Brian McKown

     Brian Unes McKown, 56, of Honolulu, Hawaii, passed away at his home on Friday, November 18, 2016.

     Brian was born on January 26, 1960, in Peoria, Illinois, the beloved only child of Carla Peterson of Sturgeon Bay, Wisconsin. During his youth, he was actively involved in the Peoria YMCA and excelled in football, making the high school varsity team his sophomore year. He was graduated from Notre Dame High School in Peoria in 1978 before entering college.

    He began a career in the travel industry at Door Travel in Sturgeon Bay, Wisconsin then later owned and operated Grand Travel Agency on Grand Avenue in St. Paul, MN for many years. Brian was proud to say that in spite of living in Viking territory, he remained a loyal Packer fan!

     He was an avid reader and a Friends of the Library volunteer in Honolulu. Brian’s interests were varied and included playing guitar and piano, both self-taught. He enjoyed day-trading, golfing and fishing. Brian’s mechanical skills were legendary. He could totally restore a moped with ease and was affectionately called the “moped man.”

     Brian graced our lives with his creativity and his ever-present humor and wit. On any occasion, for any situation, he would find the humorous side. He even did some open-mic comedy.

     We mourn the loss of this generous, kind hearted man with a beautiful soul. There was always laughter in his presence and the joy that he brought will never be forgotten.

     He is survived by his parents, Carla and Ellsworth Peterson of Sturgeon Bay, Wisconsin and Honolulu, Hawaii, and Milana Agati, the love of his life for eleven years. Additionally, he will be remembered by his Uncle Fred (Barbara) Unes and “Uncle” Ken (Barb) Turner, cousins, Clayton and Tyler Unes, “honorary sister”, Kristem Bachman, step-family and friends.

     Brian was preceded in death by his grandmother, Doris Cecil Lunsford and grandfather, Fred S. Unes.

     A memorial service and celebration of life will be held in Sturgeon Bay on Sunday, July 2, 2017, at Huehns Funeral Home. Visitation will be from 10:00 a.m. until the time of services at Noon.

     Immediately following the memorial service, family and friends may join in a “Remembering Brian” gathering at the home of Carla and Ellsworth Peterson from 12:30 p.m. until 3:00 p.m.

     A service of remembrance was held in Honolulu in November, 2016.  

     Memorials may be given to the Door County YMCA Endowment Fund in Sturgeon Bay, Wisconsin.

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