Brian Eugene Walther

Brian Eugene Walther passed away peacefully in the presence of loved ones on April 26, 2024, in the city of his birth, Salem, Oregon. Born on October 18, 1961, to the late Laurel Lynn and Judy Ann Walther, he is survived by the love of his life and wife of 24 years, Michelle, her daughter Emily, mother-in-law Gladys Allen, and sister-in-law Debra Cooper. He is also survived by his sisters Patricia (Patty) White (husband John) and Kelly Shaner (husband Ron), brother Kevin (wife Roma Lee), and numerous nieces and nephews.
Brian lived a life of passion and showered it on those around him. He was a fiercely proud man and a protector of those he loved. If you were his friend, you were his friend for life. He would not forget you or the event or circumstance that brought you together. He was a very compassionate man with an amazing capacity to love.
Through the years, Brian owned numerous pets including dogs, cats, and birds. They brought as much joy to his life as he did theirs. His compassion for animals extended beyond the household evidenced by his hand feeding "Jasper" the hummingbird this winter when the bird feeders froze.
The man was an artist when cooking in the kitchen, grilling on the barbecue, and working with a meat smoker. Introducing someone to a new taste or texture brought him joy. If he ever grilled a steak, boiled up a fresh crab or smoked up a slab of pork for you, it was a meal you would not soon forget. If you were lucky, you got to enjoy his famous Apple Crisp!
"B-Dub" to his friends or "Jokester" to his nieces, Brian had an unquenchable thirst for life. There was not a prop he would not use in a picture or a prank he would not pull if he thought he could get away with it. He was the oldest kid at any State Fair he attended, and the neighborhood ice cream man knew him by name.
Brian's hobbies included following the New York Yankees religiously, NASCAR, chasing the elusive "good deal" at any store or garage sale he and Patty could find, staying at the beach or renting a cabin at Silver Creek Falls, deep sea fishing, attending concerts, and enjoying "retro" candy. Blessed with a green thumb, Brian enjoyed gardening. He was proud of his massive star gazers, numerous "peanut butter" trees, the super-secret patented berry vines he grew, and the excellent results that many years of landscaping projects have produced.
In remembrance of Brian, those of us who had the privilege and honor to share our life with him can be assured of two things: Brian's love for Michelle was unwavering, tender, deeply felt and unquestionable; and Brian's reunion with his mother and father brought him joy beyond our comprehension.