Obituary

Brian Eugene Maag passed away on Wednesday, May 29th, 2024 at home with his family by his side.

Born on March 18th, 1954 in Lynwood, CA to Gene and Sherril Maag, Brian grew up with an older sister, Debi (Loranger) and younger brother Ross. Most of their childhood was spent in their family home on Danvers Way in Westminster, CA, where Brian spent his days playing in the neighborhood with friends who would later become his chosen bonus family. He graduated from Westminster High School in 1972.

Growing up, Brian enjoyed a close relationship with his family, which included extended family. His parents prioritized spending time with grandparents, cousins, aunts and uncles- an experience that no doubt influenced the way he viewed the importance of his relationships throughout his adult life.

In 1974, while attending Goldenwest College and working at Bob’s Big Boy as a cook, Brian met a waitress and as he wrote, “was smitten immediately.” He worked up the courage to ask her out and 11 short months later he married Jeanne Marie on April 5, 1975. They went on to have four children: Shane, Jaclyn, Jill and Kevin. Brian and Jeanne eventually settled in Lake Forest, CA and spent 38 years in their home together, first raising children and then enjoying their reward: time with their thirteen grandchildren: Wyatt, Jackson, Rilyn, Owen, Noah, Kate, Micah, Lillian, Cassidy, Mason, Savannah, Luke and Landon.

Brian was a dedicated father, often coaching his children’s sports teams and ensuring they made it to their games on time and well fed: a favorite memory for each is early morning breakfast at Carl’s Jr before games. As his children grew and married, he was equally committed to his added adult children: Kim, Caitlin, Mike and Todd, who also enjoyed a meaningful relationship with Brian. His children and the families they created were arguably his greatest pride and joy.

On the experience of becoming a grandparent, Brian said “I was oblivious to the idea that someone could have such an effect on me.” Affect him, they did. Brian’s later years were spent traversing the county to attend more youth sports games than he probably ever imagined he would. The younger grandkids loved when Grandpa was in attendance as it surely meant a trip to the snack bar for treats. He delighted in each of them, often commenting on their unique personalities and reminding each of them that they were his favorite (but don’t tell the others.)

Of all of Brian’s accomplishments, the cornerstone was his 49 year long marriage to Jeanne. Together they built a successful drywall business, raised a family, cared for their aging parents and did the hard work of continuing to choose each other along the way. Of course, there was a lot of fun, too: family vacations, memories at their family beach house and so many of Brian’s “funny” jokes. Their marriage remains an example of enduring partnership and devotion for their children and grandchildren.

It is hard to summarize a person’s life as one thing. Brian surely had his rough edges, and anyone who disagreed with him quickly learned how stubborn he could be. But these rough edges made his enduring relationships even more extraordinary. Those neighborhood boys from his youth were his groomsmen and remained some of his most treasured friendships for the rest of his life. He prioritized his family: Jeanne, their children and his parents and siblings, but also his cousins, aunts, uncles, nieces and nephews. Throughout his years in Lake Forest, he added to his circles through men’s groups at church, morning coffee at Bagels and Brew, and the many connections made through his kids activities. He learned from his parents what it looks like to prioritize relationships through good times and especially the bad times, and passed that down to his children who are carrying on that legacy of community. In Brian’s passing, his family and friends mourn the loss of a remarkable soul who loved and cared for them throughout his life.

Services will be held on Tuesday, June 18th at 10:30am at Saddleback Church. Reception immediately following. A headstone will be placed at El Toro Memorial Park at a future date.