Brian Jerry Kuhnhenn, 65, died unexpectedly on Dec. 17, 2021. Brian was born on Aug. 2, 1956 to Lillian Violet (Dochterman) and Gerald Frederick Kuhnhenn, the middle child of three boys. He lived his whole life in the Pleasant Hill-Eugene-Springfield area.
After graduating high school, Brian followed in his father’s footsteps, choosing to work in the sheet metal industry. For 47 years, it was his career and passion. He worked for many of those years at Harvey & Price, where he met his wife, Chris. In 2010, he decided to pursue a lifelong goal of starting his own business. Brian and Chris founded the company, Unique Metal Products, and along with his eldest son, Chad, grew it into a thriving business.
Brian was many things, but was most known as a designer, planner, builder. And he was curious, adventurous, industrious.
For over 25 years, Brian and Chris worked side by side, and built a life together full of fun, travel, projects, and love. In recent years, they enjoyed going on trips in their RV, camping and exploring as much as they could.
His many interests included boating and jet skiing; pursuing his pilot’s license; biking; and hiking. But one passion that was a constant in his life was the sand and ATVs, especially sand rails, which he loved to build and to drive. His most recent interest was woodworking, adding equipment to his home workshop and crafting beds for his grandchildren.
Brian’s proudest accomplishment was being father to his three sons from his first marriage. He loved sharing his interests and hobbies with the boys, their wives, and their growing families.
Nothing could make him smile more than his five grandchildren, Sofia, Weston, Laura, Hallie, and Amaya.
Brian had a deep desire to make sure his family was taken care of, and often showed his love and affection through making, planning, building, and doing. That was the thing about Brian: his generosity and kindness extended beyond his family to friends and acquaintances alike. Throughout his life spent working hard, refining his skills and crafts, he connected with so many people who became close friends, project partners, adventure buddies – a community of people who, much like family, will remember and love him always.
Brian is survived by his wife, Chris; son Chad (Elena); son Matt (Sarah); son Kyle (Ronelle); brother Jeff (Connie); brother Wayne (Gaylen); stepdaughters Kara (Keelan) and Kori (John); and five grandchildren.
A celebration of life was held on Dec. 29. An extended thank you to all those who sent prayers and support. Your comforting condolences and gestures of love are truly appreciated.
