August 4, 1951 – January 17, 2005
This evening brought the tragic news of the loss of a wonderful uncle. Brian was a midwestern dairy farmer with a love for life, and a a devotion to family. He took over the family farm, handed down to him by my Grandfather, and loved living off the land. My fondest memories of him are when he’d take me around the place while out doing chores, or send me on the four wheeler to feed the calves that he kept at the other farm (he bought the estate of my great-grandmother, just up the road, and kept many of the cows not old enough to produce there). He’d have us over every fall to go deer hunting. He loved deer hunting so much, his world stopped for four days every November to entertain buck-fever.
Brian always had such love for his family, immediate and extended. We could always count on him to be there for any family event. In fact, the last time I saw him was just a few weeks ago as he came to share in the joy of my wedding, despite the horrible weather that kept nearly a third of our invited guests away. The last time I saw him was on the way out of the hotel the next morning. My wife and I were trying to leave unnoticed, and when I saw Brian near the door, I shielded his view of me with my tuxedo, wrapped and ready to be returned to the rental shop. I got the chuckle out of him that I was looking for.
Brian was killed in a farm accident. He left the world doing what he loved. He is survived by his wife, one son, and one daughter.
It’s so hard to find words. I have such fond memories of such a great uncle. I’ll miss him dearly.
UPDATE: There was a small blurb today (Tuesday, Jan. 18th) in the Minneapolis Star Tribune about Brian’s death.
I’m so sorry for your loss. I’ll pray for you and your family.
Wow!!! This was not what I expected when I found your blog.
I’m so sorry to read about your unexpected loss.
Your uncle sounds like a wonderful person.
My prayers are with you and your family.
You are probably asking yourself, “Who IS this person?”
I have recently discovered the world of blogging and the jury is still out for me if blogging is something for me or not. Thus far, I have only been reading a number of blogs – this is my first response to a blog entry.
Anyway, on the way home from work last night, I realized that all of the blogs I read are (for the obvious reasons) by urban dwellers.
That got me to thinking – “What would the blog of a farmer be like”? How would a blog by a farmer be similar to an urban dweller? How would it be different?
So, last night and this morning I have done a number of searches for a blog by a farmer (my image of this person was someone very similar to your uncle).
My search for “farmer” in the blog search engine pointed me to your blog – among others.
That brings me to my question : Do you know of any blogs written by a farmer??
If you do, please point me to them.
Thank you for your assistance.
And again, I am so sorry about the loss of your uncle. My condolences and prayers are extended to you and your family.
Inez
I’m very sorry, brother. My sincerest condolences.
It’s good to know that Brian is in the presence of our Savior, rejoicing.
Making some of the rounds when I came across the post about your uncle. I’m very sorry for your loss. Sounds like he was and is a great man. Peace and blessings.
David Price
espresso roast