Bryan P Geertgens

Bryan Paul Geertgens was born on 7-11-71 and loved to tell people he bought them a Slurpee for his birthday. He passed away on March 20, 2017 after selflessly and bravely enduring liver failure. He struggled, accepted and dealt with this the last eight months on “his” terms and was grateful that he had enough time to make sure his family was taken care of.

Bryan loved his family unconditionally and loved talking about Bryan Jr and Skylar. He was very proud of both of them and their accomplishments and the fine men they have become. He proudly and generously gives that credit to Karen for being a great mom.

He loved to “surprise” people with his kindness and generosity but didn’t brag about it. Many, many people were affected by this.

Bryan loved Manny’s. He wanted and created a place where anyone could come in, feel comfortable, welcome, have a good time and share in having a Flaming Dr. Pepper, he said, “I didn’t invent it but I can make it famous” and he did. He wanted to go in to Manny’s every day because he didn’t want to miss seeing anyone.

Bryan loved his life, told (embellished) stories about it and loved to have fun. He was a great man, dad (his favorite name) and friend and will forever be missed.

Hey Dad,

I want to “Thank you” for always being there, from helping me with spelling tests in elementary all the way to making every game and also for the many life lessons you taught me. You’ve taught me to be strong and to earn everything I got and every one of the memories I will cherish. You’ve been such an amazing father and I can’t wait to see you at the rest of my games to come. Love, Bryan Jr.

Bryan, since the beginning, you’ve shown me the importance of a father figure. It was because of you that despite my disabilities I’ve come to value hard work, perseverance, individuality and honesty. You taught me to view life as a frontier and to never draw the map before I cross the mountain. I’ve always admired your steadfast approach to a challenge and will continue to pass on this value in the future. You will never be forgotten but will always be missed. I love you, Skylar

Bryan, you showed me that just because we signed divorce papers, doesn’t mean the love, respect and family goes away. You have loved and supported our boys through every season of the lives. You have showed us what faith, hope, love, strength, determination and hard work does for a family. I love you, I miss you and I promise I will see our boys through whatever comes their way. Love, Karen

Bryan, this week has been rough without you. Even though we had time to prepare there was never enough time to prepare for the loss of you. You were the funniest, generous, kind, caring and amazing person I’ve ever met. There wasn’t anyone who met you that didn’t feel immediately connected to you like family. I know it did for me. The moment I met you and Grandma, I felt like I had a complete family. My heart is so heavy with sadness but I feel so grateful that I had the pleasure of having you in my life and loving you. I will never forget the love and generosity you have always shown me. I will also never forget you telling me that you are my mom’s “Potbelly Stallion”. That is forever etched in my mind. You were one incredible remarkable man. You will be missed beyond words but I’m glad you can be with grandma now. Forever missing and loving you, Aubree

My dear sweet baby. You have given me so much. I love and cherish the way you could make me laugh, everything we have done together will be my treasured memory. I cannot put on paper my love and feelings for you but you know and I know that we’ve had the time of our life!! You and mom keep heaven intact until I get there. Love you more! Penni

A Celebration of life will be March 28th at 7:00PM at 1881 East Vine Street at the Southeast Christian Church and then a Wake will be held April 2nd, 2017 at 12:30PM for family and after 3PM open for friends at Manny's 1704 South Main Street, SLC.