Brian Andrew Beach

Brian Andrew Beach, 53, of Traverse City, passed away on July 10, 2026, at home, surrounded by a circle of family and love.

Brian was born June 1 (June Oneth as he used to call it), 1973, in Traverse City, MI, to Raymond E. and Stephanie J. Beach. He attended Vassar High School in Vassar, MI, and graduated from St. Francis High School in Traverse City in 1992. Later, at Northwestern Michigan College, he received his Associate Degree in Information Technology. To then use his degree, he worked at Cherry Central for 23 years as the Network Administrator, and after that was employed by Charter for three years.

He married the love of his life, Michelle O’Neil, on August 15, 1998, at St. Patrick Catholic Church in Traverse City. Brian loved his wife with his whole heart and thought of her as his “swan” because of the fact they mate for life. They were married for 27 years and enjoyed every day of it, even the hard ones. In 2001, they had their first child, Hunter, and following in 2003, they had their daughter, M’Lynn. He was the best, most supportive dad in the world, who loved his children unconditionally. There was never a time he would cease to help them with anything they needed.

He passionately enjoyed playing video and tabletop games with family and friends. The Detroit Lions and Notre Dame were his favorite football teams, and he was glued to the TV whenever they were on. Brian and Michelle found pleasure in seeking out new trails in the area for hikes, sometimes bringing along discs for his newfound hobby, “frolfing”. Brian found great joy in putting on fireworks displays during his favorite holiday, the 4th of July. Some of his favorite childhood memories included spending summers at his grandparents’ house on East Bay.

He had a laugh and smile that lit up any room and a wonderful appreciation and passion for life. The light he put into his family’s world will be infinitely missed. Many times he made sure it was known he lived a good life, just not a long one, but did not regret anything.

Left to cherish his memory are his wife Michelle, son Hunter (Shai Ponder), daughter M’Lynn (Lucas Blessing), and beloved family dog Moose; parents Raymond and Stephanie; brother Jordan; nephew Michael; and many more extended family and friends.

Loved ones who greeted him in the afterlife include his sister Melissa; parents-in-law Michael “Mike” and Karen O’Neil; grandparents Robert “Brad” and Barbara Bradford and Ed and Leola Beach; uncles Wayne Beach, Fred Spaven, and Dennis Abbe; aunt Carolyn Smith; cousins Zachery White and Zoie Lynne Abbe; and dogs Iris and Merlin.

In place of flowers, the family requests that those wishing to remember Brian consider donating to Grand Traverse Conservation District, TART Trails, or AC Paw charities.

A Memorial Gathering will be held on Sunday, July 19, 2026 from 1:00 PM until 3:00 PM at the Reynolds-Jonkhoff Funeral Home.