Gratch, Brian S.

57. Cherished son of Alan S. and Sallie E. Gratch. Beloved husband of Michelle Ney. Loving father of Simon, Helen, Anton and Sabine Gratch. Caring brother of Joel (Reese) Gratch and Mikel (Dan) Charlton. Fond son-in- law and nephew. Dear uncle and great uncle of so many.

Brian’s professional career spanned the worlds of marketing and technology starting at Motorola Mobility and recently as CMO of Xaptum, a leader in security for the burgeoning Internet for Things. He was also a successful consultant who inspired the trust and confidence of many clients as he helped them navigate the complex ecosystem of emerging technology.

Brian earned an MBA from Kellogg School of Management after receiving his AB from Grinnell College where he met the love of his life, Michelle Ney.

Brian had a profound love of travel and exploration. He adored spending summers at the family’s Montana home hiking and exploring.

More than anything, Brian adored his family. He saw his parents and siblings often whether at their homes nearby or at the home that he and Michelle created that was always a welcoming place filled with laughter and joy.

The center of their home was a large dining table that was frequently filled with family, friends and neighbors who would spend many hours laughing and sharing stories. Nearby was their living room, a place for crackling fires, card playing, games and reflection. A jazz album from Brian’s collection would often be playing; there was no TV in sight as their focus was on each other, their guests and the opportunity to connect and share.

Brian and Michelle raised four remarkable, independent and creative children. Brian’s favorite topic was to share the latest news about each of them and the latest passion each was pursuing. He was intensely proud of them. Brian’s most enduring trait was his optimism. He was relentlessly upbeat and even-tempered, he always saw the bright side of any situation. His joy and love of life was infectious, every person he encountered felt his warmth and generosity.

Brian will be remembered above all for his smile and the twinkle in his eyes that greeted every person he met. His presence would light up a room. He leaves his family, friends and community with a commitment to bring the same joy into the world that he brought and to make every day an opportunity to lift someone’s soul.

Service Wednesday, 1 PM at Jewish Reconstructionist Congregation, 303 Dodge Ave., Evanston, IL 60202.

In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made to JRC, www.jrc-evanston.org or your favorite charity. Arrangements by Chicago Jewish Funerals - Skokie Chapel, 847.229.8822, www.cjfinfo. com