Obituary of Brian Ambrose Lajiness

Brian Ambrose Lajiness was born in Toledo, Ohio on September 4, 1960. He was the eldest of eight children born to A.J. and Sharon (Montrie) Lajiness. As a young boy he attended St. Joseph Catholic Grade School in Erie, Michigan. He was a 1978 graduate of Erie Mason High School and later continued his education at Lincoln Tech in Indianapolis, Indiana where he studied Diesel Mechanics.

Brian was employed as a truck driver for UPS for twenty-eight years before medically retiring. He also served his community, volunteering his time as a firefighter at the Erie Township Fire Department for more than a decade.

Brian was blessed with the birth of a son, Chad, and a daughter, Rachel. After many years of courtship, he wed the love of his life, the former Pamela Garber, at the Little White Chapel in Las Vegas, Nevada on June 1, 2011. The couple loved camping together and looked forward to escaping to their Louisiana property and other southern states each winter with their fifth wheel. Brian also frequently visited the family cabin in Lewiston, Michigan. He especially enjoyed spending time there with his mother. A longtime member of Riverview Yacht Club in Point Place, Ohio; he met with fellow retirees every Wednesday. He was also a member of the Moose Lodge in Sylvania, Ohio.

Brian owned a boat his entire life and grew up fishing.  He took great pride in his ability to repair his own boats and vehicles. A wonderful cook, he ate anything exotic and cooked for wild game dinners at the Yacht Club and Fire Department.  Much to the chagrin of his family, Brian could listen to talk radio political programming all day long. He deeply valued his privacy and attempted to always be true to himself. Although he could be ornery at times, he was an easily lovable guy. His gruff exterior couldn’t hide his deeply loving and caring heart.

Brian Ambrose Lajiness, age 63, of Riga, Michigan passed away peacefully on Tuesday; November 14, 2023, at ProMedica Flower Hospital in Sylvania, Ohio surrounded by his family. His passing was preceded by his father: A.J. Lajiness; a brother: Dale David Lajiness; and a sister: Bonnie Jean Milano.

Brian is survived by his wife: Pam Lajiness; his mother: Sharon Lajiness of Erie; his son: Chad (Kayla) Lajiness of Mooresville, Indiana; his daughter: Rachel Domazet (Johnathon Carson) of Martinsville, Indiana; his step-son: Jason MacKay (Michelle Zamora); his step-daughter: Jodi (John) Brewer; three sisters: Danine (John) Lajiness-Polosky, Laura (Manuel) Billegas, and Brenda (Matt) Mehki; two brothers: Craig (Lisa) Lajiness and Eric (Jaime) Lajiness; five grandchildren: Nathaniel Lajiness, Braeden Domazet, Dylan Domazet, Cadience Domazet and Easton Brewer.  He also left behind many nieces and nephews; several close friends; and canine companion: “Kevin Bacon Lajiness”, a sixteen year old Chihuahua who was welcomed into the Lajiness family a decade ago. Although they were warned that Kevin did not like UPS drivers, he eventually came to adore Brian and was always at his side.

Friends may gather on Monday; November 20, 2023, from 1:00pm until 6:00pm at Merkle Funeral Service, Erie; 9156 Summit Street, Erie, Michigan 48133 (734) 317-7199. Brian will Lie in State on Tuesday; November 21, 2023, from 10:00am until the Mass of Resurrection at 11:00am at St. Joseph Catholic Church, 2214 Manhattan Street, Erie, Michigan 48133. Immediately following Mass, friends and family are invited to gather for remembrance and fellowship at the Erie VFW Post 3925, 1944 Erie Rd, Erie, MI 48133 (734) 848-8091. Cremation will follow at the on-site crematory, Covenant Cremation in Erie, Michigan.

Memorial contributions are suggested to the Erie Township Fire Department; 2048 Manhattan Street, Erie, Michigan, 48133. Online guests may leave words of inspiration and comfort or share a photo by visiting www.merklefs.com.