Brian Whitson

11/20/1955 - 01/08/2026

"Do not let your hearts be troubled. You believe in God; believe also in me.  For my father's house has many rooms; if that were not so, would I have told you that I am going to prepare a place for you?  And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and take you to be with me that you also may be where I am." – John 14:1-4
On January 8, 2026, Brian Norval Whitson accepted his savior's invitation to join him in his father's house in paradise after a two-year battle with cancer. Brian passed away in the company of family confident in the knowledge of his salvation.
Brian was born on November 20, 1955, in Detroit, Michigan to Donald and Beverly Whitson and graduated from Southfield Lathrup High School (class of 1973). He married Kimberly Buckthorpe Whitson on October 4, 1975, at Peace Lutheran Church. Brian and Kimberly were nearly inseparable throughout the 50 years of their marriage, and it was clear that Brian's greatest joy in life was being her husband.
In 1982, Brian and Kimberly founded Whitson Insulation Company of Grand Rapids where the pair worked side by side every day until Brian's passing. For over 45 years, Brian ensured that thousands of West Michigan residents stayed warm in their homes, schools, churches, and businesses.
In his down time, Brian could be found in the backyard playing with his dogs, washing his Corvette, sitting near the pool watching his grandchildren swim, or in the Muskegon river with friends as part of his annual float trip. In recent years, he could also be found walking along the shore of Lake Michigan near his RV in Whitehall. His favorite pastime, however, was simply enjoying a weekly dinner out and a movie with his wife.
Brian is survived by his wife, Kimberly; their three children and spouses: Courtney & Robert Vander Poppen, Jaymie & Jeff Prindiville, and Adam & Jennifer Whitson; and seven grandchildren (Morgan, Alexis, Carter, Brian, Connor, Rylann, and Caroline). He is also survived by his sisters, Gail Kassin, Denny Shull, and Dawn Lampe, and predeceased by his brother, Craig Whitson.
Services will be held at Ada Bible Church - East Paris Campus, 1640 East Paris Ave SE, Grand Rapids, MI 49546, on January 13, 2026: Visitation 9-11am, Service 11am-12pm, Celebration of Life 1-3pm – Thornapple Brewery, 6262 28th St SE, Grand Rapids, MI 49546. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to Resurrection Life Church (Kid's Camp and House of Hope).
"You know the way to the place where I am going."  - John 14:4