STUARTS DRAFT, VA - Brian Geoffrey Ketterer, age 64, passed away on October 4, 2022, following a long illness. His family is comforted knowing he is at peace.

Brian was born on July 16, 1958, in Waynesboro, Virginia, to Rita (Mae) France Ketterer and Dr. Charles Clifford Ketterer. Brian was the third of seven children. During the 60's and 70's era when he grew up, reality family TV shows were not 'a thing' so his mom and dad missed out on making bank. It's too bad - he and his friends and siblings would have made "That 70's Show" look tame. Still, there were many similarities like when Red caught the gang smoking.

Brian had an exciting childhood and adolescence filled with boy scout adventures at Camp Shenandoah and fishing all over Augusta County and beyond. He had four younger siblings that he taught how to fish. He was just as happy as they were when one of them landed that first fish. Being fortunate enough to live so close to the Blue Ridge Mountains, Brian made many a trip to "The Parkway" and "The Drive." He was especially fond of St Mary's - so much so he wrote an ode to it. He loved the Blue Ridge and it was the mountains where he felt most at home. Brian wouldn't pass up an opportunity to go hiking or camping. Nature was his church.

While Brian was in high school, he and some of his friends formed a garage band. In the cooler months it morphed into a basement band, much to the delight of the band members' parents. Brian was musically inclined and played the guitar effortlessly. He enjoyed writing music and was inspired by a variety of musical genres such as Johnny Cash, Led Zeppelin, Allan Sherman and The Smothers Brothers. When his parents were fortunate enough to host a basement jam session there was always a request (not from his dad) for a song Brian wrote called "The Snowshoe Rabbit Shuffle." It was a super fun, high energy catchy tune. The band was pretty good. Too bad they were not able to secure a spot on The Midnight Special with Wolfman Jack (hope Brian is clapping with the Wolfman now).

Brian graduated from Waynesboro High School in 1977. He would go on to enlist in the United States Air Force a few years later. He had always had an indelible interest and knack in all-things-electronic and it is in the Air Force where this talent would flourish. Brian went through basic training at Lackland Air Force Base in San Antonio, Texas. He would go on to be stationed and teach at Keesler Air Force Base in Biloxi, Mississippi. He was an Automatic Tracking Radar Specialist Technical Instructor, Technical Writer, and Instructional Systems Development Technical Instructor. He was a busy guy. Lots of teaching and he excelled in his field.

Brian earned the rank of Sergeant and the rating of Master Instructor in the Tactical Air Command. He was dedicated to his craft, his music, and his country. The latter of which was demonstrated by the accolades he received from the US Air Force in the form of these recognitions: Good Conduct Medal, Air Force Training Ribbon, Longevity Service Award, Small Arms Expert Marksmanship Ribbon, and the Humanitarian Service Medal. After 5 years, Brian wanted to come back to the mountains he adored and chose to return home. Brian was honorably discharged in April 1983.

Brian returned to Waynesboro and took additional classes in electronics. He secured a job working in electronics and did get married a few times but divorces followed. He thought it best for him to remain single. A number of years after his father passed away, Brian introduced his mom to his friend, and landlord at the time, Harold Louis Greenstone. His mother would marry this gentleman a few years later. Added to the list of Brian's accomplishments was match maker. Who knew?!

Brian is survived by his mother, Rita (Mae) France (Ketterer) Greenstone of Waynesboro, VA; Nanette Ketterer of Hayward, CA; Stephen (Dee) Ketterer of Palmyra, VA; Michelle (Larry) Morgan of Roanoke, VA; Denise (Scott) Eavers of Stuarts Draft, VA; Paula (Russell) Blackhall of Innerleithen Scotland and a few nieces and nephews.

Brian's love for the mountains included a love of wildlife, the rivers, and the forest. Like the rest of his family, he was a tree-hugger at heart. That said, he opted for cremation rather than a casket. The service will be a private family affair.

For those of you who knew him, please take a moment for him and wish him well on his next journey. And if you would please consider donating to the Staunton Augusta SPCA in his memory. Brian was quite fond of cats, particularly the polydactyls. I know he would appreciate it and so would the animals.

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