Brian was born Aug. 21, 1953, in Bellingham, Wash., to Shirley and Dixie Daniels. He loved growing up "in the woods" in Deming, Wash., and always had a special place in his heart for western Washington. He attended school there and graduated from Mt. Bake High School in 1971.

He then attended Pacific Lutheran University, where he met and married Cindy Wyberg. They had five children and were later divorced.

Brian worked as a carpenter and general contractor for over twenty years. This experience played out especially well as he became involved with Habitat for Humanity through the Thrivent Builds program, volunteering many, many hours pounding nails. He also served on the Habitat Board and served as president. Habitat for Humanity and Thrivent Builds were very dear to him. In 2009, Brian went to El Salvador on a build and that was a very moving experience for him.

Deciding that a career change was calling him, he attended Western Washington University and completed his degree. He then attended Luther Seminary and was ordained as a Lutheran pastor and served congregations in Washington state.

Another career change led him to Thrivent and to Idaho Falls and marriage to Joleen. He believed in Thrivent, loved the relationships he made with his Thrivent colleagues and with the Thrivent members; they were an integral part of his life these last eight years, he felt truly blessed.

Another connection that he felt truly blessed by was with the Idaho Falls Symphony, where he met another set of wonderful people. He so enjoyed attending the symphony performances and also served on the board. Brian was also a member of the Exchange Club, NAIFA and his dearly loved church, First Evangelical Lutheran Church. Many thanks to his pastor and friend, Larry Cudmore.

Brian was diagnosed with stage four glioblastoma (brain cancer) Nov. 30, 2013. After almost a year of surgeries, infections, chemo, radiation and much more, he is finally at peace. The family would especially like to thank: Dr. Brad Adams, Michael Parsons and their staff at Teton Cancer Institute; Dr. Brent Greenwald and his staff; Dr. Richard Nathan and his staff; Dr. McAlistar and his staff at EIRMC Radiation; and so many nurses and staff at EIRMC and Hospice of Eastern Idaho for their special care of Brian. It made such a difference in his journey!

Brian adored his children and grandchildren and was never happier than when he was with them. He also enjoyed almost anything outdoors, including fly fishing, hunting, gardening and he loved to cook and feed people!

He is survived by his wife, Joleen; children, Kristy (Esau) of Seattle, Jo (Jesus) of Nantucket, Mass., Russell of Bellingham, Wash., and Connie (Sharma) of Boise; two grandchildren, Cory and Derek Partida of Nantucket; his parents, Shirley and Dixie Daniels of Bellingham, Wash.; siblings, Dan (Andrea) Daniels of Bellingham, Hugh (Ruth) Daniels of Lacey, Wash., Cindy Daniels of Chehalis, Wash., and Jim Daniels of Bellingham; brothers and sisters-in-law, Jana (Mike) Livingston of Othello, Wash., Jason (Wendy) Thompson of Mukitelo, Wash., Jim Thompson of Spokane, Wash., and Jerry (Debbie) Thompson of Deer Park, Wash.; and numerous nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by a daughter, Cindy.

Memorial services will be held at 2 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 29, at First Lutheran Church, 455 W. Sunnyside Road in Idaho Falls, with Pastor Larry Cudmore officiating and at 11 a.m. Saturday, Nov. 1, at Edison Lutheran Church, 14201 Church Road in Bow, Wash., with Pastor Larry Olsen officiating. Local arrangements are under the direction of Buck-Miller-Hann Funeral Home in Idaho Falls.

Online condolences for the family may be left at www.buckmillerhann.com.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggest memorials be given to any of the following places Brian loved: First Evangelical Lutheran Church; Habitat for Humanity in Idaho Falls, www.idahofallshabitat.org; the Idaho Falls Symphony, www.idahofallssymphony.com; or the Church of Steadfast Love, 77 S. Washington, Seattle, WA 98104.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Post Register from Oct. 28 to Oct. 29, 2014.

Memories and Condolences
for Brian Daniels

Sponsored by Buck-Murphy Funeral Home & Cremation Services (formerly Buck Miller Hann).

22 Entries

Kiara

February 13, 2024

I miss you everyday uncle Brian. I wish you were still here to give me advice, I love you
Love your niece Kiara

Cory Partida

March 9, 2018

He was one of the greatest men I have ever known, an excellent role model, a great friend, and an amazing grandfather we are blessed to have had known him for as long as we did.

Becky Howry

November 27, 2014

Words can not express my sorrow. I have a lot of fond memories of growing up with Brian and the big family dinners we would have during the holidays. Some how the loss of our mother Brian's grandmother has pulled us apart. It does not take away that we all were a part of his life. I remember how proud is Grandma Barry was when he was ordained. Please remember that though we are apart that I feel the sorrow of his loss also and know that words can not express what you are going through.
You will be missed Brian.
Your Aunt Becky

Nancy & Jim Thorsen

November 14, 2014

Brian's passing has given God another Angel in heaven to look after his flock. Brian's generosity with Habitat, the Symphony, and his church were legend. It was such a pleasure to have known him and worked with him on Habitat. I am sorry we were out of town and unable to attend his funeral. Brian will be missed by so many people. Jo and family, our prayers are with you. God bless you all.

Lisa Lanphear

November 4, 2014

Dear Daniels family - I am so sorry to hear of your loss. May the wonderful memories keep you smiling as you go through this difficult time. Lisa Lanphear - OP Thrivent

November 4, 2014

Dear Jo & Family,
I'm so sorry for your loss. Brian was our Thrivent Financial adviser but he was also a wonderful friend to Jerry & me. My thoughts and prayers are with you all.
Jeri Wilkinson

Brenda Lubbers

November 3, 2014

My prayers and thoughts are with you. Sorry to hear about the loss; he sounded like a wonder individual. -Brenda, OP at Thrivent

Joe Kelly

November 2, 2014

Very sorry for your loss. I was related to Brian on my Father's side.

Alvina Olstead

November 1, 2014

Dear Daniels family, Halvar and I are in shock as we read this news. Our prayers are will all of you during this time of loss and sorrow. We remember his service to the church. Tomorrow on All Saints Sunday we will remember he has joined the Saints sourrounding God with praise and thank. Olsteads

Halvar Olstead

November 1, 2014

We now Ive in Montana so we were very surprised to happen to check the paper. HE was a friend when we lived in Everson and did some work for us. His was such a nice family

Rosalyn Strand

October 31, 2014

Brian and I met at Vacation Bible School at Immanuel Lutheran Church, Lawrence, WA in June of 1965. We'd just moved from Montana and as a 12 year old, both Brian and his brother, Dan, helped make me feel at home. (Dan took us to a summer Bellingham Theater Guild production.). Brian and I experienced Sunday School, junior and senior high school, confirmation, and Luther League together, staying in touch periodically at our various colleges.

We had a long, wonderful conversation three years ago prior to our 40 year high school reunion. Brian was so at peace and happy at that time; I'm glad to have known him and witnessed his happiness.

My heart goes out to the entire family at this time of loss of your beloved husband, father, son, brother, and friend. Carry him in your heart as he looks out for all of you from heaven. God bless you.

Jesse & Sara Galbraith

October 31, 2014

Our thoughts and prayers are with you during this time of your loss; we pray that our heavenly Father will wrap you all in His arms. We both went to high school with Brian.

Kathleen Elsner

October 30, 2014

My prayers for peace and healing to the entire Daniels family.

Fred Bengen

October 30, 2014

I went to school with Brian from 1st grade through graduation from high school. When I heard that Brian went into the ministry I wanted to talk with him. Now that conversation will wait until we meet again in Glory. May you experience the comfort from the Comforter through your sorrow and loss.

Debbi Daniels

October 30, 2014

Joleen, I am so very sorry to hear this. I loved Brian so much, he helped me through tough times and listened to my 'debates'. Love you, stay strong.

Eddie B

October 30, 2014

May the memories of Brian, your loved one bring the family peace and comfort.

Emily Bowcutt

October 29, 2014

Prayers being said for his family to find peace and understanding during this time. I always enjoyed talking with Brian when he would come in to my place of employment. He will be truly missed by all who had the pleasure of knowing him!

October 29, 2014

Brian was my Thrivent agent but he became our dear friend. We will miss our long phone conversations from Texas. We are so glad that we got to see and visit him this last summer. God needed another angel in heaven. Sending our love and condolences to his family.
Ron & Diane Bircher

David Schexnayder

October 28, 2014

You are all in my thoughts and prayers during this time, and your pain is my pain.

October 28, 2014

To the family of Brian I express my condolences and my respect for this good man.I have a couple of memories of Brian that I want to share. Brian, you always speak your mind, even if what you have to say is not exactly what the listener wanted to hear. Most of the time your comments are right on target. If someone disagrees with your remark, you listen to what they have to say, but it better be good before you will change your opinion. You have an open sense of humor. Once I asked you if you would feel comfortable saying the opening prayer and blessing on the food at our NAIFA meeting. You said "Of course", like that should have been totally obvious. You were not afraid to own your beliefs and let them be known.
Thanks for your example!
Roscoe Orton

October 28, 2014

Jo and family, my heartfelt condolences go out to you and your family. Brian was a wonderful man. I send you love. Dianna Johnston

Nate Esplin

October 28, 2014

Joleen, very sorry about the loss of one very incredible and inspirational man. Glad I got to talk to him one more time before his passing. You are in my thoughts and prayers, and don't hesitate to call or stop by if there's anything we can do to help at the Cancer Center. God bless.
Nate

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