Brian Harpster

1961 - 2025

Born in 1961, Brian Lee Harpster grew up in Center County, Pennsylvania, the youngest son of James and Patricia (Myers) Harpster. They lived as a family in the old Victorian home on West Pine Grove Road. Brian was known for creating fun and mischief, hunting, and fishing with his brothers (William Harpster and Lewis Harpster), cousins, and friends.



Brian became serious about his education at Penn State University, where it became clear that his passion centered on protecting and preserving public lands. Although his career transitioned to safeguarding individuals, Brian's avocation remained steadfast in protecting the natural environment.



Brian exhibited unwavering integrity in all facets of his life, both public and private. He was dedicated to personal growth and self-improvement, driven by a compassionate spirit to assist those in need and foster meaningful connections with all he encountered.



In Northern Virginia, Brian joined the Loudoun County Sheriff's Department and married Dawn Meyers. Together, they raised Audra (Burton) and Anna (Dowdell) on a small farm with many bonfires, animals, and softball games. Brian was proud to serve his Northern Virginia community through law enforcement, reaching the rank of Captain and spearheading the county's first forensic laboratory.



A lover of nature, national parks, and land preservation, Brian applied his passion toward his grandparents' wooded property, which he named Millstone. There, he bonded with friends, children, trees, and mule deer. Brian created games and contests on a whim, and through these, he mentored young men and challenged his male friends while they fished, hunted, hiked, and renovated his camp.



Later in life, Brian married Alyson Flynn. They met on a walking trail in Austin, TX. Together, they moved to New Mexico, where he spent more time exploring nature with his pugs, hunting, improving their home, and sweeping pine needles from the pool deck.



Brian was the glue that held his family together. He adored his daughters and was so proud of them up to the last days of his life. He supported their education, sports, marriages, and families. Brian enthusiastically welcomed his sons-in-law (Luke Burton and Michael Dowdell) and stepsons (Carter Stanislaw and Noah Stanislaw) into his life. He encouraged their development as men, husbands, and fathers. Brian's heart burst at the birth of his grandchildren, Serena May Dowdell, Cove Patefield Dowdell, and Fynn Lee Dowdell. Brian created strong bonds with his extended families, always remaining in contact with elderly aunts, uncles, and the parents of his friends in Central Pennsylvania.



With great humility and acceptance on September 30, 2025, Brian succumbed to stomach cancer despite his enormous love of life and the exceptional skill and care of the medical professionals at Mayo Clinic (Phoenix). He leaves a large void in our lives and one last challenge-to embrace every moment with gratitude and a humble compassion for others.



A celebration of life and potluck dinner will be held Saturday, May 16, 2026, at 4 pm at 131 Jack Straw Rd, Julian, PA 16844.