Crane (driving), with The Sugardaddies

Last Friday, we reported that longtime local musician and scene fixture Brian Crane had died. Now, Crane's brother Bill, a Georgia-based political strategist, WSB radio broadcaster and syndicated columnist, writes with the news that the family has arranged an Irish wake-style memorial, per Brian's wishes, to be held at East/West Bistro on Sunday, Apr. 27 from 4–7 p.m.

Bill Crane also pays tribute to his brother in his column this week. Below, read Brian Crane's official obituary.

Brian Keith Crane (52), born in Decatur, Georgia, died of natural causes following a recent illness in his home in Athens, Georgia. Crane was a multi-talented musician and for 30-years an active participant in the Athens music scene. In addition to writing music and lyrics, Crane ably played guitar, piano, and keyboard as well as the drums and harmonica. He was the founder of many bands, and the counselor/mentor for many others. Brian spent several years traveling the globe as a Road Manager for The Cramps and others. His music collection ranged from Beethoven to The Monkees. He was also an avid collector of electric and acoustic guitars, and had amassed a personal collection of restored amps and speakers.

Crane recently completed his associates degree in the field of computer maintenance, another love acquired over the past few years. Brian planned to put that new degree to work in the field before being sidelined by his recent illness. Brian's sense of humor and generosity are well known in Athens, as well as by his friends and the family has been flooded with kind notes, prayers and words of sympathy, online, in social media and over the phone. These thoughts and prayers are greatly appreciated.

Brian was a non-traditionalist and requested cremation and an Irish Wake, as opposed to a more traditional memorial service. The family is honoring his wishes and invites interested friends to join the celebration of his life in Athens, Georgia at the East/West Bistro, 706-546-9378, 351 East Broad Street, Athens, GA  from 4–7p.m. on Sunday, Apr. 27, 2014. Limited restaurant parking available and a public parking deck nearby.

Brian is survived by his parents Jerry and Lynn Crane of Snellville, his siblings, Bill Crane of Avondale, Tanya and John Sommers II of Norcross, Lisa  and Steve Hoffman of Snellville, as well as his nieces and nephews, John Sommers III, Cody Sommers, Stevie Hoffman, Chris Hoffman, Kiera Fox, Kylie Fox, Barclay Crane and Olivia Krista. More family including his Aunt and Uncle Sheila and Rick Sauers, cousins Rory Sauers and Shaye Sauers of Decatur, cousin Ryan Sauers and wife Lara, their daughters, Kelsey, McKenna and Brooke and a multitude of loving cousins in Upstate New York, Texas, Alabama and Florida. 

In lieu of flowers, anyone wishing to honor Brian’s life with a gift may do so with a contribution to Nuci’s Space, a nonprofit Musician’s Support Entity based in Athens, www.nuci.org or any charity of choice.