Brian Todd Cummings, 63, left his family on September 28, 2025. He was born on March 19, 1962, at Cloquet Memorial Hospital to Gary Cummings and Jean Saylor (Lekander). He graduated from Barnum High School in 1980. After High School Brian moved thru life with graciousness, loyalty, a love of everything outdoors, dedicated to family and all whom meant something to him. He lived life fast never worrying about the stop signs. He stood up for those who were bullied. He was the first one to answer the call for help, giving of his time and talents as a craftsman. He had a “twinkle in his eye” indicating joy, amusement or often mischief. He was strong in his will to get up and get on even when his back injury said different. He asked for nothing and gave whatever he had. He made a living as a carpenter. He loved food and was an excellent cook specializing in taking a couple of items and turning them into an incredible meal feeding several. He taught himself to play guitar and even on the “bad” days he gave his all to bring music to those that could not get out. He helped his “meanest” sister in the whole world thru times of need. He always made sure that his mom knew he loved and cherished her.
Brians last days on earth will be remembered by those with him as powerful, strong, enduring, courageous, generous, helping those he was going to leave behind, the ability now and in the future to move forward as the soul crushing emptiness of life without him engulfs them. He was able to let us know that someday it will be bearable.
His children remember him as follows.
Kaysee Olson: Brian was an incredible father, teacher, outdoorsman, jokester, and grandpa. He often referred to himself “much to our amusement” as “the meanest grandpa of the world!” This never failed to make my daughters laugh. He lovingly gave them funny nickname’s and playfully called them “young men” instead of young ladies. He had tea parties ready for them when they were younger. He had a deep love for babies and children, and would light up with joyful, childlike laugh whenever he was around them. He taught me how to hunt, fish, gather, ride ATVs, shoot and drive. One of my fondest memories is riding with him through the woods and mud in the fall. I will always cherish the memories and the many funny stories we shared. He will be deeply and forever missed.
Joshua Cummings: You have been my hero and always will be. You and I are one energy. We still hold our vows to see each other again. You held true and showed me you had faith – something you knew was most important to me. True faith of knowing there is a Creator and trusting in God. You had three angels with you. You held no fear Father, with Great Honor. I am so proud of you and the way you handled this. The strength you held reassured me God has showed you the light before you where gone. I love you, Dad. I Glory the day I meet you again at Heavens Gates, along with the rest of my forefathers. Love your son Joshua.
Jerid LaChappelle: Brian wasn’t my biological parent, but that didn’t matter to either of us. We had a father-son bond like any other. He taught me how to fish and hunt and helped shape parts of the man that I am today. They say every man dies twice. First when you’re put in the ground, second when you’re forgotten. Dad will never be forgotten. He will live on in the hearts of his children and grandchildren whom he loved fiercely.
Brian was preceded in death by his brother Bret Cummings, two uncles: Randy Lekander and Clayton Lekander; two aunts: Ann (Lekander) Mix and Dana Sunnaborg. His maternal and paternal grandparents.
Brian was a son to Jean Saylor (Lekander) and Gary Cummings (Janie Cummings), brother to Bret Cummings, Kim Appicelli (Steve Appicelli), Jason Cummings (Gila) and Eric Cummings. Father to Kaysee Olson, Joshua Cummings and Jerid LaChappelle. Grandfather to Kloee, Kallee Olson and Lyum LaChappelle. He was an uncle to Justin, Jordan, Kyle and Anna, Great Uncle to Ronan, Noah and Zoey. Nephew to several and cousin to many. Dog “Dad” to a lot of lucky dogs, most recently Nyka and Soup Bone.
Private family graveside service will be held on October 18, 2025, at 11:30 am at Mount Salem Cemetery, Mahtowa.
Friends of Brian are asked to join the family with a Celebration of Life on October 18, 2025, at Salem Hall, Mahtowa at 12:30 pm.
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