Brian Norman Kanof

Major Brian N.  Kanof (Ret) was born in Portsmouth, VA on May 18, 1949 to Elsie Rawlson and Irving Lee Kanof. He passed away on Sunday, June 21, 2026 surrounded by his loving family and friends, due to his battle with cancer. Brian moved to El Paso with his family upon his Father being stationed at Ft. Bliss in 1957 and then Rome, Italy in 1964. He graduated high school from the Overseas School of Rome and had an apprenticeship with famed Italian photographer Mal Ricotta. He enrolled at UTEP as a Journalism student in 1967, starting his 40+ year stint with UTEP as the Athletic Department’s photographer. He was also hired by the El Paso Times in 1969 and named Chief Photographer in 1970.

Brian left for graduate school in 1971 and earned his masters in journalism from Ball State University in 1972. Brian made his way through ROTC at UTEP, and was in the commissioning class of 1971. By the time the army was ready for Brian to go to active duty, he was commissioned in the signal Corp as an officer. Upon completion of Signal Officers Basic school, Brian was sent to Ft Hood, Texas. There he was a Public Affairs Officer, and later promoted to first lieutenant. Brian eventually joined the 12th Special Forces group in 1978 and went through Special Forces training, Airborne School, and became Airborne qualified. Brian served as a Green Beret with the 12th group for 7 years. Brian officially retired from the military in 1991 as a Major.

Returning from Indiana in 1974, he joined Mithoff Advertising as a photographer and public relations. In 1985 he established Brian Kanof Photography. Brian did freelance gigs including weddings, Bar and Bat Mitzvah’s, sports, commercial, concert etc. He was one of the very few remaining Ariel photographers in El Paso. Brian’s exceptional talent in photography landed him shoots with countless celebrities including Willie Nelson and Kinky Friedman, and many US presidents. He even turned down a gig with the Smithsonian magazine to stay in El Paso and take care of his family. Brian had a fierce love for his family; regularly making it a point to attend, and photograph family gatherings, and his grandkids’ sporting events.

Brian had an extensive photography career with the University of Texas at El Paso, where he was able to take the iconic photo of Don Haskins, and the championship team of 1966. Brian was later inducted into the UTEP and El Paso sports hall of fame.

Brian was an artist in every sense of the word. He crafted and created with his hands any chance he could get. He made fantastic lamps, glass pieces, and science fair projects aside from his beautiful photography.

Animals flocked to his side and he always had a heard of cats following him around. His combination of an artistic eye, and green thumb really made for some incredible projects. Especially with his courtyard and bonsai’s.

Brian is survived by his sister Debra, his wife Jacky, his daughter Lauren and son Stuart. His grand children and step grand children Jonas, Jaxon, Jaden, Tyson, Tre and Tatem. In death he joins his mother Elsie, his father Irving, his brother Stuart, his step daughter Eden, and his best buds Kinky and Jeff.

Brian was an incredible father, grandfather, brother, husband and friend. He was everyone’s biggest fan, and had so much to give. He will be incredibly and deeply cherished, and missed by many.

His service is on Friday June 26th at 9:30 am at the Temple Mt. Sinai Cemetery followed by a celebration of life at: All American Hall 2608 Fort Blvd. 79930

In lieu of flowers please consider making a donation to his favorite charities: Zia Equitreks and Echo Hill Ranch. gofundme: Zia Equitreks Brian Kanof Memorial. Cashapp: ZiaEquitreks

PayPal: Echo Hill INC

PayPal: Zia Equitreks

Checks can be mailed, please contact 915-539-4332.