Brian Lee Havey

Brian L Havey, 68, of Payson, Arizona passed away peacefully in his sleep Saturday September 27, 2025, while at a gun show doing what he loved.
Born October 30, 1956, in Monticello, Indiana, he was the son of Charles and Shirley Havey. In the early 1960's their family moved to Phoenix, Arizona.
Brian was in the first graduating class in 1975 at Thunderbird High School, where he earned a football scholarship to NAU. Brian was our encyclopedia; there was really nothing he did not know. He spent everyday learning something new, he was a wonderful teacher and influencer. Since Brian was a little boy, he would take things apart to learn how they were built and how to fix them. Brian worked many different jobs throughout his time, from working at U Cross Ranch in Mayer, Arizona to AZ Game and Fish in Development, furthering his career in fisheries. His fisheries career moved him to Canyon Creek hatchery, where he met his wife Patrice who worked at the Steakhouse in the area. They were married on September 30, 1980. In 1981 they welcomed their first-born Caleb, sadly, Caleb passed away a short time after he was born. Shortly after, Brian and his wife moved to Gisela, Arizona. In 1986, they welcomed their second son (Matthew). In 1990 Brian went through the Payson Law Enforcement Training Academy to become a deputy sheriff. He spent 10 years as a deputy, which he furthered his career into being a detective for 7 years, and retiring as a Sergeant in the Roosevelt area for 9 years.
One of Brian's passions was firearms and teaching concealed carry classes. He began his Firearms business in 2005, in which he added to his business teaching concealed carry classes in 2014. Once he retired from Gila County Sheriff's office, he took it by storm and began teaching concealed carry classes (CCW) 1-2 times each month because he was passionate about others being knowledgeable, as well as selling firearms at gun shows all over the state of Arizona. Rim-Fire Guns will still be managed and operated by his son Matthew and daughter- in-law Samantha.
Survivors include son Matthew Havey (Samantha), beloved granddaughter Morgan and grandson Hayden of Payson, AZ. His brother John A. Havey of Oregon, Sister Emily J. Depugh (Bob) of Payson. Nieces and nephews, Melissa Westfall, Hannah Havey, Shawn Havey, Naomi Fogerty, and Nicole Depugh.
Celebration of Life: November 13, 2025, at Messinger Payson Funeral Home located at 901 S. Westerly Rd. Payson, Arizona 85541
A short service begins at 11:00 am followed by an open house until 3:00pm. Please help us celebrate Brian's life, share your memories and funny stories. If you prefer to write them, they will be read and added to a memory book. Refreshments and a dessert bar will be provided in the community room.