Brian “Bria” Thomas Haupt (she/her), 85, of Spring Hill, Kansas was born December 9, 1940, and passed on June 8, 2026, after a yearlong fight against stage 4 pancreatic cancer. Born Brian, Bria came to the decision in her mid-70’s, to make a change and boldly, bravely transitioned from Brian to Bria. The gender and names used below reflect the stage she was in at the time of the activity.
Born and raised in Wichita, Kansas, Brian attended Wichita North High School in 1958, then graduated Suma Cum Laude from Kansas State University earning a bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering in 1963. Completing a master’s degree in electrical engineering in 1965 and pursuing doctoral studies in the field through 1967, Brian also completed two internships as a research assistant: the first at Los Alamos Scientific Lab (home of the Manhattan Project), in 1964 and 1965 and secondly, at the Bendix Corp in 1968. Honors achieved included Phi Kappa Phi, Pi Mu Epsilon, Eta Kappa Nu, and Eagle Scout. Certainly, an accomplished academic! Education was always a high priority, not just as a personal pursuit, but in every answer given to any question asked – no stone was left unturned, no word spared to ensure that each answer was as complete as it possible. Why use 10 words when 150 were available?
In 1969, Brian married and later divorced Hazel (Alexander) Haupt. Together they had two daughters – Alexandra and Meredith. When, in 1976, Brian married Bonnie (MacPhail) Haupt, the family became complete – with the addition of daughters Maria, Michele and Emily. The couple moved to Spring Hill, Kansas to raise the girls and later to retire. As a father, Brian carefully protected his girls’ lives, never daring to serve ice cream that had not been fully tested for quality assurance… performing this vital task personally for each gallon of ice cream consumed during their youth (and into adulthood).
In 1979, Brian opened Carriage & Motor Works Inc in Kansas City, KS with cousin Tom Stevens, specializing in foreign car repair and vintage race car restoration. More than a job, this was a passion and the career path upon which he remained until selling at retirement. Prior to opening his own business, Brian was a professor at Rockhurst College then worked as the Service Manager at International Autosport in Shawnee, KS.
Brian was an avid competitor in the Sports Car Club of America (SCCA) racing in at least seven of the classes over the course of 58 years and participating in race administration and local club leadership roles. The “bus” was legendary, as were his Alfa Romeo Spyder and his red Mazda RX7, twin to daughter Meredith’s identically styled car. Bria loved to start projects… of which several remain still in progress, some dating back to the 80’s.
Civic leadership and service were also important. Positions held included: the Spring Hill Planning Commission, Spring Hill Zoning Board, and Spring Hill School Board. The church also played a central role in Bria’s life, serving as a member of the vestry and as an acolyte at both Trinity Episcopal Church (Lawrence, KS) and St Mary’s Episcopal Church (KCMO). In addition, Bria served a Knight in the Priory of St Mary the Virgin in KCMO and as the Chair of the Maintenance Committee at St Mary’s, completing numerous building repairs and improvements in this capacity. More recently, Bria was taking a lay preaching course through Bishop Kemper School for Ministry.
Bria, in dedication and service, spent time volunteering in various advocacy roles, assisting others who sought to transition. Wednesday nights were saved for Girls Night Out and were not missed for anything less than her illness!
Bria leaves behind a loving wife of 50 years, Bonnie, his girls Michele Toney (James), Emily Serrano (Carlos), Alex Clark (Chuck) and Meredith Pritchard (Justin), his two sisters Elsa and Charlotte Haupt as well as 13 grandchildren and 11 great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews and cousins. He was preceded in death by his daughter Maria Iskenderoglu (Orhan) and his parents James and Annabelle. This obituary only scratches the surface of the life lived so we invite you to join us for the funeral at 11am on June 27th at St. Mary’s Episcopal Church, 1307 Holmes Street, Kansas City, Missouri 64106 and to share your stories and memories at the reception that follows.
