Brian Edward Brekke, 30

Brian Edward Brekke, 30, passed away Sunday, Dec. 7, 2008, in Tempe, Ariz. He was born Oct. 12, 1978, in Kalispell, the son of John and Nancy Brekke.

Brian's first years were spent in the Swan Valley before moving to the Wilderness Treatment Center. He attended Marion school through the eighth grade and then graduated from Flathead High School in 1996. Brian was very active in many sports and was a member of the Honor Society and was vice president of his class. He spent the next four years at Montana State University and joined the Lambda Chi Alpha fraternity, holding many leadership positions in this organization. Brian graduated with a psychology degree, which sealed his future in the "helping field."

Brian started his career as a wilderness instructor for Wilderness Treatment Center, where he would spend 100 days a year backpacking in the Bob Marshall Wilderness and winter skiing in the Badger Two Medicine while counseling at-risk youths on the joys of the outdoors and sobriety. He then became a licensed addiction counselor and continued working at Wilderness Treatment Center until 2004.

At age 26, Brian followed his dream and became a founding member of Sober College in Woodland Hills, Calif., and ultimately took the position as president. As that program became successful, he wanted to do more and this drive helped him to develop Sober College University, a school dedicated to helping at-risk youths build successful futures.

Brian's true passion beyond helping others included skydiving. He had more than 950 jumps and though the risk in this sport is great, and the potential for an accident is there, thankfully Brian passed peacefully in his sleep of natural causes after a weekend with his close friends in Phoenix.

Brian loved people more than anyone we ever knew and never met a stranger. He had unlimited energy, living every day to the fullest. Brian has many friends from all around the world and truly made a difference in the lives of everyone who were fortunate enough to know him. The outpouring of support from so many has shown us his true legacy as a special friend, son and brother.

We want to thank everyone for their love and support getting us through this most difficult time. He was taken from us much too soon and wanted to do so much more. Brian was treasured by all who knew him and touched the lives of so many young people through the continued love for his work. Our lives have been forever changed and our loss is beyond words.

Brian is survived by his parents, John and Nancy Brekke; his brothers, Matt and Robby; and his grandma, Barbara Fuller; and many aunts, uncles and cousins who will miss him dearly.

Funeral services will be held at 12:30 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 13, at Stillwater Free Lutheran Church. Graveside services will be afterward at C.E. Conrad Memorial Cemetery. A gathering of friends will be held from 2 to 4 p.m. at the Red Lion Hotel in Kalispell.

In lieu of flowers, please choose a charity of your choice or any organization that helps young people and will continue the work and passion of our beloved Brian.

Johnson-Gloschat Funeral Home and Crematory is caring for Brian's family. You are invited to go to www.jgfuneralhome.com to offer condolences and sign Brian's guest book.