September 18, 1941 – July 30, 2026
Brian Lee Firkins, 84, of Overland Park, Kansas, passed away peacefully at home on July 30, 2026, surrounded by his wife, children, and loved ones.
Brian was born on September 18, 1941, in Independence, Missouri, the middle child of Lorrain and Virginia Firkins. His early life was shaped by both hardship and deep love. He grew up in a small home built by his father, grandfather, and uncles. At age three, he lost his siblings, Beth and Jerry, within weeks of each other due to medical complications.
Curiosity, love and an enthrallment of art and music were the foundation of Brian’s richly lived life. Inspired by his mother who earned a scholarship to the Kansas City Art Institute, and his father who played trombone in the World War II occupied forces marching band, Brian explored the arts from childhood. He often recalled being “blown away” hearing Stravinsky’s Rite of Spring as a child, a moment that sparked a lifelong passion for music and inspired him to begin playing the violin.
Brian graduated from Van Horn High School, where he excelled in cross country, track, baseball, basketball, and football. He served on the Pioneer yearbook staff, earned the rank of Eagle Scout, and was a proud member of Mic-O-Say.
By high school, Brian knew he wanted to be an architect. He graduated from the University of Kansas in 1965 with a Bachelor of Architecture. After college, he married Shirley Maycock (Nuss) and welcomed daughters Jill and Alison. In 1979, he married the love of his life, Sue Mosby. She was his devoted partner in creativity, adventure, and joyful resilience for more than 46 years. Together they raised their daughter, Adrienne, and their son, Blake, completing a family that remained the center of Brian’s world.
Brian’s architectural career spanned more than four decades and left a lasting imprint on Kansas City and beyond. His work with Nearing and Staats, Hewitt and Royer, HNTB, HOK, Populous, and Convergence shaped landmarks such as Town Pavilion, the Bartle Hall Expansion, the renovation of Union Station, the renovation of Kauffman Stadium, and North Supply. His work reached nationally to projects including the Oakland Coliseum, Marlins Park, and Busch Memorial Stadium.
His music obsession sparked decades of collecting and cataloging thousands of records, CDs, and reel-to-reel tapes that he curated with care. In his later years, he returned to painting and sculpture, studying at the Kansas City Art Institute and creating work inspired by architecture, music, and the world around him. Once asked why he paints, he replied, “It’s not really a choice. It’s like breathing. When I stop breathing, I’ll stop painting.” He painted until the last two months of his life.
Brian lived a life defined by creativity, resilience, and love. His legacy endures in the buildings he shaped, the art he created, the music he cherished, and the family he adored.
Brian was preceded in death by his parents and siblings. He is survived by his wife, Sue Mosby; his children, Jill (Patrick) Firkins, Alison (Jeff) Vik, Adrienne Firkins, and Blake (Jennifer) Firkins; his grandchildren, Juston, Ella (Jadon), and Ava; and many nieces, nephews, and cousins.
A Celebration of Life is scheduled for 2:00 p.m. Saturday, September 19th, at Church of Resurrection, 5001 W. 137th Street, Kansas 66224, Building B, Wesley Chapel.
In lieu of flowers, the family suggests contributions to the American Cancer Society or the Kansas City Artists Coalition.
American Cancer Society Kansas City Artists Coalition
To view some of Brian’s artwork click here. Brian Firkins Gallery
