BRIAN MCCONNELL, 63, was born in Las Cruces, NM. He was the middle of five sons, Steve, Marty, Richard, and Keith, born to Thomas Carter and Dorothy Anne. Brian is a beloved father to Erynn and Miranda and cherished husband to Heidi.

In his early life, Brian's dreams of being an actor led him to earn his Bachelor's degree in Theater. He made many lifelong friends while performing in the Las Cruces theater community. Brian enlisted in the Army and was stationed in Germany for four years and after returning home, he completed his master's degree in Speech Language Pathology and met the love of his life during a friend's New Year's Eve party. In April, Brian and Heidi celebrated their 36th wedding anniversary. They loved spending time together– especially cozy nights watching their favorite movies and British murder mysteries. Together, they raised two loving and intelligent daughters who have faced every challenge and hardship with bravery and kindness thanks to their parents' love and guidance. Brian shared his phenomenal taste in classic films, an eclectic variety of music, Monty Python movies, and Dungeons and Dragons with them. He was a fiercely loving father who moved mountains to protect his daughters.

On the weekends, Brian played video games and watched his favorite football team with his father and brother, Keith. He was an avid collector of gems and minerals, filling several display cases with his finds and dabbling in the lapidary arts. Brian enjoyed many adventures with his family–whether a short camping trip or an extended European tour. He was riotously funny with a witty, dry sense of humor and he brought levity to the most challenging situations. His beloved cat, Blue, is lost without him.

During the weekdays, he was a well-respected and well-liked Director of Therapy at Casa de Oro, where he spent over 20 years demonstrating selflessness and generosity toward his patients and colleagues, making him truly irreplaceable.

Brian's Celebration of Life will be held from 5 PM to 7 PM Thursday, May 16, 2024, at Baca's Funeral Chapel, 300 E Boutz. We welcome those who knew him to come and share memories of a great man's wonderful life.

Service arrangements have been entrusted to the care of Baca's Funeral Chapel of Las Cruces and Sunset Crematory, 527-2222. Your exclusive provider for "Veterans and Family Memorial Care." For online condolences logon to www.bacasfuneralchapelslascruces.com