Brian Eric Jackson

Brian Eric Jackson 1958-2026

Brian Eric Jackson was born in Anaheim, California on March 3rd, 1958. Shirley and James Jackson were his parents and Jimmy and Bruce were his two younger brothers. Bruce passed away in 2014 and Jimmy's condition is unknown. Brian's curiosity about life brought him to Hawaii when he was about 20 years old. There he pursued spiritual practice and meditations with Hare Krishnas of Ohahu as well as surfing the North Shore. About one year later, he moved back to California to be with friends and family for a short time, then moved to Oregon where he eventually made a new life for himself. He worked blue collar jobs and had been married once before meeting Kathy whom he met at a singles group in Portland. Brian and Kathy then had a baby named David in 1989, who would be his only heir. They divorced in 1991, and Brian soon met his third wife and the two were quickly married.

Brian was driven with determination and riveting impulse. He had played guitar since he was 12 years old, mostly self-taught, which he continued all through his life, with a preference for electric guitar. Around his son's birth, Brian was in a small-time band called Eclipse. Although serious about performing musically, Brian had a very comical side to him. He had much respect for the comedian George Carlin, enjoyed movies like Blues Brothers and Animal House, and always tuned in to SNL. He may have even done local stand-up comedy once or twice in the 90's, and although vibrant and creative, the other part of his life was alcoholism, which would continue to be a big contributor to his eventual homelessness and poor health.

Sadly and unexpectedly, Brian was also diagnosed with bipolar disorder shortly after David's high school graduation and was also at that time on his third divorce. With new complications arising, life was still usually manageable but at times would become too painful, which brought him to AA and various therapeutic groups. When clean and sober, he continued with his multitude of hobbies including shopping for reading material and DVDs at New Renaissance Books, or rock hunting at gem and mineral shows. Brian was a frequent user of public transit and rode his bike all around Portland since the 80's. In his most recent years as a 60-year-old he was met with more challenges and arrived in foster care where he had very few possessions and was hospitalized many times throughout his stay. He enjoyed the daytime TV shows and having a comfy chair to sit in.

Brian had many distinguished qualities that were precious to those who were close to him. Of the numerous roles he offered us, perhaps as gifts, for this old soul one description might read: the merry merchantman engaging happenstance of the wholeness within the invented commerce of life and existence. Brian will be remembered as a father and husband, reliable coworker, blessed and humorous man.

We love you Brian and will cherish the memories made in this life with you here, as you rest over there.