Brian Peter Van Leeuwen

Brian Peter Van Leeuwen, age 58,  passed away peacefully with his family by his side on May 17, 2022, in Albuquerque, New Mexico. Brian was born in Phoenix, Arizona, to hard working dairy farmers, George and Path Van Leeuwen.

Although a car accident left him paralyzed at age 16, he never let his disability stop him from accomplishing major achievements in his life.  In February 1992, Brian made news locally and worldwide, by bungee jumping from his wheelchair while being held in his chair by duct tape.

Brian attended Arizona State University, earning a Master of Science in Engineering, and also earned his MBA at UNM Anderson School of Management in 1998.  He was recruited by Sandia National Laboratories and moved to Albuquerque in July of 1989, where he started working in the Radars Group.  A few years later he found his way into computer network modeling and cybersecurity.  In 2012, he earned a promotion to Distinguished Member of Technical Staff, which was an achievement he worked hard for.  He has been awarded one US Patent and has three more applications pending with colleagues at Sandia. He also earned his MBA at UNM Anderson School of Management in 1998, graduating at the top of his class.  Brian loved his work at Sandia, and was an inspiration to everyone’s lives he touched, both personally and professionally.

He was a courageous fighter until his death and a special inspiration to his wife and sons, who were amazed by his resilience and persistence to live each day to the fullest.  He will forever be a hero to his sons and an inspiration to them to achieve whatever they choose to do in their lives. He was loved dearly and his presence in their daily lives will be truly missed.

Brian was preceded in death by his father George Van Leeuwen and mother, Path Van Leeuwen.  His beautiful memory will live on with his wife Lisa, sons, Devon and Ben, sisters Trudy Harris (David), Betty Van Leeuwen, George Van Leeuwen, Mike Van Leeuwen (Jill), Jake Van Leeuwen and many nieces and nephews and cousin Piet van Rijn (Jody).

A celebration of life service will be held on June 17, 2022, at 10:00 a.m. at FRENCH - Wyoming.

Should friends desire, donations can be made to GO2 Foundation at www.go2foundation.org

Or The Spinal Cord Society http://www.scsus.org/donate.html