Brian James Highstreet, 51, passed away on August 24, 2026, at the age of 51, after a five-year battle with colorectal cancer. But cancer is not what defines Brian.
Brian was, above all else, someone who loved life—and loved living it with the people who mattered most.
He loved being on the water. Whether it was Lake Michigan, Pigeon Lake where he grew up, the St. Mary’s River, or one of the countless inland lakes he explored over the years, Brian was happiest near the shore. He loved boating, swimming, fishing, snorkeling, and just about anything else that involved enjoying the great outdoors. These activities he learned as a boy with his family and, perhaps more importantly, his love was passed on to his wife, Lindsay, and his son, Cameron. Some of their best memories were made together in nature.
Brian was an incredible therapist and had a genuine passion for helping people. He devoted his career to children, teens, and young adults, and he had a remarkable ability to make people feel seen, understood, and safe. He positively impacted the lives of hundreds of people. But Brian’s greatest love was his family.
Brian also had an extraordinary network of friends, many of whom became family in every way that mattered. He was loved by people from every chapter of his life, and those relationships meant the world to him.
Brian did not get nearly enough time. But he made his time matter. He loved deeply. He gave generously. He helped people. He made memories. He built an incredible family. He built friendships that became family. And he left pieces of himself behind in countless people who are better because they knew him.
Brian’s life was about far more than cancer. Please remember him for the life he lived—not the disease that took it.
Brian and his family found support and connection in PALTOWN’s online community for colorectal cancer patients and caregivers, COLONTOWN. The family requests that donations be sent to PALTOWN to support its many programs for patients and caregivers.
