Brian Colburn Ross

Brian Colburn Ross

January 1971 - June 2026

Our beloved Brian Colburn Ross lived a vibrant, active, and deeply creative life until the age of 55. He passed away peacefully at home, surrounded by the immense love of his wife and family, in Portland, Oregon.

Brian is survived by his wife, Daishau Ross (Barker); their three children, Ivy, Oliver, and Elliana; and their sweet cat, Lux.

Those left to cherish Brian’s memory also include his mother and stepfather, Sarah “Sally” and Dave DeCou; his father and stepmother, James and Julia “Jakey” Ross; sister, Kelli Ross; stepsisters, Kristin DeCou (and husband Keith O’Neil), Sachi DeCou (and husband Sven Duzont), Laurel DeCou (and husband Jaime Goldman); Tamara Montgomery (and husband Teman Montgomery); and sister-in-law, Carly Kowalski (and husband Eric Kowalski). His warmth and love will continue to live on in his two step-nieces and five step-nephews, as well as a vast circle of aunts, uncles, cousins, extended family members, and friends he called his family, who all miss him dearly. He was preceded in death by his brother, Frank Ross, and his stepsister, Theresa Klima.

Brian was born in Oak Park, Illinois, to Sarah (Sally) Alice Ross and James Potter Ross. His path was paved by his older brother, Frank James Ross; from the very beginning, the two boys were inseparable companions, serving as each other's best friend and playmate. As a young child, Brian moved with his family to Veneta, Oregon. He was an active Boy Scout, spending his elementary and junior high years there before ultimately graduating from Elmira High School. High school is where Brian developed a lifelong passion for music; playing the drums in both the concert and marching bands was easily his favorite part of those years.

After high school, Brian briefly attended the University of Oregon, but his heart belonged to music and creation. This instinct led him to relocate to Portland, Oregon. For a few beautiful, intense years, you could find him in an authentic state of creation, playing drums with his dear friends in bands like Elgin, Porchfire, and Santa Ana Drags. He thoroughly enjoyed his youth, creating incredible art and building a tight-knit circle of great friends whom he considered family. Brian developed a deep love of the outdoors at a young age, a passion that followed him through his life’s adventures. Whether it was snowboarding, camping, hiking or simply allowing nature to take over, the outdoors always brought him peace.

Life soon evolved, and Brian settled down, bought a house and welcomed his two beautiful children Ivy, and Oliver. Being a dad was his greatest joy, and poured his entire heart into being present for his kids. Inspired by the responsibility of fatherhood, Brian decided to step away from the traditional workforce and become an entrepreneur, determined to build a strong future for his family. Harnessing his beautifully creative mind, he founded Form Factory Inc., a CNC machining and prototyping business that he proudly and successfully ran for 22 years.

Brian was a true master of his craft, possessing an insatiable lust for learning, innovating, and bringing the best out of every project. His ingenuity was always on display. It was seamlessly woven between his music, his art, his prototype machining, and the way he applied all his life knowledge into his everyday life. He was a truly impressive, beautiful man who never ceased to amaze those lucky enough to get close to him.

In 2013, Brian met the love of his life, Daishau, and her daughter, Elliana. Having both navigated the pain of past dissolutions, they found light and a deep, spiritual love within one another. Their bond felt less like a new beginning and more like a beautiful reacquainting, becoming the firm foundation of their family.

When the pandemic arrived, they reworked their lives side-by-side. Daishau began working at Form Factory, learning finishing work and basic machining. It was a profound blessing that offered a beautiful insight into Brian’s mind and world, one that will be forever cherished. This journey came full circle as Brian prepared to close his shop doors for the last time. Together, they worked on their final project and sent it out into the world: Form Factory’s one last song.

Brian and Daishau shared a deep connection as soulmates; he was her person and a pillar of strength, love, and creativity. He was this same steady force for so many others, and he will be deeply missed by their three children, whom he adored.

To honor his memory, his family invites everyone who knew and loved him to come together and share in his incredible spirit and memory.

Celebration of Life

We will be holding a celebration for Brian to share our stories, our laughter, and our love together as a collective. Let's send our sweet Brian out with all the love and light he gave to us.

Please feel free to bring and speak your loving words to our sweet Brian. We all held a special place in his heart, and we look forward to sharing our "Brian-ness" together.

Date & Time:

Wednesday, July 8, 2026, at 2:00 PM.

Location:

Champoeg State Park

The Pavilion at the Pioneer Memorial Building

St. Paul, OR 97137

Note: The pavilion is day-use only, and we need to be packed before the gates to the park close.

Details: Snacks and beverages will be provided.

A Heartfelt Thank You

To everyone who has shown up and been present for our family during this heartbreaking time, we see and feel each of you.

You all collectively have really made the unbearable loss of Brian, an easier transition as we settle through the dust and logistics of losing him.

We want to give special thanks to Jeff Modun, as well as Charlie and Christina McClain. You have been in Brian’s life for decades and are really showing up to help with his business. Without your gracious help throughout Brian’s health journey and giving us the ability to settle Form Factory, it would have been an arduous reality.

To our family and oh so many friends: too many to list individually here, all who have been there tirelessly we are filled with so much gratitude. Thank you for helping with meals, food deliveries, beautiful cards, flowers and gifts, offering financial & emotional support, memories, pictures, it means more than you know.

To all of our GoFundMe donors who shared Brian’s journey and helped our family in a tremendous way, we are so honored to be a part of a community who cares so deeply.

With Love, the Family of Brian Colburn Ross