Sad day for Union County cyclists

A nice gesture to reach out to the family would be for the cyclists to ride by and leave flowers on Cuthbertson Road at the site where Brian met fate.

Another nice gesture will be to post happy stories about Brian, or simply leave note cards at the site for the family to read.

We at WCNC Channel 6 in Charlotte were very saddened about the news of Mr. Rau. We understand he was very well liked by many. If there’s anyone who would like to speak about him please feel free to contact us. We are trying to locate a picture of Mr. Rau to use for coverage as well. Also If anyone has concerns over the safety of bicyclists on the road or anything else we would be interested to hear them.
Again we truly sorry
Contact: 704-329-3600
email: assignmentdesk@wcnc.com

I was Brian’s neighbor in Sun Prairie, WI before he and the family moved to Waxhaw. When Brian and Amy acquired their beagle, they had an invisible fence installed and merged into ours so that our dogs could play with one another. I’d like to share a couple memories of interactions with Brian.

First, he had become quite the cyclist prior to moving. I remember him taking off on a 30 mile loop almost every day after work weather permitting. One of the last times I spoke to him was while he was on his bike. Having lived in Matthews myself, I believe the last time I saw him was when we were discussing the pros and cons of the Charlotte area.

Brian kept a meticulous yard and I always felt the urge to try and keep up. I’d try to mow my lawn before him just to have a few hours of victory in the freshly mowed lawn category. One day when Brian was mowing between our houses, he took a break to talk to my daughter who was 3 at the time. She had apparently heard one of us imitating Austin Powers. I don’t remember what Brian asked her through the window, but her response was, “Yeah, Baby.” He was quite amused.

I remember another time when I was on my way out to a softball game and Brian was working on the roof of their house. He had gotten into a compromising position and I was recruited to lean out one of their daughter’s bedroom windows and assist him in his triumphant return to solid ground.

I was able to watch a couple Super Bowls with Brian, shared a few cookouts and often had chats outside after work. We watched each others pets and just before they moved their oldest daughter would watch out two younger children.

I hope Amy and the girls know that we’ve missed them since they left and we have nothing but fond memories of the 3 years we spent together as neighbors on Arrowhead Circle in Sun Prairie, WI. Although we haven’t done a good job of staying in touch, I did consider Brian a friend and hope he felt the same.

You are all in our prayers.
Matt Flowers

Here is the obituary for Brian from the Charlotte Observer.
The funeral service will be at 3 PM today (01-30) at Weddington United Methodist Church.

Brian Charles Rau
WAXHAW — Mr. Rau, age 46, died Sunday, January 27 while cycling. Memorial services in celebration of his life will be held Wednesday, January 30, at 3:00 p.m. at the Weddington United Methodist Church.
He was born October 9, 1961 in Michigan. While attending Michigan State he met the love of his life Amy Grant Rau. Their marriage produced two daughters whom he adored, Jessica and Ashley. Brian is also survived by his mother Edith Rau, and siblings; Lorna Durand, Pat “Jensen” Rau, Randy Rau and Julie West. He was predeceased by his father Marvin Rau and his brother, Harlan.
Brian was a graduate of Michigan State University and received his MBA from the University of Iowa. He was a dedicated employee of Jacobsen where he served as the Director of Financial Planning and Analysis. Brian’s gifts to the world were his sense of humor and his integrity. He loved spending time with his girls and was an involved father and husband. He spent his free time bicycling, woodworking, reading, playing soccer and watching hockey. He had also completed several triathlons and the MS Bike Tour to Myrtle Beach.
Memorials in memory of Brian could be made to Habitat for Humanity or the MS Foundation.
Arrangements for the family are in the care of Heritage Funeral & Cremation Service, Matthews / Weddington Chapel. An online guest book is available at http://www.heritagefuneral.net.
Published in the Charlotte Observer on 1/30/2008.

Brian Rau and I worked together for quite a few years in Wisconsin. He had a terrific sense of humor. Many days we would take a walk during our lunch break for exercise. We would have long conversations about most anything; but more often than not it was about family. I remember one time we were walking together and saw a home that had a group of kid out on the porch. As we approached, the kids all ran in the house. Based on some of their comments, they thought we were Jehovah’s Witnesses coming to speak with them, (we typically had shirts and ties on, and so I understand their confusion). The two of us could not stop laughing because of the look on their faces.

Brian was a movie buff; he could not wait for Lord of the Rings to come out. His comment was, finally they have the technology to make this film right. I loved his stories about sports in college. Brian was always good for saying a little more than he should about things that happen to him in his life, which would give you ammunition to tease him about it. But he could dish it out as well as he could take it.

Brian was a dear friend. My life is richer because of the influence he had. I know for certain his family was his biggest joy in life. My prayers are with Amy and the girls. In this time of need, may the Lord be with you and strengthen you.

I also worked with Brian Rau when he was CFO for Arrowhead Systems located in Wisconsin. Brian’s integrity and professionalism were always appreciated as he helped keep the company on track. He also had that mischevious smile that let you know there was a whole other side to him! It was a big loss for Arrowhead Systems when he decided to leave for North Carolina but we were all happy for his advancement.

My sincere sympathies to the Rau family for your loss. Take comfort in knowing what a positive impact Brian had on those around him.

My husband, John, and I both worked with Brian when he was in WI. He was always so helpful. My heart broke for his family when John told me what happened to Brian.

I remember his smirk as he would stroll down the hall…..I always wondered what was running thru that mind! LOL! George, I’m surprised that he didn’t go knock on that door and pretend to be a Jehovah’s Witness! I could just imagine the story that Brian would spin to those kids!

Amy & girls, so many people are thinking about you and praying for your family. Brian touched so many lives and we all have wonderful memories of him.

I cannot thank you enough for the kind words and support that our family has felt during this most difficult time. It has been one solid month. The outpouring of love and support has been incredible. Thank you one and all. Your prayers mean so very much to us. They sustain us and lift us up.
Brian was or rather IS our hero. We have been blessed to have him a part of our lives. He is the role model father that others should aspire to be. Although we selfishly would rather have been able to have him with us soooo much longer to hold onto, give love to, to laugh with and to cry with…we KNOW beyond a shadow of doubt that we are blessed and are watched over now even more that before. Our Brian is just the man that others speak of…full of stories, full of jokes, personable, compassionate and the integrity that was rock solid. Which in this day and age is pretty awesome for a finance man. He was part of the Promise Keepers when they were active, active in fund raising and building homes for Promise Keepers, did mini-triathalons when in WI to fund raise $$ for various organizations. He did these because they were challenging and because HE could unlike those stricken with the disease. It was his way of giving back to society. His way of making a difference in our world. Once moving to NC he found a niche in cycling. He did the MS ride to Mrytle Beach or its equivalent. He was an avid and safe cyclist. He added accents of color and color music to my world. We were and still are an awesome family because of him. He is a lucky man to be in Heaven and we are blessed because we have intimately known him and have been molded by his actions and his deeds. Miss you…Love you…Godspeed, I will listen for you in the whisper of the wind. Love, Your Soul Mate and Wife.
When the time is right, I am more than willing to speak on behalf of cyclist and their safety. It would be an honor to do so. It would be the very least I could do for a man who gave so very much!