would become the love of his life, and they married in 1978. Brian quickly rose in the ranks, and at one point was the youngest enlisted man to ever reach the rank of Master Sergeant. Due to a void brought on by aging active-duty trainer aircraft technician force, the 19th Air Force Directorate of Logistics saw the need to use civilian professional technicians. As Logistics Management Branch Chief, Brian was involved in the creation of a new training center for civilian professional technicians. Brian retired honorably after 30 years of distinguished service as a Chief Master Sergeant. Brian’s military decorations include the Meritorious Service Medal (3OLC), Air Force Commendation Medal, and the Air Force achievement Medal. Brian was an overachiever when it came to his work and was fondly referred to as “The Great One” by his mother.

Brian was an exceptional husband, father, and provider to his family, and an amazing brother and uncle. He absolutely loved to go down memory lane, and his generosity knew no bounds. He was a voracious reader and was knowledgeable in many subjects. He also enjoyed cooking and feeding people. Family dinners and gatherings for backyard barbeques became a regular event at the Bastow home.

In addition to his wife, Kathy; son, Sean; and daughter, Erin; Brian is survived by five siblings: sisters, Barbara Bastow (Peggy McHale) and Jacqueline Kelly (Michael); brothers, Jim Bastow (Carol), Paul Bastow (Nance), and Raymond Bastow. He also leaves a sister-in-law, Deborah Simoneaux; brothers-in-law, Robert Simoneaux, Edward Simoneaux, and Stephen Simoneaux; as well as three nephews and nieces, two grandnephews, and several cousins. He was predeceased by his parents, James and Jean Bastow; and brother, Stephen Bastow. He will be missed by everyone that knows him.

In lieu of flowers, we ask that you donate to the Shriners Hospital in Brian’s name.

A visitation will begin at 5pm to 8pm on June 22, 2023 at Colonial Funeral Home, 625 Kitty Hawk Road, Universal City, Texas 78148, with a rosary beginning at 6:30pm. A mass will be held on June 23, 2023 starting at 8:00 am at Randolph AFB Chapel, 2 Washington Circle Building 103, San Antonio, Texas. An interment will be held at 10:00 am at Fort Sam Houston National Cemetery, 1520 Harry Wurzbach Road, San Antonio, Texas 78209.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.colonialuniversal.com for the Bastow family.