Brian James Hoer

Brian James Hoer passed away peacefully on July 15, 2024, at the age of 56 in Peoria, Arizona after a long battle with cancer. A man of boundless energy and creativity, Brian's heart and mind were always in motion, dreaming up new ideas and bringing them to life, at work and at home. There will never be enough words for his family to describe all that he was and all he means to them. While all are grateful he is no longer in any discomfort or pain, we regret that we will have to continue this adventure without his laughter and beautiful smile by our sides.

While Brian long worked in the photography business with GreTag/Lucht, Wes Photographics, and as District Manager for Inter-State, he was truly home at with the Dorian Studios family. He was so proud of his time as Branch Manager in Arizona, and so very proud of his Phoenix team feeling appreciated in return. He talked about how honored he was that the Mark family welcomed him into the company they built. While he was bright- excellent at analyzing and organizing data, and taking care of customers, it was his passion and heart that stood out to clients and co-workers. He didn’t “sell hard”, he genuinely wanted to learn people’s stories, talking with them to create relationships that motivated working together for success. Brian was such an authentic guy, and while he was always honest about how he really felt he always had heart or humor in his words. He had an excellent memory and knew the names of everyone he worked with always wanting to learn more about them. This extended to customers, THIER children, even their grandkids dreams! He worked so hard to elevate everyone around him. His boss said “Brian made all of us better”.

Brian maybe will be remembered most for having the biggest warmest heart. He was intelligent and charming, funny and feisty. He was an artist who put much thought into everything he did. His head was full of plans and structures and enjoyed city planning and daydreaming about improvements as he drove across the states for work. Those who know him best knew he sometimes he enjoyed using his favorite creative adjectives during these drives which we chided and laughed with him about! He enjoyed creating, building, gardening, hiking, investigating history, and very loud rock music, especially with his wife, family, and friends. He gave the best gifts researching for hours and days what would be the best present, always carefully choosing heart felt items. He almost always gave better than what we asked for. He called all of his siblings and kids every year on their birthday no matter where he was to sing Happy Birthday, a tradition started by his mom and dad. He truly believed the best in everyone, and encouraged people to be and do their best. He worked harder than he needed to as he was driven to create a work culture that lifted everyone up, and provide for his family. He was an adventurer and loved hiking the country and exploring National Parks with his wife. 

Brian is survived by his wife Anjeanette “Ayjey”, his sons Nikolas, Oonagh “Eoghan”, and Rocko, and his cherished daughter Amber and grandson Caspian. His dear mother Jean, and his brothers and sisters: Dennis and his wife Neha, Karen and her husband Jeff, Judy and her husband Rick, Melanie and her husband Michael, David, and Linda and her husband Terry, his nieces and nephews, and his wife’s family. Both of his families have been a constant rock & comfort in life’s storms for him. He is preceded in the afterlife by his beloved oldest daughter Brianna, and his father Ken.

Rocko said his dad Brian is his role model and teacher, Eoghan was so proud of his loving and accepting father, Amber recalls her taught her to “Never give up and never surrender”, and Nik said his sense of justice and willingness to change and grow was something to admire, that he spent his time striving for the betterment of those around him as well as himself. We all will miss his laugh and his insight, as well as his ability to truly listen. Brian was and is the world, love of her life, and best friend to Ayjey. We just don’t know how we will bear being without him.

Brian’s wish was for a celebration of his life where family and friends would gather to share stories, laughter, photos and memories, honoring him in the way he loved best—surrounded by nature and his loved ones. He transformed a yard of nothing but dirt and three walls into a lush garden at his home in Arizona. Brian's life will be celebrated with a private memorial for those who knew him and loved him best.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks for cards with favorite memories and photos of Brian helping his family keep his memory alive. Also welcomed are contributions to a fund established for Brian's youngest children, Eoghan and Rocko as they graduate from college this year and pursue their dreams, and his grandson Caspian to support his education.