Brian Coleman died at Benefis Hospital in Great Falls, Montana on January 31, 2013, after a three year battle with a cerebral aneurysm.
Brian was born in Rochester, MN, son of Evelyn and Donald Coleman and attended Queen of Angels grade school and Pacelli High School in Austin, MN.; graduating in 1968.
Brian graduated from Austin Community College and Mankato State College with degrees in Accounting. Brian worked at Hormel Company and Shell Oil before starting a 17 year career as a financial analyst at IBM in Rochester, MN.
Brian moved to Helena in 1996 with his high school classmate and life partner, Sheila Cotter. Brian opened “Farmer’s On the Gulch”, an insurance and investment business, which enabled Brian to become very active in the Helena community and brought him many trusted friends and colleagues.
Brian is survived by Sheila Cotter, his partner of 20 years, sisters Jean (Wes) Halvorson, Marcia (Lee) Warnke, Carol (John) Whortenbury and brother Bruce (Terry) Coleman and their children and grand-children.
At Brian’s request, cremation has taken place. A celebration of Brian’s life for clients and friends will take place at 4:00 p.m. Tuesday, February 5, 2103 at Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home, 375 N. Montana Ave. A reception will immediately follow in the social hall of the funeral home. A private family ceremony will be held in Minnesota in the spring. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Brian’s name to the Hospice of St Peter’s Hospital in care of St. Peter’s Hospital Foundation, 2475 Broadway, Helena, MT 59601.
Service Schedule
Celebration of His Life
4:00 p.m.
Tuesday February 5, 2013
Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home
3750 N. Montana Ave
Helena, MT 59602
Reception
Following the Celebration of His Life
Tuesday February 5, 2013
Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home
3750 N. Montana Ave
Helena, MT 59602
Service Schedule
Celebration of His Life
4:00 p.m.
Tuesday February 5, 2013
Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home
3750 N. Montana Ave
Helena, MT 59602
Reception
Following the Celebration of His Life
Tuesday February 5, 2013
Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home
3750 N. Montana Ave
Helena, MT 59602
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Joni Rohloff says
Condolences to his family. I was fortunate and proud to have worked with Brian as a producer in his agency. I will miss him VERY much.
Dan Chamberlin & Lori Hampa-Chamberlin says
Shelia,
So, so sorry for your loss of Brian. Such a sad awakening upon reading the paper this morning. I remember the day on the walking mall when he told us about his medical scare. He said he was so glad to be alive and was making changes.
Shelia, for us Brian was always cheerful and a joy to be around. Jolly and crochety at the same time (so funny) we truly enjoyed his company. We are deeply saddened and will miss him.
Sheila, Dan here. I didn’t know Brian was having problems again. If there is anything I can do to help please just call.
I am so sad. He was my friend. We didn’t spend a lot of time together but whenever we were together we understood each other. I was always comfortable around Brian, and he made me laugh. I will miss him.
John and Sherri Staats says
John & I recently signed on with Brian as our agent. I am blessed that we did. What a wonderful man. He not only treated you as a “valued client” but as a “friend” who looked out for for your best interest. He had a wondeful sense of humor. His loss is going to be felt by so many people. Our love and prayers go out to his family and friends. Thank you Brian for all that your did for us in the short time we knew you. We will miss you VERY MUCH! God’s speed.
Stacy Anderson says
Sheila,
So sorry for your loss. You are in my thoughts and prayers.
Nate and Stacy Anderson
Sue Lane says
So sorry of hearing of Brian’s passing. He has been my insurance agent for the last 12 years and I am sure he will be missed by all. He was always such a personable guy ! Hope his family will just know he is now healthy and happy……..
Sue Lane
Lee Guay says
Sheila,
I always considered Brian a friend. I really enjoyed the times we worked together. I will miss him. Please know that you are in my thoughts and prayers.
Dennis & Darlene Abeyta says
We were shocked to hear the news of Brian passing. He was always friendly, knew his stuff on insurance and made time to call us on any new changes. I saw Brian at the Brewer’s game. We stopped and chatted. I am so sorry and thinking of his family and friends. Especially, Sheila, whom I’ve never met but I care for those hurting. God Bless.
angel brown says
Iam in shock and a loss for words Brian was my agent for a few years and was very honest and kind great sense of humor and friendship we shared im very sorry and Brian you are remembered!!!!
Kelsey Bell says
Deepest condolences to Brian’s family and friends. May your memories comfort you in this time of sadness and for years to come. He has been my insurance agent for nearly 15 years. He was wonderful to my family and I throughout the years and always watched out for us. I think my fondest memory of him was, at age 19, when I backed into my dad’s truck….he took the time to talk to me while I was crying and let me know there were worse things and we’d figure it out. Rest in peace, Brian. We will miss you.
Brent Kautz says
Sheila,
Very sorry to hear about the loss of Brian. I enjoyed working with him over the last year. I enjoyed going into his office to bs with BC and Larry.
Brent Kautz
Kim and Bill Susag says
Our deepest condolences. Brian was our insurance agent for years. He was professional, compassionate and thorough – he always returned our calls and treated us with respect and concern. We will miss him. He was a good man. Rest in peace, Brian; you will be missed by all who knew you.
Cindy Eggert says
We will so miss Brian at our UFAA convention. He always had a swift smile and a kind word. I enjoyed talking with him, enjoying his humor and intelligence. He was generous, and reading these other messages obviously a great, caring agent. No doubt he will be missed.
David and Tammy Buyok says
Sheila – We we so saddened to hear of Brian’s passing. I wish we were still in Helena to support and help during this time. I remember putting up the deck and Lisa and Rune Strom’s and Brian came out and helped (ha!). We laughed and laughed! Any many, many “events” where he always came to support St. Peter’s! Please know you are in our thoughts!
Kevin & LeAnn Donovan says
Sheila. Our thoughts and prayers are with you today. I’m sorry we can’t get there till Thursday but I know your strong and Cara will help you to get through. Our favorite quote at times like this is from Mother Teresa. “I know God won’t give me anything I can’t handle, I just wish He did’t trust me so much. See you Thursday, Love Kevin & LeAnn
Laurie McGrath says
Brian was a wonderful, caring man and an outstanding insurance agent and friend. He will be missed enormously. Sheila, Billy and I are so sorry for your great loss, may you be comforted with beautiful memories.
Billy and Laurie McGrath
Mark Bauman says
I was saddened to hear that Brian passed away recently. I knew him in Rochester, MN, when he worked for IBM. He was a great guy and will be missed. Sheila, I am praying for you during this sad and difficult time. Take care of yourself.
Sincerely,
Mark Bauman
Dick and Jill Lueck says
We are saddened to hear that Brian passed away. I had the pleasure of working with Brian for most of his 17 years at IBM. He worked hard and played hard! Our thoughts and prayers are with his loved ones. Our deepest condolences and may Brian rest in peace!
Kim & Daryl Evenson says
Always hard when we lose a family member & our very, special, people. We wish we could have been there today Sheila. We are thinking of you & wishing you strength. Prayers always.
Love, Kim & Daryl.
Dennis and Connie Sorrels says
Sheila, We are so sorry to hear about Brian. We were aware of his illness, but it was a shock to see it. We saw him at Poppa Murphy’s a few weeks ago & he looked so good. Our deepest condolences.
Kelly Marshall says
Dear Sheila,
Thinking of you today, and remembering Brian as a wonderful person, we will miss him.
We love you,
Kelly, Karissa, & Ciara Marshall.
Sherry Liikala says
To Coleman’s family and friends: Over ten years ago after moving to Montana, I walked unknown and unannounced into Brian’s office and said “if you don’t screw this interview up, you’ll get to be my insurance agent.” Not only did he earn the business but became a valued friend. He always called me by my last name, but said it like the commercial for the cough drop Ricola, so I would always call him by his last name with an exclamation point on it. When I learned of his passing I felt an immediate and profound void – a space that only he occupied is now vacant except for my memories of him. He was positive, energetic, funny, straightforward, professional, engaging, and so much more. I always felt he had my back, my best interests at heart. As all of you do too, I miss him so very much but am forever grateful to have been a small part of his world. Sherry Liikala
Ro o sorry ose Marie Donovan says
Sheila, we are thinking of you at this sad time. Hopefully the memorial service will go
well. S
Rose Marie Donovan says
Sheila, we are thinking of you at this sad time. Hopefully the memorial service will go
well. So sorry that Brian’s life has ended, and I will always remember him.
Love,
Mother & Maureen.
(Previous post went on it’s own, sorry)
Cindy (Overocker) Severson says
I was saddened to hear of Brian’s passing. I lived next door to Brian growing up but have lost track of him over the years. I remember all of the times playing outside in the neighborhood and his band in high school. My mom, Helen, mentioned how she remembered him always swinging in the backyard. Please accept our sincere sympathy.
Cindy Severson
carole renville apold says
Sheila,I never really knew Brian,but remember him from high school. Please know that you are in thoughts and prayers.
Larry Deyo says
I was sorry to hear of the death of Brian. although he was a good deal older than I, he treated me with respect and friendship. That left a lasting impression on me, To Carol, Jean, Marcia and Bruce, my sincerest condolences.
Brian and Angela Drent says
Sheila,
We are so very sorry for your loss. Please know that our thoughts and prayers are with you during this very difficult time. Hugs, Brian and Angela
Carol and Dennis/Townsend Flooring says
Sheila…Brian was our go to insurance guy when we moved back from out of state and started our own business. He was very professional…and informative…and funny. I am so sorry for your loss. I considered him a friend.
irene simmons says
My husband marched with Brian in the St. Paul Scouts Drum & Bugle Corp. Brian stayed with his family for part of the summer during the competition months. He has fond memories of traveling and marching with Brian in the Scouts. He will not be forgotten by his friends from the Corps. We would like to express our deepest condolences to his family.
Rune Strom says
It was sad news to hear Brian is gone and we will all miss him. Brian walked the extra mile to include you in his circle of friends. He was funny and giving and never pretentious. Brian was Brian, a true gem that makes me smile whenever I think of him and a person we will all dearly miss. I will never forget the day at one of the many St Pete’s banquets when out of the blue he told me, “you know, Sheila is the best part of my life”.
I am so sorry for your loss.
Kara Stanger says
I am sorry to hear of the loss of Brian. He was a great agent and I enjoyed going into his office and have chats with him about life. He will be missed!!
My deepest condolences to his family
Kara
Dee Stofko says
I am so sorry about the passing of Brian. He was so cheerful and loved to talk!!!! He took care of my store for several years and was wonderful to work with.
Mike and Lita "Penny" Jenkins says
We are in shock. April 7 and we just learn Brian is gone. Got mail yesterday saying our new agent. And I am like why, what is going on. Then this morning I google Brian and read Jan 31, and I say no, no way. I just don’t know what to say or how to accept. But nothing to say but what a super person. If it is ok to meet a new insurance person, and say I just love him, well that is how I felt. He was always glad you called, answered everything to my level so I could better understand. So sorry to all the family and also so Rosie and Joni. And I don’t know of Shelia, but also to you. I always ask about the pets and talked when 2 were gone, and remember when Bogey joined the family. Our deepest sympathy to you all. Another so young and gone.
David Schulz says
Brian and I were in class together at Queen of Angels, also some high school classes at Pacelli. I didn’t know Brian well in school, but I recognized that he had a dynamic personality. I recall during Sex Ed class in 8th grade, Brian must have smiled at the wrong time, and the instructor of the class, Fr. Trocinski grabbed him by the front of his collar and literally picked Brian up out of his desk! HAD to have scared him! After graduation, I got to work with Brian at Breeze Mileage, we had a good, and fun relationship! He’s one that I’d always wished our paths would cross again. I just thought of something from the past I knew he would have the answer to- Google brought me to his obituary. Peace to you, Brian- I won’t tell if you don’t tell!