Brendan Thomas Gilchrist

Brendan Thomas Gilchrist, 29, of Topeka, passed away on Saturday, August 4, 2007. He was born on March 11, 1978 in Topeka, the son of James W. and Shirley A. Thornton Gilchrist. He attended Elmont Grade School through fifth grade, home schooled through high school, graduated from Kaw Area Technical School, and graduated with an Associate of Applied Science in Industrial Technology with departmental honors from Washburn University. Brendan became certified as an engineer at Midland Railway in Baldwin City, Kansas in 1997 and was active there as a volunteer. He also volunteered at Topeka Civic Theatre. He was also a volunteer working on the restoration of the train at the Expocentre. Brendan worked primarily as a stage manager at Topeka Performing Arts Center where he helped set up for various events as well as working the spotlight and sound board. He also did this at the Expocentre and at the Lied Center in Lawrence. Brendan was a member of Calvary Lutheran Church. Brendan was preceded in death by his grandparents Thomas and Grace Gilchrist and George Thornton. Brendan is survived by fiancee, Michelle Haas; his parents, Shirley and James Gilchrist; his grandmother, Marjorie Thornton; his sister, Erin Gilchrist; his brother Daniel Gilchrist; his godson, Kenneth Williams; several aunts, uncles, cousins; and many friends. Services will be held at 1:00 p.m. Wednesday at Penwell-Gabel Mid Town Chapel, 1321 S.W. 10th Ave. Burial will follow in Penwell-Gabel Cemetery. Brendan will lie in state after 2:00 p.m. Tuesday at Penwell-Gabel Mid Town Chapel where the family will receive friends from 7:00-8:30 p.m. Memorial contributions may be given to the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society, Attn. Kiki's Butterflies, 950 Isom Rd. No. 104, San Antonio, TX 78216.