Obituary of Brian K. Clearwaters

Brian K. Clearwaters of Bethesda, MD, passed away on Sunday, February 18. Beloved son, brother, boyfriend, nephew, cousin, and friend, Brian will forever be remembered for his larger-than-life presence, broadcast-quality booming voice, ready smile, and love of music, conversation, and laughter. Brian was born in 1962 in Iowa City, IA. An avid fisherman, he was happiest at the beach, a love begun as a young boy with his family in Nags Head, NC, and sustained with many friends along the Eastern Seaboard. He was an All-Metropolitan soccer player as a young man, and was a fervent-and long-suffering-Washington Redskins fan for life. Brian also loved animals, particularly Gracie (aka "Smorkis"), the cat he shared with his girlfriend, Lauren. Gentle beyond description, Brian was nevertheless a physical powerhouse and fearless protector of those in need. Brian's many talents afforded him opportunities to follow a wide variety of personal and professional pursuits. Early in his career, he worked as a master meat cutter; his lucky family and friends prized the gourmet dinners he produced with such effortless flair. Brian was also a wiz at financial analysis, which led him to take economics courses through the esteemed Johns Hopkins University and other colleges. And his boundless charm made him a born salesman; he ultimately won awards for his skill at convincing potential customers that, no, they really couldn't live without one of his company's sunrooms. Brian was preceded in death by his father, Keith Clearwaters. He is survived by his mother, Gladys Clearwaters, and stepfather, Tony Ford, of Bethesda, MD; sister, Deborah Clearwaters, of Oakland, CA; girlfriend, Lauren Scott, of Washington, DC; aunt and uncle, Joanne and Mike Hebert, of Cedar Rapids, IA; aunt Kathy Robinson of Centennial, CO; and cousins Michelle Laufenberger of Boise, ID, Christy Hebert of Waterloo, IA, and Michael Hebert of Palo, IA; and dozens of devoted friends. Family and friends are invited to a celebration of Brian's life followed by a reception at 2:00 PM on Friday, April 27 at River Road Unitarian Universalist Congregation, 6301 River Road, Bethesda, MD 20817. Although gone from this Earth, Brian will live forever in our hearts. If you wish to make a gesture in Brian's name, please consider a donation to the Humane Rescue Alliance, which serves animals and animal-lovers in the Metropolitan DC area.