Chapels, LLC and Cremation Services

217 W. Broadway
Excelsior Springs, MO 64024
816-630-3131

208 S. Jefferson
Kearney, MO 64060
816-628-4411

214 N. Pennsylvania
Lawson, MO 64062
816-296-0097

Brian Charles McKee

Brian Charles McKee, born on May 16, 1977 in Kansas City, Mo., passed away unexpectedly April 19, 2018 in Istanbul, Turkey. Brian had been in Istanbul for the last four years with his longtime girlfriend, Ai Kijima.

Brian attended school in Excelsior Springs before attending Interlochen Arts Academy in Michigan, where he graduated in 1995.  He then attended Bard College in New Your where in 1999 he graduated with a degree in literature and photography.  From there he became a photographer of the world.  His first shots were in East Germany and Afghanistan, followed by 25 other countries.  Most of his trips were made into a book at the Galerie Ernst Hilger in Austria.

For the past four years, Brian had been living and working in Turkey.  He had started a new career in screenplay writing and had completed several scripts.  However he still continued shooting photos of abandoned societies, his signature images.  He felt these societies represented the core of all of us.  As Brian believed; it is what we leave behind and what we can tell from those remaining that defines us.

Brian is survived by his parents, Kathleen and Charles of Excelsior Springs, Mo.; brother, Kyle and wife, Laura, of Napoleon, Mo., and their two children, Kennsington and Corbin. He also leaves behind aunts, uncles and cousins.

There will be a celebration of life to honor and view Brian’s achievements in writing and photography. The family will accept friends on Tuesday, May 8, 2018 from 5 to 6:30 p.m. at Bross & Spidle Funeral Home, Excelsior Springs, Mo. Please come and enjoy Brian’s creative soul.

In lieu of flowers the family suggests memorial contributions to Children’s Mercy Hospital.

Our Sincere Condolences

Chuck and Kathleen,
You have my deepest sympathy in the loss of your son, Brian. I can’t imagine the pain of losing a child. I’ll be praying for you and your family. Lean on the Lord, and He will get you through the pain and grief.
Bob Swank

I was shocked and saddened to read of Brian’s death on Class of ’68 Facebook page.  A couple of years ago, my son and I saw some of his work in a gallery in Miami. We were simply awestruck . The world has truly lost an amazing talent. But even more profound is your loss of your son, I’m heartbroken for you.  There are just no words to express my sorrow. The pain of your loss is beyond my comprehension.  I pray you find comfort in his art. He will live on in your hearts, memories, and the works he created and left behind.  May he rest in peace an rise in glory.
Debbie Rutledge Knight
ESHS Class of ’69

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