Brian Eldridge Death And Obituary, What Happened To Brian Eldridge?
by Alaguvelan M
Updated Aug 10, 2023
Brian Eldridge Death And Obituary
Brian Eldridge's passing has prompted an outpouring of love and reflection, driven by a poignant obituary that candidly delves into his life. Unlike traditional obituaries, which often highlight the positive aspects, Brian's obituary paints a picture of his struggles and solitude.
The obituary, featured in the Pioneer Press, has transcended its pages to resonate deeply across social media, touching the hearts of individuals who never had the chance to meet Brian. In a departure from the norm, his obituary uncovers a lifetime marked by hardships and isolation.
During his formative years, Brian faced bullying due to his inherent shyness and vulnerability. This continued into adulthood, where his inability to adapt to modern technology limited his job prospects. Brian's tenacity led him to sustain himself through laborious tasks such as paper routes, recycling aluminum cans, and janitorial work. Regrettably, he fell victim to exploitative employers, evident in his final role cleaning a bingo hall for meager pay and harsh hours.
Even after dedicating 15 years to this job, he was unceremoniously fired on Christmas Eve, leaving him without rights or benefits. He navigated life without a supportive network of friends or family, living a quiet existence that belied his intelligence and generosity.
The response to Brian's obituary was immediate and profound. Countless readers were deeply moved by his story, expressing a collective regret for not knowing him during his lifetime. His narrative served as a catalyst for reflection, reminding people of the importance of empathy and compassion for the most vulnerable in society.
A retired priest shared Brian's obituary in his homily, prompting solemn introspection among his congregation. Strangers from all walks of life found themselves unexpectedly touched by Brian's story, and his memory has ignited a call for greater kindness towards others.
In the midst of chance encounters and quiet moments, Brian's obituary has left an indelible mark on those who crossed its path. The profound impact of his life and the lessons derived from his experiences have become a source of inspiration for many, fostering a desire to honor his legacy by fostering empathy and understanding among humanity.
What Happened To Brian Eldridge?
At the heart of this somber tale lies the discovery of Brian Eldridge's lifeless body. Aged 76, he was found in his Mounds View apartment on July 11, following a concerned call from his brother to the police, urging them to check on him. Brian Eldridge's passing, attributed to natural causes, had transpired at least four days prior, if not longer, according to his brother Steve Eldridge.
Hailing from Philomath, Oregon, Steve Eldridge recounted his attempt to reconnect with his brother during a visit to town. Their intentions were to reunite, especially as they journeyed "up north." Steve's concern deepened as he repeatedly called Brian's number for four consecutive days, receiving no response. Fearing the worst, he eventually reached out to the police.
Steve Eldridge disclosed that his last conversation with his brother had occurred on May 4, Brian's 76th birthday and their last in-person interaction took place in October 2022.
In a courageous decision, Steve chose unadorned candor in the obituary to ensure that the truth of Brian's life, and his ultimate demise, would come to light. This portrayal was motivated by a desire to illuminate the genuine narrative behind his brother's existence.
He candidly revealed, "Nobody else knew him. When our other brother, David, died in October, I basically explained how his life was shot because of schizophrenia. I wanted to be just as honest with Brian’s obituary because his story is sad and true." Steve grappled with the weighty question, "Am I my brother’s keeper?" Pervaded by a sense of guilt, regret, and shame, he lamented not having made more efforts to forge a closer bond, be more present, and offer unwavering support.
Within the obituary, two photographs stand as a testament to Brian's life journey. The first captures his senior portrait, harkening back to his graduation from Central High School in St. Paul in 1965. The second snapshot dates to October 2022, taken during a shared excursion to Taylors Falls. Notably, this image diverges from the customary image of Brian, lacking his signature long hair and disheveled jacket.
Describing Brian's distinctive appearance, Steve shared, "Brian’s hair was down to the middle of his calves when he died. He’d let it grow for probably 45 years. He wouldn’t cut it." Brian's sartorial choices were equally unique, as he adamantly clung to a weathered tan jacket, despite its worn-out state and overpowering smell. Steve reminisced, "It was awful, and it smelled, but he would not put on another one."
Brian's commitment to this attire echoed his steadfastness in defying societal norms. Despite the availability of alternative jackets, his resolve remained unshaken. Steve attempted to persuade him otherwise, concerned about the jacket's disheveled appearance, but Brian held his ground, evoking an image that contrasted sharply with societal conventions.
This poignant story serves as a reminder of the complex and often unseen layers that shape an individual's life. The frankness of Brian Eldridge's obituary unveils a life marked by uniqueness and personal choices, leaving an indelible impression on those who encounter his narrative.
How Did Brian Eldridge Die?
On the 11th of July, in his Mounds View apartment, the life of Brian Eldridge, a 76-year-old individual, came to an end. The alarm was raised by his brother, prompting the police to conduct a welfare check. Brian Eldridge's demise, attributed to natural causes, had silently unfolded at least four days prior, perhaps even longer.
A product of St. Paul, Brian Eldridge was nurtured in a family of three sons, born to Franklin and Cecile Eldridge. His early years were marked by health challenges, as asthma and nephritis, a kidney ailment, set him apart from his peers. Adolescence brought its own struggles, as he grappled with severe acne.
“He was painfully shy, and it really affected him,” his brother Steve Eldridge recounted. "He got left out more and more, and kids teased him. I was basically his only friend, and we played together all the time as little children. Once we got to high school, that changed."
The course of Brian Eldridge's life took him to the precipice of serving in the Vietnam War. Drafted into service, he underwent basic training at Fort Leonard Wood, Missouri, but was released due to a medical deferment after just two weeks. The severity of his acne prevented his continuation, despite his affinity for the training environment.
Following his departure from the Army, Brian Eldridge navigated the tumultuous waters of employment. A brief stint as a baggage handler at O’Hare International Airport in Chicago was marred by an unfortunate incident involving a baggage-and-cargo trailer and a rock band's musical equipment, which led to his immediate dismissal.
Persistence marked his quest for livelihood. Brian Eldridge embarked on a journey delivering newspapers in the mornings and evenings, and by night, he scoured for aluminum cans. He found his treasures in Dumpsters behind bars and restaurants, a testament to his resourcefulness.
His living space mirrored his unique persona. A two-bedroom apartment stood as a repository for his collections. His brother Steve reminisced, "You could barely walk into his kitchen because of all the canned goods on the floor. There were newspapers piled high on his coffee table, and boxes of magazines everywhere. He was a collector. That’s what he called himself."
The tapestry of Brian Eldridge's life was woven with diverse collections. Hallmark Christmas ornaments, vintage model cars and race cars from Franklin Mint, saltwater aquariums, Wheaties cereal boxes, Billy Beer cans, DVDs, videos, paper clips, and even signed baseballs and Twins memorabilia all found a place within his abode.
Financial constraints did not deter his passion for collecting. “Even though he didn’t have a lot of money when he got any or had more than he needed in a month, he would buy things like Hallmark collectibles,” Steve Eldridge disclosed. A staggering 343 Hallmark collectibles were unearthed within his closet, a testament to his unwavering dedication to his unique interests.
Brian Eldridge Death And Obituary - FAQs
Brian Eldridge was a 76-year-old individual who passed away in his Mounds View apartment on July 11.
Brian's brother called the police after several days of unsuccessful attempts to reach him.
Brian Eldridge died of natural causes, having been deceased for at least four days before his discovery.
Brian's brother, Steve Eldridge, expressed deep regret and honesty in the obituary to shed light on Brian's life and struggles.
The obituary revealed Brian's challenges with shyness, isolation, and difficulties finding employment due to his lack of computer and phone skills.