Brian S Larson

Brian Larson, 57, of Missoula, passed away on Friday, June 8, 2018 at his home.

Brian was born November 23, 1960 in Spokane, Washington and raised in Great Falls by loving parents Roger and Marcia Larson, along with his brother, Gary.

Brian's childhood was full of adventures. He spent endless days exploring the Little Belt Mountains outside of Great Falls by riding horses and hiking. Hunting Camp became an annual festive event that became flavored with stories of snipe-hunting, pranks, and comradery. At the family cabin at Whitefish Lake, Brian spent his summers swimming and making memories with friends and family. The Bob Marshall Wilderness became a stomping ground for Brian as he took arduous trips on horseback for weeks at a time with family and close friends as he grew up.

After graduating from C.M. Russell High School in 1979, Brian moved to Missoula to begin his academic career at the University of Montana. While in college, he managed a clothing store—where he met his future wife of almost thirty-seven years.

On August 8, 1981 Brian and Kim married and settled in Missoula to begin their lives together. Soon enough, they were building a family and raising three strong, independent, and quick-witted children. Hoping to impart their love of the outdoors to their children, Brian and Kim purchased a cabin on Seeley Lake where it became a tradition to spend Fourth of July on the water watching the fireworks.

Brian worked hard to create a great life for his family. From managing clothing stores for Chess King Corp to selling advertising to radio stations, Brian and Kim took the next step and built their own business from the ground up: U.S. Male, a men's clothing store, and Service Express, a shipping business. Additionally, Brian served as the vice president of his family's business, International Air Cargo.

In 1989, Brian began his twenty-seven-year tenure with the University of Montana-Missoula College, where he was Program Director of Business Management. Due to his experience and teaching style, he moved up to the Department Chair of Business Technology and served as a Senator on Faculty Senate and Faculty Advisor U.C. Board.

As a brilliant and exciting educator, Brian's love of imparting his knowledge inspired many students to become entrepreneurs. His great sense of humor, down-to-earth demeanor, and unique teaching approach kept his students entertained and wanting more. His students had nothing but admiration and respect for him. He loved his teaching career and the lifelong friends and colleagues he made.

Above all, he loved his family. He was an incredible and giving father and husband. He was proud of his children and their accomplishments—and loved sharing their successes with others.

As a true "Montanan," he enjoying the outdoors and everything that came with it. From hunting, hiking, skiing, boating, snowmobiling—the family did everything together.

Brian is proceeded in death by his mother Marcia (Hanson) Larson and father Roger Larson.

Brian is survived by his wife Kim, and children Kelan (Leah), Shay (Gwendolyn), Bryden (David) and three grandchildren, Rylee, Witten, and Lachlan; brother Gary (Robin) Larson;
mother Toni Larson; sisters Heidi (Dave) Marto, and Heather (Matt) Hough.

Brian will be truly missed by his family and friends.