Brian Thomas Caraway

Birth date: Sep 8, 1975 Death date: May 21, 2026

Vincent van Gogh. Pablo Picasso. Jackson Pollock. There are a lot of great artists in history that are remembered for their talent, but not for their personality. That will never be the case for Brian Caraway. To have known him is Read Obituary

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CARED FOR BY

Chapel of the Chimes Oakland Funeral, Cemetery and Cremation Services

4499 Piedmont Avenue, Oakland CA 94611

(510) 379-5200

Chapel Of The Chimes Oakland

4d ago

Created a Webcast Video in memory of Brian Thomas Caraway.

Anonymous

34m ago

Planted a Memorial Tree in honor of Brian.

A vibrant green tree flourishes in a sunny area, showcasing thick leaves and a sturdy trunk.

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Joey Romo

3h ago

Pulling over to the side of the river, in the middle of a much longer than optimistically predicted journey, in a meander of partially deflated boats, we paused to pump our boats and our spirits. With reconstituted boats and determination, we pushed off again, and Brian stood triumphantly on the prow of the boat, beckoning us proudly henceforth, downstream. It was then that his immense dragon claw toenail pierced the main chamber of the boat and half of it collapsed. Luckily, Damon had his Leatherman and carved an abandoned flip flop into a plug that filled the whole. Buoyed again my our merry captain, we straggled on, half swimming, half walking, until we hitched a ride in a deeper section with a young couple on a canoe high on acid and making as much progress as we were, but more afloat. And thus we merged down the river in a laughing human raft of sun burnt friendship.

Tom Ward

1d ago

I’m so proud to say that I am a friend of Brian’s. His energy, warmth, and humour are so infectious. I’ve never met anyone quite like him.

We first met in the early 2000s when I spent some time in SF and I got to know him through Melissa. Hanging out with him and Alice was always so much fun. Conversation just flowed, and I found that we could just chat for hours.

Over the next 20+ years, we stayed in touch. I always loved that, despite us living in different countries, when we did meet, it was just like we saw each other yesterday.

In 2008, Brian and Alice came to stay with me in London, and we had such a wild time. I made a couple of trips to SF over the following decade, and again, we just picked up where we left off.

The last time I saw Brian was in 2023 when Alice, Brian and Owen came to stay with us in Margate, UK. It was such a wonderful week (less wild than the one in London 15 years earlier!), and one that I will always cherish. I realised that week that Brian and I had such a strong connection and that he was a dear and special friend.

It was made even sweeter that my three boys and Owen got on so well, and they often talk about Brian, Alice & Owen, and the week we spent together.

Travelling between the UK and California is difficult, especially when you have kids, but we were always committed to having a California road trip and coming to see Brian, Alice and Owen again, and all the amazing people we know.

I’m so sad that Brian has gone, I going to miss him so much. I’m honoured to have had him in my life and be able to call him a dear friend.

I love you, B! ❤️

📷: Brian, Turner Gallery, Margate UK, July 2023

Ryan Rudie

2d ago

I had the pleasure of working with Bryan at SFMOMA. Whether on the job or outside of work, spending time with him was always a joy. He greeted the world with a warm smile and a genuine sparkle in his eyes. Bryan was one of those rare people who made every conversation feel effortless and every gathering brighter simply by being there.
I especially admired his artistic side—his craftsmanship, keen attention to detail, and the inspiring beauty of his work. Though I will deeply miss his presence, his spirit and the memories we shared will stay with me always.
Rest in peace, Bryan. My heartfelt condolences to his family and friends.

Rudie

Nita J.

2d ago

Planted a Memorial Tree in honor of Brian.

Plant a tree

Jackson R.

3d ago

Planted a Memorial Tree in honor of Brian.

Plant a tree

Anonymous

4d ago

Sent a Sweet Remembrance Spray to the Caraway family.

A beautiful arrangement of colorful roses and lilies for a celebration.

Send flowers

Joey Romo

5d ago

1998. Late summer/fall. My good friend, John E., and I piggybacked on another friend's honeymoon. Our newlywed friend wanted us to accompany him to Italy, along with wife, and brother/sister-in-law. Strange invite, we thought. But it was Italy, and airfare covered! So, we went...

With absolutely no plans for lodging, and only 50$ to our combined names (we lost 50 lira to water taxi fine in Venice), and after sleeping n the train staion and upon the train, we arrived in Florence. Walking down a people filled street/strada, wondering what may be, who do I see, but Brian Carroway, his orange head bobbing above the others'! After exchanging initial “Doooods!” of disbelief and joy, we joined Brian, and his roommates, for two idyllic days; smoking cigarettes, drinking cheap red wine, eating Caraway pasta, skipping though fallen leaves in Boboli Gardens, and laughing our asses off, no longer strangers in a strange land, but home, amongst family, with a roof over our heads, and pillows under them.

It needs be said that I had met Brian once prior to this meeting, knowing only that Alice was smitten for this orange-headed hottie, with, what I quickly learned, a heart of pure golden joy. I had completely forgotten that he was studying in Florence, but after spending 2 days with him, I immediately knew he was capable of living artfully, with an insatiable creative curiosity, and a compassionate humor to put anyone at ease, luckily enough to find themselves in his warm shadow. Alice was upset that I told him she thought he was a “Hottie”, but she was right, as Alice most often is. Thanks to Mel for the picture, which was taken by her a couple months after our fortuitous visit. Love you Brian!

Anonymous

6d ago

Planted a Memorial Tree in honor of Brian.

Plant a tree

Bruce & Amber Bushore

1w ago

Sent a Peaceful White Lilies Basket to the Caraway family.

A beautiful arrangement features white lilies and carnations, perfect for celebrations or memorials.

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CARED FOR BY

Chapel of the Chimes Oakland Funeral, Cemetery and Cremation Services

4499 Piedmont Avenue, Oakland CA 94611

(510) 379-5200

Tom Ward

1d ago

I’m so proud to say that I am a friend of Brian’s. His energy, warmth, and humour are so infectious. I’ve never met anyone quite like him.

Over the next 20+ years, we stayed in touch. I always loved that, despite us living in different countries, when we did meet, it was just like we saw each other yesterday.

In 2008, Brian and Alice came to stay with me in London, and we had such a wild time. I made a couple of trips to SF over the following decade, and again, we just picked up where we left off.

It was made even sweeter that my three boys and Owen got on so well, and they often talk about Brian, Alice & Owen, and the week we spent together.

I’m so sad that Brian has gone, I going to miss him so much. I’m honoured to have had him in my life and be able to call him a dear friend.

I love you, B! ❤️

📷: Brian, Turner Gallery, Margate UK, July 2023

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