Brian Van Valkenburg

Brian Joseph Van Valkenburg, who spent the last 28 years fighting to overcome injuries sustained in a car accident, died July 6, 2017, in Billings. He was 60 years old.

Brian was born in Denver on Feb. 16, 1957, to Fred and Aileen Van Valkenburg. He and his family moved to Billings a few months later. Brian attended Eastern Montana College Elementary School, Lincoln Junior High and Billings Senior High, where he was a well-known student and talented quarterback for the Broncs. He earned a degree in business from the University of Montana in 1979 and went to work for First Bank System and later Hoiness-LaBar (now PayneWest) Insurance. Brian's love of sports in general and Grizzly football in particular continued to be a big part of his life to its end. He attended many a homecoming and loved to hunt, fish and watch football with his friends.

Brian married Gail Scilley in 1984 and they had two children, Paul and Matthew. In July 1989, while on a trip to Glacier Park, his family was broadsided in a car accident that left Brian seriously injured with a traumatic brain injury. From the day he emerged from a coma two months after the accident, he believed hard work and determination would lead to the restoration of his health. He achieved many of his goals, one of which was competing in the Bloomsday Run in Spokane, though his injuries had robbed him of his ability to walk steadily, much less run. The brain injury also affected his personality and he alternated between anger at his situation, acceptance and kindness. In addition, he had a very keen sense of humor and often used it to endear others to him. He continued a strong relationship with his sons into their adulthood, attended church twice a week for many years, and continued his strong interest in photography. His participation in sports was traded for a regimen of daily exercise.

Brian lived on his own for many years. He was able to drive a car and, later, ride a three-wheeled bike around Billings. Occasionally, he would have a disagreement with police officers about where and when he should be riding. Brian's easygoing attitude usually got him off because both he and the officers came to the realization he wasn't going to change his habits. Brian fought fiercely for his independence but conceded he couldn't safely live alone and so he spent most of the last five years at the Billings Health and Rehabilitation Center. As he aged, he came to accept life and its struggle as a challenge and he enjoyed the many visits, meals and short excursions out with friends and family.

Brian is survived by his sons, Paul (Elise) Van Valkenburg of Whitefish, Matt Van Valkenburg of Whitefish; their mother, Gail Surwill of Billings; his brother, Fred (Carol) Van Valkenburg of Missoula; sister Mary (Richard) Seitz of Helena; and brother Gerard (Holli) Van Valkenburg of Redmond, Washington; and a wonderful collection of nieces and nephews. Brian's family wants to particularly thank Jeff Allen, Dan Scilley, Perry Schaff, Leo O'Brien, Tony Seitz, Mike Day, Casey Lindsey, Mark Madding and Dr. Ed Malters for the support, help and friendship they provided to Brian over the years.

Brian's life will be celebrated at a Mass at St Patrick's Co-Cathedral in Billings on Wednesday, July 12, at noon.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be sent to Billings Clinic Foundation, PO Box 3101, Billings, MT 59107, designating the new brain injury rehabilitation center; or to a charity of one's choice.