Brien Dennis Collier Sr. was born on October 25, 1955, to Jacqueline “Jacquie” Collier and Richard“Dickie” Collier. He was the second of ten children born to Jacquie. From infancy through grade school, Brien was known as an easy-going child who attended Amos Junior High School and later North High School in Des Moines, Iowa. While he wasn’t known for athletics, Brien discovered a love for music at an early age, particularly the drums. Once he found his passion, his mother made sure he had the opportunity to pursue it, even placing a drum set on layaway so he could call it his own. His love for drumming ran so deep that Jacquie would often find him asleep with his drumsticks still in hand. That passion soon grew into something bigger. As a teenager, Brien became the drummer for the renowned Des Moines band, First Class Show Band. Through music, he traveled and performed alongside legendary acts, opening for groups such as the Pointer Sisters and Cameo. He often shared stories of those exciting years, including an early audition in Minneapolis for a then-unknown artist named Prince. During his junior high years, Brien met the love of his life, Ronnetta “Tubby” Perchman. What began as young love blossomed into a lifelong partnership. Together, they welcomed their first daughter, Shynnelle, followed by their second daughter, Angel. On March 25, 1978, Brien and Ronnetta united in marriage, continuing their journey together as devoted partners, parents, and best friends. Inspired by the strong men who helped shape him—especially his Uncle Sonny—Brien embraced fatherhood and the responsibilities of family life with pride and determination. It was during this season of life that Brien felt called to serve. He often told the story of listening to God and making the decision to enlist in the United States Army. His military career would become one of the defining chapters of his life. While serving in the Army, Brien was stationed at several locations throughout the United States and abroad, including Fort Knox, Kentucky. One of the greatest adventures of his military career came when he and Ronnetta moved their young family to Germany, creating memories they would cherish for a lifetime. During their years together, Brien and Ronnetta expanded their family, welcoming daughter Kizzie and later son Brien Jr., completing the first branch of what would become his beloved “Army.” Following his military service, Brien settled his family in Denver, Colorado, where he began a distinguished career with the Colorado Department of Transportation (CDOT). As a Maintenance Supervisor, he dedicated more than 30 years of service to the State of Colorado before retiring in 2020. Brien worked hard and took great pride in doing things the right way—the honest way—with no shortcuts. He believed in helping others, always willing to lend a hand to those willing to help themselves and often even to those who couldn’t. Brien wore many hats throughout his life and cherished every one of them. He was the patriarch, caretaker, devoted husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, brother, uncle, mentor, and friend. Brien was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Ronnetta Collier; his father, Richard Collier; brothers Barry Collier, Richard Collier Jr., David Thompson, and Arron Wade; granddaughter Jasmyn Martinez; and son-in-law DeShaun Harris. He leaves to cherish his memory the twelve surviving branches of his Army: his children and grandchildren, Shynnelle Collier, Angel Collier-Harris, Kizzie Vialpando, Brien Collier Jr., Darian Hunter, Anjel Harris, DeShaun Harris Jr., Xavier Vialpando, Abrianna Collier, Brien Collier III, Ashley Collier, and Braylen Collier; siblings Mark Collier, Irwin Wade, Marnee Thompson, Jacqueline “Sue” Wade, and Deatra Collier; along with a host of nieces, nephews, extended family members, and friends. Brien’s love, strength, presence, and unwavering spirit will be deeply missed but never forgotten.