4800 E Indian School Rd
Phoenix, AZ 85018
HAUGEN, BRIAN PAUL
Brian Paul Haugen, 55, passed away on October 10, 2020, from early-onset Alzheimer’s Disease. Brian was born July 17, 1965, in Minneapolis, Minnesota, to Harry and Ellie Haugen. His family moved to Phoenix when he was nine months old and Brian always considered himself a proud, native Arizonan. He truly enjoyed everything the state had to offer, from camping on the Mogollon Rim to boating on Lake Powell to hiking the Grand Canyon, and of course, golfing! These were among Brian’s fondest memories because he was able to enjoy these activities with his extended family and friends.
Brian attended Gerard Catholic High School where he excelled in athletics. It was not unusual to see his name mentioned weekly in the newspaper citing his many accomplishments. As a junior, he was a member of the state championship winning baseball team. As a senior, he was named to the all-conference football team, the all-state baseball team, and his classmates even voted him “most athletic.”
He graduated from Gerard in 1983, where he met and maintained dear, lifelong friendships. Throughout the years, this tight-knit group brought Brian comfort and happiness. These precious friends were just always there for him.
Brian enrolled at Arizona State University and graduated from the Walter Cronkite School of Journalism in 1995. He began his career in sales soon after and it wasn’t long after that when he met his future wife, Alexia Hotis. They were married in 1996 and went on to have four beautiful children—Aidan (20), Lucas (19), Zachary (17), and Aleena (14). He was so proud of his kids. He loved being involved with their activities, whether it was coaching Little League, watching a martial arts tournament, or cheering during volleyball games, swim meets, or baseball games. He also enjoyed sharing his love of hiking and camping with his kids. These were the things that brought him the most joy.
That joy was only increased whenever Brian was in the presence of his ever-so-loving, incredible family. From his mom and dad, to his brothers and sister, aunts and uncles, and numerous cousins, there are not enough words to say how much they meant to him and even defined him. Family gatherings throughout the year were highlights for Brian and he treasured those times. Brian would light up a room when he walked in. His green eyes, charming smile, humor and quick wit will be greatly missed.
Brian is survived by his wife of twenty-three years, Alexia; children, Aidan, Lucas, Zachary, and Aleena; parents, Ellie and Harry Haugen; brothers, Shawn and Kevin (Sara); sister, Colleen (Steven) Schulz; aunt, Kathleen Gabrielson; his many close cousins, nieces and nephews, and treasured friends.
Brian’s family would like to express their deepest gratitude to Pacifica Memory Care and Americare Hospice who cared for Brian with such love and compassion.
Funeral services will be held Saturday, Oct 17, 2020 at 10:30 a.m., at Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Cathedral, 1973 E. Maryland Ave., Phoenix, AZ 85016. Due to COVID precautions, masks are required in the Cathedral and attendance is limited to 150 people. Please plan to arrive early so you have the necessary time to enter and be seated safely. You also have the option to view the services via livestream: https://www.facebook.com/holytrinityphx.org. This link can be visited any time after the event, as well. In lieu of flowers and in Brian’s memory, an education fund has been set up for his four children: https://www.gofundme.com/f/brian-haugen-memorial-kids039-education-fund.
I am so sorry to hear the news. I was a classmate of Brian and Kevin at Mohave Elementary School. Although I haven’t seen Brian in years I can clearly remember his smiling face and easy going personality.
I wish the whole family peace and comfort during this difficult time. God bless.
My condolences to Brian’s beautiful family. I attended Gerard and was in his brother’s Shawn’s class, and I remember the Haugen boys as being full of life and with big smiles on their faces. May God bless Brian’s family at this difficult time; you all are in my thoughts and prayers.
Brian was always cheery and going if what I recall. He made me laugh. I am so glad I got to know him. He made me feel welcome to all the Haugen’s family gatherings even though I am not family. God Bless you Brian! Alexia and kids know he is at peace and running around! Love to you all!
I am so heartbroken for all of you – Brian was such an incredible man. I can’t imagine the void this is creating in your hearts and lives. Please know that you are surrounded by people who love all of you, loved Brian, and will do anything to support you through this tragedy. I am so, so sorry that Brian died. I am so, so sorry that you all have to walk through this now in a world without him. You have my deepest, sincerest condolences and know that I always be here for you.
Such heartbreaking news! Brian always brought so many smiles to everyone’s face and always made me belly laugh which is the best medicine!! He will be missed by so many.
Wishing the entire Haugen family peace and comfort and know that we are all here for you.
RIP Brian
Helena & Tom
I’m so sad to hear this news. I went to Mojave Elementary with Brian and though it’s been many years, and I live in Montana now, I will always remember him as such a kind, sweet boy and true friend. Blessings to his family.
So saddened to hear this news. Prayers for your family as you grieve the loss of Brian.
Brian you will be so missed my friend! I’m so privileged to have known you all these years. To have played side by side with you in football and baseball and enjoy your company with all our friends and family. My prayers will always be for you until we meet again in our final home of Heaven. I love you brother.
I am so so sorry to hear of this and send all of you my love.
Brian was one of the coolest ever.
My thoughts and prayers are with all of you.
Thinking of you and sending loads of love and peace your way. Brian will be greatly missed.
Brian was a Great guy, the world won’t be as good without him. I loved running track with him back in grade school.
So sorry to hear this. Knew Brian at Mohave. Great guy! God Bless the Haugen family.
So sad to have heard about Brian. It’s been some years since I last saw Brian, but what a great man with a huge heart! My condolences to the Haugen family. May God comfort you during this difficult time. My prayers and thoughts are with you.
I am so sorry to read about Brian’s passing. Although I didn’t know Brian, I knew Alexia. We swam on the same team (AFox) and went to Arcadia HS together. She was a friend to me when I was the “newbie” at Arcadia.
Alexia, I know how difficult this must be for you and your family. I am praying for you and your children.
How incredibly sad. Brian and the entire Haugen family are some of the kindest and caring people, I have ever known. Indeed, this world is lesser with his loss. I am very fortunate to have known Brian in my Gerard family and played by his side on the football field. I will always remember his warm smile and kind temperament. My sincere condolences and love to the entire Haugen family.
I am so sorry Alexia and family . I did not know brian but know alexia through swimming. My thoughts and prayers are with you!!! ❤️
I am so saddened to hear that Brian has passed. What an amazing spirit and full of life. I’ll always remember his competitive nature and his outgoing personality. My prayers go out to the Haugen family for tragic loss.
I am saddened about hearing Brian has passed. I remember Brian, and I will remember him. RIP my prayers go out to the Haugen family.
I am so sorry about Brian’s passing. He was a great guy, always funny and smiling. His time here was too short. I am honored to have known and enjoyed him. Glad he is finally at peace.
Alexis & Family-
I am so very sorry, words can not express what I ( we ) are feeling for you all at this time… My wife and I send our prayers to you and your entire family…
Kevin and family – I asked my dad to meet Brian and join the many awaiting his arrival. May the family be at peace knowing how many of his great traits and characteristics were passed onto his kids and rubbed off on his friends and family. We all have a new guardian angel – and God was so pleased with his time here on earth. Much love!
Eternal be his memory!
May our Lord and Savior comfort you and all your family at this difficult time. My prayers are with you even though I cannot be there personally. Alexia, and Aidan, Lucas, Zachary, and Aleena: Each of you will have your own special memories to keep of your Beloved Brian and Father. May these help you to know he is at peace, watching over you, and will always be with you!
I am so heartbroken for the entire Haugen family. As someone who has known this family for 50 years it is a loss of another brother. I am sending all of my love and prayers to all of you. So many great memories. God bless and keep you all.
My condolences to the entire family. The world lost a courageous, caring, compassionate person, and left us all with amazing memories and laughter. Rest In Peace my friend. I will always remember my short time with you Brian, especially in all the sporting events we played in, and being part of one of the best days of my life our wedding over 33 years ago.
I am so sorry for your loss and I pray that the days and years ahead without him are full of great memories and stories. I have only met Brian a couple of times, but I know Ellie and Harry. You are a family of deep faith and are always so generous with your love to those around you. It is easy to see how loved Brian was and how loved he was by so many. My sincerest and deepest condolences to all of you.
Words cannot describe how I feel for the tragic loss of my truest of Bros Brian “Bean” Haugen. He was like a brother to me from the time we were 11 years old playing baseball in scottsdale,AZ to now 2020. My deepest love and prayers go out to the family. Always remember, Brian will be with us forever now in that his spirit has gone to the Lord.
Our thoughts and prayers are with all of you now and always. Brian will be missed.
Brian’s spirit, humor, laugh, kindness, strength, memories and all around greatness will always be with you…
We love you all and wish we could be there today.
Thoughts and prayers are with your family. Brian was a good man and was taken by God for too early.
Me sincerest condolences go out to Alexia, their children, the Haugen clan and the extended family. I met Brian in high school. It was an honor to call him my friend. I will always remember his great hugs, kind nature and wonderful smile. Rest in peace, Brian♥️.