Cover photo for Brian Irving Thomas's Obituary
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1937 Brian 2017

Brian Irving Thomas

July 9, 1937 — September 21, 2017

Berkeley County / Natural

Thomas, Brian Irving, 80, of Charleston a Personal Trainer , died September 20, 2017. Arrangements by Palmetto Cremation Society.

Brian Irving Thomas

Brian Irving Thomas, 80, of Charleston, SC left this Earth and traveled to his Heavenly Father on September 21, 2017, surrounded by those who loved him. Brian was born July 9, 1937 in New Haven, CN to Ralph E. and Marjorie B. Thomas. According to James Allen in As a Man Thinketh: "As a being of Power, Intelligence and Love, and the lord of his own thoughts, man holds the key to every situation and contains within himself that transforming and regenerative agency by which he may make himself what he wills". This personified the mind and personality of Brian Thomas. He was a thoughtful, disciplined, intelligent and loving man.

In his early teens Brian developed a passion for physical fitness and bodybuilding that lasted a lifetime. This passion led to his life-long commitment to training and helping others reach their health potential. He would tell his clients that "it is not about who you are but who you will become". Brian owned 11 gyms in the District of Columba, Maryland, Virginia and Indiana before moving to Charleston in 1997. Upon relocating to Charleston, he devoted his time and personal training skills to clients at East Shore Athletic Club and later at Foundation F.I.T. with Sylvia and Dan Darby. He was known for his repertoire of jokes, some of them actually funny, and his ability to make people smile and feel good about themselves. He was an avid reader of thrillers with a particular love for Daniel Silva novels. His favorite spot, Folly Beach, brought Brian a particular connection with all things spiritual. He was a Reiki Master and lovingly shared his knowledge and insights with those who needed them.

Brian's numerous friends were extremely devoted to him and thankful for his sage advice.
He accepted his cancer diagnosis and declining health with grace and courage. As his health declined, he moved into the home of his dear friends, Avis and Jeff Griffith, where he continued to visit with close friends weekly and enjoy time on the porch overlooking Beresford Creek. Brian was a solitary man of faith who studied the meaning and purpose of life extensively. He kept his hand firmly upon the helm of his thoughts. As he looked out on his view of the water, be it calm or tempestuous, he knew the isles of blessings in heaven and the sunny shore was awaiting his coming. He was secure in his knowledge that he was simply stepping over to his new life, his purpose, his job on the other side. While on this Earth, his main concern was losing his ability to give to others. However, he continued to give until he drew his last breath and ultimately soared with the angels who came to take him home. This gift of time will be treasured by his special friends Sam, John, Jimmy, Tom, Frank and especially, Dean, who according to Brian, was the world's best chef and regularly supported his Cookie Monster habit.

Hospice of Charleston provided care and guidance through the eight month journey. HIs nurses, Suzanne Harvie and Madline White, caretakers Catherine Thompson and Lane Brown as well additional wonderful staff and volunteers of Hospice of Charleston gave encouragement and support to him and to his "Chosen Charleston Family". In his last few weeks Brian was lovingly cared for by staff from Summit Place on Daniel Island. With deepest gratitude, Brian said in his final days that he "wanted to thank all for helping smooth my transition".

He is survived by his sister, Valarie Thomas Moore and brother-in-law Steven Moore of Irvine, CA. Additionally, he is survived by his chosen family, Avis and Jeff Griffith and their children Jay (Michelle), Elizabeth (Casey) and Rick (Michele) who he encouraged and helped raise through the years with education in the importance of taking care of their physical bodies. If exercising and you hear a little voice saying "Give me ten more" or his other favorite "Make your last rep your best rep", heed Brian's urging. Those who adored him would say back to him “Your last rep was your best rep". "Well done good and faithful servant". Brian I. Thomas will live on in each of us who learned from and loved him.
Memorials may be made to Hospice of Charleston, 676 Wando Park Boulevard, Mt. Pleasant, SC 29464 or MPPC Hope House 302 Hibben Street, Mt. Pleasant, SC .
To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of Brian Irving Thomas, please visit our flower store.

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