Brian Lee

Great Falls/Hardy Creek – Brian Lee, 58, passed away Saturday April 28 in a car crash.  Brian was born May 5, 1959 to Ron and Leola Lee in Great Falls.  He was raised here in Great Falls and made it his home his entire life.  He attended local schools, and graduated from CMR in 1977.

He married Linda Matchett in 1978.  They had one son, Mark. They divorced in 1984, but have remained friends ever since.  In 1991 he married Lori Faulhaber.  They had two children together.   Daughter, Abie, and son, Tanner.  Lori and Brian also divorced but remained friends until the end.

He worked several jobs throughout his life.  He worked at Littles Lanes as a pin chaser, and later as a Manager.  Bowling was in his blood. He began bowling leagues at age 7.  He was most comfortable in a center doing what he loved, making many good friends along the way.  Brian was inducted to the GFUSBC Hall of Fame in 1997, an honor he deserved and greatly appreciated.  He shot several 300 games and 800 series.  He even won a few tournaments.  Brian worked and traveled with the Mastec Company.  This took him to Arizona, Utah, Minnesota, and North Dakota.  He later worked for Carps Drain Cleaning.  He was working for American Septic in the Dearborn area until his untimely death.

He was very proud of his children and followed them to all of their events.  When Abie played soccer, he was on the sidelines at every game.  When the boys played baseball or basketball, you would see Brian in the stands cheering them on.  He was proud to attend all of his children’s college graduations.  Brian was an avid supporter of the local baseball, basketball, and hockey organizations.   He was also a big fan of the Green Bay Packers and Minnesota Twins.   When he wasn’t at a sporting event or bowling alley, he was at the family cabin.  He would often live there during the summer.  He enjoyed playing lawn games there, and anyone was always welcome to stop by.   It was his own piece of heaven on Earth, and will be his final resting place.  Brian was also an avid hunter.  He enjoyed enduring the elements and rough terrain with family and friends in search of game.  

This father, brother, uncle, cousin, and friend was incredible.  He would often give his time to others, volunteering when needed.  Later in life, he found Faith in God.  This took him down a path that made him much stronger.  You could often find him at Victory Christian Church.  He would usher and help with the light show during the Christmas season. He would also pass out hot cocoa and popcorn.   He was always honored to help.   He will be dearly missed by everyone who was lucky enough to know and love him.  God obviously has a plan for Brian, guiding his path in a direction we will hopefully understand one day.  

Brian is survived by his son, Mark (Lois) Lee, and granddaughter, Shaciah, all of Bozeman.  Daughter, Abie (Vincent) Peltzer, and granddaughter Kamryn of Fairfield.  Son, Tanner Lee stationed at Ft. Benning, GA. Sisters; Pam (Fred) Bigelow, and Coleen Jackson (Bob,) both of Great Falls. Nieces; Krista (Kevin) Arntzen of Hilger, Lindsey Schabarker-Jackson (Johanna) of Great Falls, and Natalie Jackson (Ryan) of Rapid City, SD.  Nephews; Ryan Bigelow of Bozeman and Dylan Bigelow (whom they had a bond like no other) of Great Falls.  Also by two great nieces, a great nephew, aunts, uncle and many cousins.

He was proceeded in death by his parents, brother Wayne, maternal grandparents, paternal grandparents, and brother in law Ken Jackson.

Cremation has been entrusted to Croxford Funeral Home. Memorial service will be Saturday May 5, at 2:00pm at Victory Christian Church, 3220 11th Ave So, Great Falls, MT.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Brian Lee, please visit our floral store.