Brian Richard Taylor

Brian Richard Taylor was born in Hamilton, MT to parents Mildred
and Courtney Taylor, Jr. His childhood was full of days spent running
and swimming at the lake, competing in a plethora of sporting events
and playing games that often involved a prank or two…always in good
spirits to make those around him laugh and smile.
Brian was an entrepreneur at heart starting at a very young age with
his first paper route where he went door to door with his dad delivering
newspapers. He played football, basketball and track throughout middle
school and high school and enjoyed sharing stories and reliving his
favorite moments he held so dear to his heart and could recall like they
were yesterday.
Brian earned his degree in construction engineering from Montana State
University where he participated in track and field and threw the javelin.
He met his wife Betty while in school. He kindly referred to himself as
her velcro buddy…the man who stood by her side, loved her dearly and
was unconditionally her partner in crime as they built their life together.
After graduating in 1978, they moved to Helena and he started a career
with Mountain Bell. He later became a State Farm Agent in 1984 and
moved to Plains, MT where he ran his own agency from 1986-2019.
Brian had a passion for building. His mind was often exploring plans
for a new project for the office, his home, cabin or one of his kids’ school
projects.
One of Brian’s greatest joys was coaching. It was in his blood and
harnessed his strong competitive spirit. He felt it was such a privilege to
help student athletes achieve their best personal record. It was also his
way of giving back to the community. Track seasons were such a happy
time and he was able to work with over 35 state competitors at the high
school level, four of which were state champions. Brian was humble and
never boastful when his athletes took the podium…it was a silent composed
feeling of pride that you could easily see bursting deep from his insides.

His legacy continues on with those he coached and now coach the art of
javelin.
Placid Lake was a destination of choice when it came to spending time
with friends and family. He grew up spending his summers there as
a boy and later had his own cabin. Countless hours were spent there
swimming, boating and enjoying the great outdoors.
Brian wasn’t one to miss a day of living life to the fullest…he was an early
riser who loved all things outdoors. He loved to travel and those who
knew him best were never surprised to be captured in one of his photos.
He enjoyed taking photos and took an uncountable amount throughout
his life. Making jokes and pulling pranks were a must with his quick wit
and humor. He was a man with big dreams and endless ideas. He was a
thrill seeker at heart and his adventures were not complete without some
kind of shock-factor for those who accompanied him. He wanted others to
feel the thrill and excitement of life. Friends and family often described
Brian as hard-working, knowledgeable and always up for a sports recap.
He was the solid rock everyone could count on.
He loved his family dearly spending time with his grandkids of which he
had 5: Maren (6), Bennett (3), Kohly (2), Holter (2), and Duke (7 months).
Brian (63) passed peacefully at Clark Fork Valley Hospital in his hometown
of Plains, MT surrounded by loved ones. He succumbed to
complications with a prolonged battle of an undiagnosed autoimmune
disease. His family will be forever grateful for the excellent medical care
he received in Missoula and in Plains.
Please send or share your Brian stories with the family. In lieu of flowers,
the family has set up an account at Plains Public Schools in honor of
Brian: P.O. Box 549 Plains, MT 59859.
Brian is survived by his mother Millie, wife Betty, daughter Courtney
Hanson (Clay) and and son Nick Taylor (Ashley) Brian’s Brothers:
Courtney Taylor III (Nedra), Rick Taylor (Kristin), Brian’s sisters:
Connie Harwood, Jean Brennan, and Kathy Troester. Betty’s brothers
and sister (Revier Family): Patsy Meredith (Stan), Gary (DeeDee), Larry
(Sandy), and John (Kim) Revier.

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