Brian Roy Koepp

Brian peacefully passed away on August 2, 2025 at the age of 80 at home in Davis surrounded by family. Brian was born to Robert and Doris Mae Koepp in Compton, CA on June 3, 1945. When Brian was 8 years old his family moved to Eugene, Oregon. Brian graduated from Willamette High School in 1963.

Brian moved to San Francisco in 1965. He got a job working in the office at MJB Coffee Company. After 3 years he applied for a job with the California Highway Patrol (CHP) and completed the academy in Sacramento. It was a job that Brian truly loved, where he found a deep sense of brotherhood and a cherished camaraderie. He worked in the Los Angeles, San Francisco, Santa Cruz, Solano (Vallejo/Fairfield) offices. Brian captivated family, friends, nurses, doctors, and anyone who would listen to his CHP stories. He had everyone laughing at so many of his CHP escapades. Brian was involved in many challenging situations and wrote a memoir of his time on the CHP. After 20 years of service Brian retired from the Solano CHP office.

Post retirement, Brian worked another 18 years for the California Department of Social Services (CDSS) in the Child Welfare Investigations unit and the Foster Care Branch. Brian finished his career as the Bureau Chief in the In-Home Supportive Services Division. During his time at CDSS, Brian made many improvements to the statewide systems for which he received numerous awards and certificates of recognition. Brian was very proud of his contributions that helped improve many people’s lives.

Brian met the love of his life, Brigitte, while in the CHP and after a 4-year courtship they married on October 4, 1986. Brian fit in perfectly with Brigitte’s family and her Swiss heritage as he loved everything Swiss. Brian made one damn good cheese fondue! Together they traveled extensively including many trips to Brigitte's home country of Switzerland. Brigitte opened Brian's heart and soul to the Catholic faith. Brian converted to Catholicism and he and Brigitte renewed their vows in the church in 2009.

Like his brothers and sister, Brian had a great voice, inherited from their dad. At many family gatherings with his siblings, they belted out songs or composed new ones, usually after some “Goldschlager” or a few schnapps. Brian had a great wit, sense of humor, memory and had a knack for writing. He was an avid reader of history, especially WWII and loved anything John Wayne. And of course, a huge Oregon Duck fan.

Brian’s greatest happiness came from the love of his family. He was blessed with 3 children and 5 grandchildren. Brian cherished the time they shared together if in California, Oklahoma, Dallas, Pennsylvania, and Canada. Brian and the kids drove many times from California to Oregon to visit with their grandmother and family as well as for many Koepp family reunions.

Brian was well liked by all who knew him and he wanted everyone to know how much he loved his life, Brigitte, his family and all his friends.

True to his California Highway Patrol soul, his last words said aloud were “I’m going to go arrest that guy.”

Brian is survived by his wife, Brigitte Koepp (nee Kamber), his children from a previous marriage, Sarah (Lee), Matthew, David (Krista) and grandchildren, Andy, Madison, Colin, Evelyn, and Ian. Brian is also survived by his brother Pete, nephews, and many cousins. Brian is preceded in death by his parents, his sister, Pat; and brothers Mike and Tim.

Services will be held, Friday, August 29th at 10:00 am at St. James Catholic Church, 1275 B Street, Davis.  Reception will immediately follow the service

In lieu of flowers donations can be made to the USO.