Brian Allen Simonseth, 55, resident of Stanwood, Washington passed away peacefully on Wednesday January 11th after a long and extended illness.

Brian was born in Mount Vernon, Washington on August 28th, 1961 to Norman and Irene Simonseth, the youngest of 3 boys and proud Norwegian. Brian attended school in the Mount Vernon School District up through the 8th grade, before moving with his parents to Gustine, California, graduating from Gustine High School in 1979. While in high school Brian participated in football and tennis, making first team all conference in doubles tennis. At the same time Brian worked full time during his high school years at Pea Soup Anderson along I-5 near Gustine during the evenings and weekends, eventually becoming manager.

In 1980 Brian moved back to the state of Washington with his parents, first living in Edmonds, before moving permanently to Stanwood in 1985. Brian was a machinist by trade, working for an industrial company in the Mukelteo area making parts for the Boeing company. Brian could fix and repair almost anything, always tearing apart items to restore or repair. Helping family and friends was a strength that you could always count on without question, always there to give a helping hand when needed.

Brian was a sports fan and outdoorsman. When Brian got involved in any activity he was 100% totally in and involved. He loved to fish, play golf, and attend the University of Washington football games with his brothers and friends, being a season ticket holder and loyal fan. Steelhead fishing on both the upper and lower Skagit river, as well as fly fishing in all parts of the northwest region was his true love in life. Brian was active in preserving and protecting the natural habitat for the native salmon spawning and waterways of the Skagit river, taking on the role of president of the northwest steelheaders association, making several trips to Olympia to fight the cause. He was also an expert at making fly fishing ties, in which he would practically give them away to friends who also enjoyed the sport. Brian enjoyed golf, playing in different leagues in Skagit county, as well as traveling throughout the state playing various courses, along with participating in tournaments in the area and British Columbia. Brian always had the finest equipment and clubs, along with the perfect attitude for the game, the perfect compliment for anyone that was paired up with him, a down to earth fun loving guy full of laughter and stories.

In the early 90's Brian took up photography and the love for sprint car racing. His pictures became well known and appreciated by many in the area, always with his camera taking several pictures of family and recreational events. His picture collection is a treasure chest full of a variety events and activities. His love for sprint car racing at both the Deming and Skagit Speedway, as well as speedways throughout west coast was second to none. Brian made many new friends and soon became part of what is known as a member of the Sprint Car racing family during his many hours taking pictures and spending time at the racetracks.

Brian is survived by his mother Irene Simonseth, brothers Mike (Sue), Tom (Rose), special nieces in his life, Kristen (Cory), Medeiros, Megan Simonseth (Cody Lovejoy), and Marga (Todd), Ellis. His love for his great nieces and nephews was second to none, which includes Lauren, Maya, Cole, Spencer, Logan, and Ava. Brian was preceded in death by his father, Norman, in 2011

Donations may be made to any organization involved in preserving the steelhead and waterways of the Skagit river, Deming speedway, or a charity of your choice in helping others. Brian will be missed by all, a kind hearted man who left us to soon, but finished taking the checkered flag.
Memorial Service will be held 11:00 A.M. Saturday, January 28, 2017 at Our Saviour's Lutheran Church, Stanwood.
Arrangements under the direction of Gilbertson Funeral Home, Stanwood