Peter Bryson Brazier passed away early last Sunday morning June 8, 2014. He left this world the same way he lived in it… peacefully. His last moments were comforted by his best friend and companion of more than 30 years; Gloria Doyle.
Pete was born in Helena, MT on November 2, 1928; the first of two sons to Paul and Helen Brazier. Born at the onset of the Great Depression, Pete and his brother Jeff spent their formative years playing and seeking adventure in the wilderness surrounding Helena.
Pete, like many of the Greatest Generation, raised his hand when volunteers were sought to face enemies overseas. He left for Navy Boot Camp the day after graduating from Helena High School, and before reaching his 18th birthday.
Upon returning from service, Pete attended the University of Montana where he attained a Bachelor of Arts degree and became a member of the Phi Delta Theta fraternity.
After leaving Missoula, Pete spent a few years in the Billings area doing chart reproduction work before returning to Helena where he would live out the remainder of his days.
Pete spent the better part of 40 years working for the State Nursery and could always be seen driving around the city of Helena, in his blue van, delivering flowers and good cheer to thousands of Helenians.
Pete was an active member of the Algeria Shrine Temple, the Shriners, and Jester’s Court #5. He spent more than 6 decades enjoying the camaraderie and mirth of his fellow Shriners.
In 1983, the Doyle family took Pete into their hearts and home. Gloria Doyle and Pete remained inseparable until his passing. Gloria provided great comfort to Pete, especially in the years when Pete’s health started to deteriorate.
Pete had many other families: Wilderness Wanderers, Tenderfoot Gang, State Nursery Crew, O’Toole’s Bunch, Jorgie’s Crew, and the Raccoon Club… All Pete’s families and friends are invited to join the Braziers and Doyles in celebrating Pete’s life with a “light-hearted” farewell at 4:00 p.m., Tuesday July 8th, 2014 at Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home followed by a “parting glass” at Nickels.
Pete was preceded in death by his brother Jeff, his father Paul, and his mother Helen. His is survived by us all… and if you listen close, you might hear him singing… “Enjoy yourself! It’s later than you think…..”
Please visit below to offer a condolence to the family or to share a memory of Pete.
Pam Brown says
Dear Family & Close Friends ~
Oh, Pete, you were the life of the party and always had a great smile! I remember Charlie and I covering for you, delivering flowers, while you attended many Shrine events. You always made sure everyone had a good time and the flowers and plants you delivered brightened someone’s day!
You will be greatly missed and memories galore! You have left many friends who dearly loved you! May you rest in Peace, my Friend. It was a pleasure working with you for so many years — we all had a great time!
May God Bless,
Pam & Charlie Brown
Helena, MT
Allen Stenhjem Family says
“If thers something you want me to remember…….forget it”as Padro Pete would say,Pete has moved from the LOWER CONDO to the UPPER CONDO, the Tenderfoot won.t
be the same. God Bless
Judy and Fred Bakke says
Good bye Pete Brazier, the greatest flower delivery man of all time, we will miss you and never forget you. You made your statement here on earth, now you can go have a short one with all your passed buddies.. God bless you, When people think of you they will smile. have a toast for Pete.
proul family says
to our friend Pete..though we met later in life you will always have a piece of our hearts.. from the many flower deliveries to your fun presence at raccoon club! u will never be forgotten and our thoughts and prayers go to Gloria and the rest of his family…may he rest in peace.
Tom Naegele says
Pete was a Spirit of Helena kind of guy. He always called me…Little Naegele. Pete picked folks up by being kind & considerate and sharing himself. Heaven will be that much better with Pete Brazier there. God Bless you, Pete.
Ed and Eleanor Price says
My Dear Friend Pete. We shall always cherish our time together from the U of Montana to rooming together in Billings, where I met Eleanor many years ago and have been married 59years.
NOEL dear Friend
Bob Gilbert says
Pete, was my buddy and Jester friend. If it weren’t for Pete I would never have attended the many Jester functions we went too. You always out lasted me at these functions and much Pfun was had by all. Always on a mission Pete now moves to another place to continue his “mission work.”
You and Gloria were special to me and we enjoyed many a dinner at Glorias house/kitchen.
Many memories to cherish, and sympathies to Pete’s family—thanks Brad for all you did for Pete.
Margo Hoare says
Pete you were part of our State Nursery history that was a filled with a lot of good times, good memories. I am glad to have known you and wish you Happy Trails as you deliver flowers in heaven to all our friends who beat you there. Gloria I never had the privilege of meeting you but I am so sorry for your loss. God bless.
Evy Burris Sass says
Dearist Pete, In the theater of our minds, we see you in the State Nursery Van, driving, delivering & discussing Helena current events. We remember Pete enjoying the many gatherings at Tomcheck’s canyon ferry home, all Pete’s good times with his many friends, his buddy Bommer, enjoying his glorious years with his “Gloria” in beautiful, comfortable surroundings. What a sweet spirt, never a unkind word, always positive, so many admirable traits. We will all miss you Pete. Love, Evy & Judy Smith.
Marsha King says
Sweet Pete I already miss you terribly. Thanks for all the wonderful memories my friend. Our trip to Missoula a couple of years ago when Gloria was in the hospital and you still knew the menu by heart back from your College Days. All the wonderful meals with you and Gloria in Gloria’s kitchen. Of course there was the glass of wine or two and the beers together and I will always remember the toast (I’ll drink to that). You were so funny and always smiling. I so remember you at Nickels as you called it The Nickelodian just watching people with a big grin on your face. You are in such a beautiful place surronded by friends, famiy and the Lord. My thoughts and prayers go out to Gloria and the Family. Thank You Brad, Tom, And a big Thank you to Gloria for taking such good care of Pete and for the companioship he shared with Gloria all these years. We were all blessed to have Pete as a part of our life and just for all times sake Pete I’LL DRINK TO THAT. Rest in peace my sweet Pete until we meet again
Marsha King
Larry Sem says
I didn’t know you for a long time…just a very, very good time. I will forever remember that constant smile and your incredible easy-going personality. You taught me so much, without even knowing it. I will miss you, as will so many of those you touched. RIP Pete. You’re in a better place now, with (I’m sure) a never ending supply of candy. And I’ll DRINK TO THAT!