Brij Austin Spangler joined the Triangle Day School community in February 2020 during his Kindergarten year. He was the epitome of joy, kindness, resilience, compassion, intelligence, and fun. Brij loved everyone he met and was able to bring out the best in anyone. He, in turn, was loved by anyone who had the pleasure to meet and know him. His smile immediately made you feel better, and his laugh was more than infectious. Brij could not get enough of his friends and family and cared for them so deeply and fiercely. He also loved the beach, baseball, Harry Potter, Minecraft, pool shenanigans, and Nerf battles.
Brij consistently demonstrated the core values during his four years at TDS. During his months-long battle with colon cancer, he was a true warrior, demonstrating astounding resilience. Despite everything he endured, he remained kind, polite, well mannered, and continued to think of others first, an incredible testament to his character.
Brij passed away on July 14, 2024 at the age of nine years old. He will be missed and loved forever. His name and spirit live on, both in our hearts and in “The Brij,” the courtyard between the main and back buildings where Brij loved to hang out with his many friends.
To honor Brij’s memory and respect the wishes of his family, the TDS Board of Trustees established The Brij Spangler Memorial Scholarship Fund in August 2024. Proceeds from this endowed fund are used annually to provide financial assistance to students attending Triangle Day School.
