Brian Richard Belbeck
Brian Richard Belbeck
Brian Richard Belbeck passed away peacefully on January 27, 2017 from cancer at his home in Seattle with his wife Kathryn by his side and surrounded by family. He was 51.
Brian graduated from Ellensburg High School in 1983 in the top 10% of his class. Academic and athletic, he earned trips to State AA track meets in the 110m high hurdles and 300m low hurdles. He was infamously dubbed “Bill Beck” by an erroneous announcer at a track meet and this moniker followed him for many years. In his senior year he was voted Most Inspirational by his teammates.
He attended Central Washington University and later the University of Washington where he earned a Bachelors of Science degree (1988) and a Masters of Science degree (1994) in Aerospace, Aeronautical and Astronautical engineering. The fact that he worked full time while earning his undergraduate and masters degrees exemplifies his drive and work ethic.
Brian started his engineering career with General Dynamics and then Northrop Grumman before returning home to the Northwest and joining Kenworth in Seattle. He worked for Kenworth for 22 years, most recently as Assistant Chief Engineer. His contributions professionally to Kenworth were significant but it is Brian’s personality that will be most deeply missed by his Kenworth family.
Even though Brian had a strong work ethic and drive to succeed, he excelled at balancing work with family, friends and fun times. He loved watching his children grow and going to soccer games, swimming meets, and baseball games with them. He enjoyed spending time at his cabin in Cle Elum, riding motorcycles with friends, listening to music (favorites U2 and Coldplay), rooting for the UW Huskies (season ticket holder) and Seattle Seahawks. He also loved good wine (both red and white) and cats. Not many people knew he had a great singing voice. He was known for his sense of humor, his kindness and his superhuman positive attitude.
Brian and Kathryn
He was deeply loved and will be truly missed by his children Stephanie and Thomas, step daughters Laura and Kate, his wife Kathryn, mother Carolyn (Everett) Olson, father Gerald, and sister Kelle (Mark) Davis. He also leaves behind many aunts, uncles, cousins, step brothers, step sisters and step parents, as well numerous friends and his entire PACCAR/Kenworth family.
We are extremely grateful for the excellent care provided by JFS of Seattle—particularly care giver Marta Olivas, with whom Brian developed a close friendship. Marta’s infectious smile and laughter always brightened Brian’s day.
Join us in celebrating his life on Saturday, February 25, 2017 at 1:30 pm at the University of Washington’s Center for Urban Horticulture located at 3501 NE 41st Street in Seattle. This will be a casual gathering, full of fun stories—just as Brian would want.
In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to a scholarship endowment fund that has been set up in Brian’s name at the University of Washington. This annual scholarship will be awarded to an UW engineering student that exemplifies the drive and passion for life that Brian brought to the world. To donate to the Brian Richard Belbeck Endowed Student Support Fund follow this link https://www.washington.edu/giving/make-a-gift/?page=funds&source_typ=2&source=EDP to the University of Washington Make a Gift Site where the fund can be found by clicking “Search” under the “Find Funds” header and typing in Brian’s name.
Although his time was short, he touched the lives of many people and leaves all of us richer for knowing him.
11 Responses to “Brian Richard Belbeck”
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Brian made Kathryn so happy. Their love is a rare and beautiful one. Although I didn’t have the pleasure of knowing Brian long, it didn’t take any time to see what was most important to him…his children, his family and his wife. His courage and incredibly positive attitude, humor and warmth made me admire him so much. He will be so dearly missed and I’m grateful for the joy he brought my sister.
It says much about Brian that though I did not ever get to meet him he will forever be at the center of a passionate and mature love story for me. My cousin Kathryn chose to marry Brian at a time in life when both had had other families, a tender time when the disillusionment of past relationships had settled and true love had sprouted anew with more wisdom than ever before. It was a huge gift to have the short time with him that she did and that even in tragically losing him he gave her more love than she had believed was possible. What an amazing man!
Words are not enough to describe such a wonderful person. I miss you already Brian.
It has been several years since we have seen Brien. We both held him as a baby,we watched Brien get his balance walking. Mary was the gum lady to him. When the family moved to Seleck we were there to visit and play in the snow. When the family moved to Eastern Washington we visited often,even spending Thanks Giving with them. We saw the kids grow up to be great kids. Brien was always very quiet but had a sense of humor and twinkle in his eyes. God has a wonderful new Angel.
What a beautifully written description of Brian that so accurately captures his essence. Brian was a close friend of mine in college and we stayed in touch sporadically afterward. We had some good times and created memories that I will always treasure. Kathryn, I never had the pleasure of meeting you (hopefully will at the celebration), but I am deeply grateful to you for making my friend so happy at the end of his life. He really was one of the most positive, fun to be around people I’ve ever met and the world is a slightly darker place without him.
My thoughts and prayers go out to all of Brian’s family and especially his mother, Carolyn and his father, Gerald.
You well be missed.The LORD needs you. Blessed well be your work
Breaks my heart…a great friend in high school and so fondly remembered for his “superhuman positive attitude” – such appropriate wording! Life is not fair.
Almighty God, by the mystery of the Cross, you have made us strong. By the sacrament of resurrection, you have sealed us as your own. Regard kindly you servant Brian, now liberated from the bonds of mortality. Count him worthy among your saints in heaven. Amen
Lord, you are attentive to pleading voice of Katherine and all of Brian’s family, friends and associates. May they find in your Son Jesus comfort in their sorrow and courage to live through this difficult time. Make their faith strong. Amen
Brian may you rest in peace. To his family, may you feel the strength of God who will protect you always.
I came across this sad news by accident today. He had a heart of gold with a beautiful smile.
He truly leaves us all richer for knowing him… in Texas.
Prayers and blessings to his family.
Bob woke up yesterday morning thinking “I must call Belbeck.” He phoned the last number he had for you and it was no longer in service. He went online and found Brian’s obituary. What an ache in our hearts to find out about your loss. We know you’re surrounded by family and friends and that God is holding all of you close. Love and prayers to all of the Belbecks who are part of our precious memories.
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