Brian was our 2011 number 1 fund raiser at the JT McQ's event. He has participated in our event since we started in 2007, but has only shaved his head in 2011 in solidarity for a friend who had been diagnosed with breast cancer and would be losing her hair. He thought what a great time to shave his head for the kids and his close friend Kathy. If you see pictures of Brian you know that shaving his head was a huge sacrifice. He called me to find out our date for 2011 because he needed to have a cyst remove from his scalp area before the shaving. Cyst was removed and all seemed great especially since he was the number one fundraiser and beamingly proud of it. Not long after the event word came back that the cyst was identified to be Melanoma. After a brain scan they found a tumor that had to be removed. The operation was a wonderful success and Brian professed that at the 2012 event, not only was he going to shave his head again, but he was going to get on stage with me and tell the story how St. Baldrick's truly saves lives, one being his own. Unfortunately about two months ago Brian had a turn for the worst finding more tumors in other parts of his brain and body. When he found out that he was losing the battle to this terrible disease he started planning the future for his two daughters and a re-pass service that took place this Saturday. It included a short viewing that drew a huge amount of people and a tailgate party at his home. At the viewing service he picked five friends to speak about him although I am sure all in attendance wanted to participate. He also wrote a letter and sent it to all his friends and family. See below:
This was Brian's last message to us all. Please read it and take the advise from a true hero.
The Last Waltz: A Final Farewell from Brian Patrick Loftus (March 20, 1959 – July 8, 2012)
In our recent and not-so-recent conversations with Daddy, we spoke of his dreams and wishes for himself and for us. He always had big dreams, especially for us. We will be working to make them a reality every day for him – but he also had a final message to send out to all of you.
Thank you for your support and love – we love you all.
Lizzy and Marley
(Brian's Daughters)
To all my Family and Friends,
I love each and every one of you. It is a simple message, but true. I have known the GREATEST people in the world. I have been surrounded by the love, light and happiness that comes with knowing you. Being blessed with this amazing fortune I have come to realize a very great secret in this life and wanted to be sure to share it with all of you. Always add to your life! Add friends, hobbies, trips, concerts, games – ANYTHNG, but never lose them. Fill your life with new people and things everyday – your cup can never be too full! It is my hope that you will all exchange numbers/e-mails because you are all the greatest people in the world and I want everyone to experience the love that I have in my life. So please celebrate my life and keep on dancing – music is my savior, see you on the dance floor.
I Love You. Peace.
Visitation and Memorial Service to be held from 10AM-12PM on Saturday, July 14 at the William H. Clark Funeral Home, 1003 Main Street, Stroudsburg. Repast Tailgate courtesy of The Tailgate Kings following at The Loftus Residence.
In lieu of flowers, memorial remembrances may be made to St. Baldricks Foundation, www.stbaldricks.org or to the Melanoma Research Foundation, www.melanoma.org
At this tailgate party I learned that Brian just didn't teach me about how precious life is, but all who I spoke to received the same message. So I ask how lucky are we for having Brian as family and friend? There is no words that can express that and give it the justice it deserves only the SOUL can answer that. And SOUL is what Brian Loftus was made of.
Brian, we love you and will miss you Brother, but for only until we reunite on the "Dance Floor".
Your Loving Friends,
Tim & Mindy McQuaid
