Brian A. Garde, also known as B, of Oak Bluffs died Feb. 26 surrounded by his loving family. He was 62. He passed after a valiant battle with cancer, during which he never lost his quick wit and wonderful sense of humor. He was always a loving gentle soul. He was dearly loved and will be greatly missed by many.

Brian was born in Bridgeport, Conn., on Feb. 11, 1955, to Erik C. and Elizabeth (Nielson) Garde. He grew up in Bridgeport and attended Central High School, where he excelled in basketball and enjoyed playing tuba in the marching band. He later attended Housatonic Community College.

He moved to Martha’s Vineyard in 1974 to work at Cranberry Acres Campground and the Ocean View Restaurant. He went on to own and operate the Spaghetti Pot Restaurant with his brother Ken and Cindy Araujo. When the restaurant closed he went to work for Thomas Barlosky and John Casey and honed his skills as an interior finish painter. Over the years Brian continued to work as a self-employed painter.

He married Joyce Kilmer in 1980. They were blessed with two sons, Adam and Jarred (JD). Brian took great joy in coaching his sons in Little League and youth and high school basketball. He also loved teaching Sunday school at Faith Community Church in Edgartown and playing in the RCBL.

Brian was a die-hard New York sports fan, the original New York teams, that is — the Giants, Knicks and Yankees. He loved going back and forth with Red Sox fans. He never lost the joy of watching sports and always loved a good Columbo mystery and MASH episode.

He is survived by his wife and sons, his brother Ken and his wife Nina, of Kingston, and his many nieces, nephews, aunts and uncles. He also leaves behind his lifelong friend Gary Rome of Brooklyn, N.Y. and West Tisbury. He was predeceased by his parents and beloved brother Arne Garde.

A memorial service will be held Saturday, March 11 at 11 a.m. at the Chapman, Cole and Gleason Funeral Home in Oak Bluffs. A gathering of family and friends will follow at the home of their dear family friend Nancy Barlosky, 52 Carroll’s Way, Vineyard Haven.

In honor of his great love of animals, donations in Brian’s memory may be made to Animal Shelter of Martha’s Vineyard, P.O. Box 1829, Edgartown, MA 02539 or Hope Hospice, 765 Attucks Lane, Hyannis MA 02601. An online guestbook is available at ccgfuneralhome.com.