July 16, 1959 ~ July 4, 2009
Brendan Matthew Sullivan, 49, passed away on Saturday, July 4, 2009, at his home in Meeker. He was born July 16, 1959, in Glenwood Springs to Pat and Nancy Sullivan.
Bren served the community with integrity as a businessman, lay minister, volunteer fire fighter, EMT, search and rescue volunteer, wrestling coach, and mentor. No matter how busy he was, he always made time to serve others.
Bren loved the outdoors and in spite of a busy schedule he always found time to go to the Sullivan ranch to help guide and outfit. Bren loved to spend time riding horses and hiking with his family to new lakes and trails in the Flat Tops. He also loved to snowmobile and holds Rio Blanco County’s record for longest airtime survived.
Anyone who had anything to do with wrestling knew Bren Sullivan. He has been a central part of the Meeker tradition from peewee through high school. Every successful Meeker wrestler for the past 15 years has gone at least one takedown with Bren or heard “hand control is eee…ssential.” He was able to encourage excellence from every person he worked with.
Bren rejoiced in his family and especially relished being Grampy, spending time with Granny (Sharon) and his six grandchildren. He was blessed with a daughter, Tara, in 1991, and in 1993 Bren met the love of his life, Sharon. With Sharon came the five LeBlanc children whom he embraced as his own. Bren poured his heart and strength into rearing six children and sacrificed countless hours in tending their needs and striving after their excellence. Bren is survived by his wife Sharon; children and grandchildren, Barny and Kelly LeBlanc and family, Isaac LeBlanc, Nick and Andrea Gianinetti and family, Tom and Nicole Thiessen and family, Joe and Amanda LeBlanc, and Tara Beard; his mother Nancy Sullivan, and brother Tad Sullivan and family. Bren also has numerous cousins, aunts, and uncles who loved him dearly.
A memorial service will be held at 11 a.m. Wednesday, July 8 at Saint James Episcopal Church in Meeker and will be followed by a burial at the Sullivan Ranch.
