KATY MAGAZINE NEWS
December 17, 2021
By Natalie Cook Clark
Commanding Officer of SEAL Team EIGHT Brian Bourgeois was killed earlier this month in a training exercise. Taylor High School educators mourn his loss and speak of his excellence.
Photo credit: US Navy
As the nation mourned the loss of the talented and respected Commanding Officer Brian Bourgeois, 43, the loss was felt in Katy and Taylor High School, where Commander Bourgeois was a graduate.
Remembered with Lasting Impression
“Brian was one the most outstanding young men to go through Taylor High School,” says former Taylor High School Associate Principal David Youngblood. “Brian was one of those that made a lasting impression on all who knew him.”
Taylor Mustang Football Player
Originally from Louisiana, the Bourgeois family moved to Katy, TX in time for Brian to become a star player on the Taylor High School football team. He was a defensive back, which he went on to continue to play at the Naval Academy.
“I had so much respect for him and not just as a football player but as a person,” says Bubba Fife, former Taylor High School head football coach and Katy ISD Administrator.
Coach Fife described Brian as being a very smart player, which is why he was such a good defensive at both Taylor and Navy.
“He was just an outstanding young man, true quality, leader, and excellent person in every way,” says Coach Fife. “It was a pleasure and honor for me to coach him.”
Coach Fife also got to coach Brian’s younger brother and got to know the Bourgeois family well describing them as being very supportive.
“He was a fierce competitor in the field who always gave it his all,” says Youngblood.
After leading the Mustangs to much football success, Commander Brian Bourgeois graduated in 1997 and attended the United States Naval Academy.
United States Naval Academy Graduate
He graduated in 2001 from the United States Naval Academy and was commissioned into the Navy and Naval Special Warfare, where he served for over 20 years.
Commander Bourgeois also received a master's degree in Defense Analysis from the Naval Postgraduate School and received the Pat Tillman Leadership Award for his class.
At the time of his death, he was the Commanding Officer of SEAL Team EIGHT. The team was running a training operation in Norfolk, Virginia when Commander Bourgeois was fatally injured.
Survived by Wife and 5 Children
Commander Bourgeois is survived by his wife, Megan Hafner Bourgeois; his children Barrett Michael, Allee Marie, Piper Lee, Callen Patrick, and Jonathan Sebastian.
A service was held this week and he was buried at the United States Naval Academy Cemetery in Annapolis, Md.
“I was watching Fox News when his Naval picture came up on the screen talking about his death and I am still in shock,” says Coach Fife. “I thought so highly of him. He served his country well and needs to be honored in every way possible.”
“He was dynamic and professional in every way,” says Coach Fife. “He was just a complete and great man.”
Help Pay Off Family Home
The Tunnel to Towers Foundation announced this week that they hope to raise enough money by Christmas to pay off the Bourgeois’ home.
The Tunnel to Towers Foundation was founded to honor the legacy of New York Firefighter Stephen Siller, who was killed in the September 11 terrorist attacks. For 20 years, the foundation has worked to support first responders, veterans and Gold Star families.
Anyone can contribute online.
“His tragic passing is a loss for everyone,” says Youngblood. “My heart goes out to his wife and family. America has lost a great patriot.”