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Brian James Kavanagh

1965 - 2020

Brian James Kavanagh obituary, 1965-2020, Charleston, SC

BORN

1965

DIED

2020

FUNERAL HOME

J. Henry Stuhr Mount Pleasant Chapel

1494 Mathis Ferry Road

Mount Pleasant, South Carolina

Brian Kavanagh Obituary

Brian James Kavanagh Isle of Palms - Brian James Kavanagh, a Charleston Harbor Pilot known to all as "B.K", passed away on May 9, 2020 at his residence on Isle of Palms, SC, surrounded by his loving family. Services will be held at a later date. Arrangements by J. Henry Stuhr, Inc. Mount Pleasant Chapel. Brian was born April 2, 1965 in Honolulu, Hawaii, son of Gerald Kavanagh and Rose Donnelly Kavanagh. His love of the sea led him to graduate from the Great Lakes Maritime Academy in Michigan before launching a career as a Merchant Marine Officer in support of Operation Desert Storm and eventually as a Charleston Harbor Pilot. He was an avid offshore sport fisherman and enjoyed many successful trips aboard his vessel the "High Return". He is survived by his wife, Jill, daughter, Keegan and son Colin; granddaughters, Ellie Rue and Delilah Kavanagh; parents Rose and Gerald "Jerry" Kavanagh; brothers, Kevin, Christopher and Patrick; and sister Maureen; as well as many, loving aunts and uncles in Ireland who mourn his loss. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made in his memory to Surfers Healing Folly, 487 Planters Trace, Charleston, SC 29412 or Brave Gowns, 2720 Neilson Way #5313, Santa Monica, CA 90409 www.happyditto.org/donate-now. A memorial message may be sent to the family by visiting our website at www.jhenrystuhr.com. Visit our guestbook at www.legacy.com/obituaries/ charleston

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Charleston Post & Courier from May 12 to May 13, 2020.

Memories and Condolences
for Brian Kavanagh

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Steve Smith

April 2, 2021

I was a classmate of Brian´s in Traverse City. He kept us laughing with his sense of humor and yes, sometimes pretty irreverent comments. I Google friends names time to time and was very sad indeed to read the news he had passed. My condolences to his family and loved ones.

Sister Stella Maris Craven

July 18, 2020

My deepest sympathy and prayers to all of the Kavanaghs on your great loss. May Brians soul rest in eternal peace with our loving God.

Sister Stella Maris Craven

Terry Clarkin

July 5, 2020

I did not know him but I went to BEHS with Chris and a Kevin and they loved their siblings. I have heard such wonderful things about him and I am sorry we never met. My prayers and condolences to the entire Kavanagh family

Pat & Klaus Eriksen

July 1, 2020

Our deepest sympathy do you, Jill and to all of Brians family. We remember the exact spot where we were the moment that we met Brian and his brother, in the mid 90s. It was such a fun introduction to the Kavanaghs and will be etched fondly in our memory.

Kim Stone

June 6, 2020

May the love of friends and family carry you through your grief.

Jon & Kerry Sedgwick

June 1, 2020

Condolences to Jill and the family. Brian was such a proud Irishman. I already miss you busting my chops about being English. May you rest in peace my friend. Kerry and I will miss you very much.

Joe Reynolds

May 20, 2020

I did not know Brian, but I sail as Chief Engineer with his brother Chris. I am a professional mariner and I understand the difficult and important task of being a pilot and mariner. My kind regards to Brian's family, and God bless you all during this time.

Debbie Miller

May 17, 2020

So sorry to read this! Was so hoping to see you two at Acme one day. Tommy and I were actually riding around island last weekend and saw a group of cars in your driveway. Never imagined this. Our love to you, Keegan and Colin.

Randi Dunlap

May 17, 2020

Jill, I am so sorry to hear of Brian's passing. Much love and many prayers for you and the kids.

Jennifer McNally

May 15, 2020

We had a great time with you and Brian on our last visit. Our hearts and prayers are with you all. Always.

Lisa Thackeray

May 15, 2020

Jill and family . I'm so sorry for your loss

Group of 10 Memorial Trees

Douglas Logan

Planted Trees

Group of 10 Memorial Trees

Marc Izzi

Planted Trees

Richey and Caroline Duncan

May 15, 2020

With sadness we heard you lost the battle.
What a pain it is to lose a friend. Brian and Richey met at the academy, they lived together and oh man! the stories that exist from those days! As they parted and build their separate life, there was regular phone contact and the crazy stories continued. I feel honored to have met Brian, seeing him in action not just having fun, but building memories. That Stones song miss you will have new meaning. To Jill, the kids, and family: We wish you strength.

Sean OToole

May 14, 2020

Please accept my sincere condolences.

I am a classmate of Kevin's and went to Ireland with the entire family in 1978. Adventure of a lifetime and Brian was a big part of it. He was a crazy adventurous kid. The kind everyone wanted to be like - including me.

I know he will be missed.

Denise Bradsher

May 13, 2020

My memories of Brian being the skinny kid in cords always coming over for candy and cokes needing $ 5.00 with that impish grin and getting into a bit of mischief and making me swear I would not tell Rose. He wanted me to play the Stones or The Who and would be always on the creek or around water. It was my joy to have been part of the family. I feel quite numb and my heart aches for the entire family here, New York, and Ireland. Words just seem useless and time goes slowly for the ones grieving. Love to you all.

Rodney Carter

May 13, 2020

My condolences for all of the Kavanaugh family. I will always hold close my memories of growing up with Brian. I am so sorry for your loss. My thoughts and prayers are with you.

David Ernst

May 13, 2020

Our Condolences to the whole Kavanaugh Family. BK was one of a kind who always came giving and never asked anything of me, except, Stinky, put me on that ship as soon as we get out there! And, Do you want to grab a beer? Feel lucky to have known him and spend days and nites on the ocean with him in all kinds of seasons and weather. Always enjoyed the phone calls starting with, I got a story for Ya! Fair winds and Following seas, Capt. You WILL be Missed,
Love, Annie, Dave and Will Ernst

Michele Neskey

May 13, 2020

I will never forget the lasting impression BK has made on my life as a person and as a provider. During the time I spent caring for him during the fight, I will always remember how he made me smile and put all of his trust in our team. Every time he walked in the room he made me laugh and made my day better. I loved getting to know him and only we wish we could have done more. While I am deeply saddened by his loss, I will always remember his smile and impact on my life.

Jim Dolan

May 13, 2020

So sorry for your loss. I knew Brian for over thirty years, and always valued his friendship. I loved his easy going nature and his sense of humor. I was so glad we took that trip to Normandy together with him and Kevin. Jill, I will keep you and your family in my thoughts and prayers. Rest in Peace Brian.

Geoffrey Nelson

May 13, 2020

Sending our sincerest condolences and prayers for Captain Kavanagh's family and friends.
- The Mayport Pilots

Chris Dye

May 13, 2020

Please accept condolences on behalf of The Dye Family

Cluster of 20 Memorial Trees

Rodney Carter

Planted Trees

Stacey Berlin

May 13, 2020

Jill, my heart breaks for you at your loss. I adored Brian. He was always so kind to me and full of joy. He loved life and loved to make others laugh. I will miss him so much. I know he was ready to end the pain and is in a better place now. May your memories bring you comfort at such a difficult time. I have some funny memories if Brian that i will always cherish. Much love to you and your family. Stacey Berlin

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Funeral services provided by:

J. Henry Stuhr Mount Pleasant Chapel

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