Brian Lee Winters, 45

Brian Lee Winters, 45, of Columbia Falls passed away Sept. 22, 2013. He was born in Walla Walla, Wash., to Ray D. and Beverly Winters on Jan. 16, 1968.

He was a loving son, father, brother, uncle and best friend. As a graduate from Toledo High School in Washington, Brian excelled as an athlete in both football and baseball. He enjoyed playing golf with his son and loved the outdoors, camping, hunting, fishing and working as a logger in Montana, Washington and Alaska.

Walking his life of sobriety (1,000-plus days), he was a speaker and sponsor for both the NA and AA throughout the state of Montana, telling his story and how he overcame his addictions. 

"If I help one person, I've done my job, and I am doing it with God," he would always say.

Brian was preceded in death by his parents, Ray D. and Beverly Winters; sister, Kathleen Bailey; and nephew, Adam Smith.

Brian is survived by his son, Brandon Winters; brothers, Jess Winters, Casey Winters and Keldy Winters; sisters, Marsha Gallow, Ashley Winters, Denee Tomi, Renee Fraser and Mary Kae Mings; significant other, Beth Hegel; 14 nieces and six nephews; and 34 great-nieces and -nephews.

A celebration of life for Brian will be held at 2 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 9, at Calvary Lutheran Church, 2200 U.S. 2 E., in Kalispell. Please join us for coffee, cake and memories.