Bernard John Brinkmann Jr.

Bernard (Barney) John Brinkmann Jr., 69, of Carmichael, Calif., passed away surrounded and supported by family on July 23, 2026, after a vibrant life and brave struggle with lung cancer. Barney leaves behind mourning loved ones around the globe.

Born on September 4, 1956, in St. Louis, Mo., Barney was the cherished firstborn son of Theresa Angelina (Garavaglia) Brinkmann and Bernard John Brinkmann Sr. and was proud of his Italian and German heritage.

He grew up in Crestwood, a suburb of St. Louis in a “Leave It to Beaver” neighborhood. During his childhood years, he and his buddies explored the nearby creek and played stickball until a mother’s voice punctuated the squeals of play that “dinner is ready.” His natural athletic gifts were evident as he played youth baseball and on the varsity football team. As an adult, his joy of fitness translated into time at the gym and, in the years leading up to retirement, Barney began a daily lunch break regimen of climbing 56 flights of stairs, meticulously tracking his daily progress and goals. Once retired, he maintained his fitness and was an ever-present runner in the neighborhood.

While growing up, family members often commented that Barney “always had his head in a book.” His curiosity fueled his drive to learn and meet others with openness. Throughout his adult years, he had at least five books “in progress” located throughout the house to ensure one was always within arm’s reach. His daughter-in-law recognized his depth of knowledge, including all things history and even the obscure, so when visiting exclaimed, “Barney, you’re going to be my phone-a-friend if I’m ever on a famous game show!” Unfortunately, that moment of stardom never arrived, but perhaps it’s only appropriate because Barney lived life with deep humility.

Barney graduated from Lindbergh High School and earned his bachelor’s degree in psychology from Northwest Missouri State University. He was active in the alumni association and proud of international student recruitment. After graduation, he joined AT&T as a cable splicer, moving quickly into management where he engineered and designed fiber-optic networks. He retired after 42 years of service and relocated to Sacramento with his wife Colleen Townsley Brinkmann.

Barney was deeply passionate about music. It didn’t take long for a new friend to learn that he was an avid Deadhead, cherishing the music of the Grateful Dead and the art they inspired. Barney connected with the music, lyrics and philosophy that permeated the Grateful Dead brand. He had thousands of tracks, memorabilia and a life-sized cardboard cutout of Jerry Garcia; visitors to his home were often offered the opportunity for a photo op with Garcia.

Many knew Barney as the “coolest guy who had a zest for life and the best t-shirt and sunglasses collections.” And for those who knew him well, they couldn’t help but know of his deep interest in science, skill in photography and care for the environment. His penchant for “living every day as a holiday” often prompted new traditions and partaking in amazing adventures such as attending a different Ivy League football game each year with friends and hosting annual “Grand Camp” for his grandchildren. Barney and Colleen were eager travelers, enjoying the European “Band of Brothers” tour, India (six times) and Japan. Other adventures included skydiving over Kauai, Hawaii, scuba diving in Tioman Island, viewing a full solar eclipse from the Pacific Ocean at the opening of the Panama Canal, whitewater rafting down the Colorado River, going on a Bike and Barge tour through Belgium, road trippin’ to small towns and local businesses off the California coastline and - closer to home - walking down the street for monthly Whiskey Club.

Diagnosed with lung cancer in June 2016 and again in January 2025, Barney became active with GO2 for Lung Cancer. He participated in annual events such as their 5K run/walks in Dallas, San Francisco and Sacramento. With his love for the Grateful Dead in mind, he named his 5K team the Cream Puff Warriors. Barney also served on the GO2 national advisory board and as a phone buddy helping others dealing with lung cancer.

Barney loved the commitment to community and social justice found at Saint Mark’s United Methodist Church in Sacramento. He served as an usher, played in the handbell choir and led a monthly online men’s coffee group.

Barney was a magnificent mentor, father and grandfather. He spent time coaching youth football and hockey and put academics over athletics, emphasizing sportsmanship and integrity. He was regularly sought out by his three children for life advice and honest feedback to support their personal and professional growth. When it came to his grandchildren, Barney discerned and embraced each child’s special passion, creating bonds that will persist.

Barney is survived by his beloved wife, best friend and true love, Colleen, and their blended family - son Dylan Patrick Brinkmann of St. Charles, Mo., stepson Robert Dale Hager of Sacramento, Calif. (wife Midori Sueoka Hager), stepdaughter Jessica Eileen Hager of Evanston, Ill. (wife The Rev. Brittany Cox), six grandchildren, brother James Michael Brinkmann of Festus, Mo. (wife Kathryn Lea Brinkmann) and cousin and honorary sister Linda Lee Brinkmann of St. Louis, Mo.

A private celebration of Barney’s life will be held in September. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations designated for patient care be made to GO2 for Lung Cancer https://events.go2.org/campaigns/In-Loving-Memory-of-Barney-Brinkmann

If Barney was with you now, he would remind you to “Keep on Truckin’” and offer some of his favorite music artists be added to your playlist: Grateful Dead, Ike Reilly, Warren Zevon, Wet Leg, Frank Zappa.