Brian was born December 21, 1960 to Albert and Louise Donnelly in Miles City, MT., where he was raised and graduated from Sacred Heart High School in 1979. He attended college at Wahpeton and Northern Montana College, studying Industrial Arts education.
He had a life-long love of cars, even taking apart engines (without permission!) at an early age. He had an inventive mind, building a go-kart and even a submarine out of scraps with childhood friends. This interest eventually led to him opening a collision repair shop for a short time in Miles City. He also enjoyed building his own hot rods, collecting cars and fine-tuning them.
With his enthusiastic and friendly nature, he enjoyed his long career as a home improvement salesman.
Most of all, Brian was a family man. His generosity and humorous outlook made him especially lovable. He devoted himself to helping others, and listened compassionately to all in need of a friend. His children will remember him as always striving to be the best father he could be. He was also said to be like a second father to family friends who had lost their own fathers at an early age, spending time with them and encouraging them with his words and example.
He is survived by his wife, Laura; his sons Andrew, Brian and Brandon; his mother Louise Donnelly; and his brothers Kevin, Conan, Daren and Sean.
He was preceded in death by his father Albert Donnelly; and his sisters Karen and Dianne Donnelly and brother Daniel Donnelly.
Visitation will begin on Sunday, March 18, 2012 at 1:00 p.m. at Stevenson & Sons Funeral Home. A vigil service will be held on Sunday at 7:00 p.m. at Stevenson & Sons Funeral Home in Miles City. Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Monday, March 19, 2012 at 10:00 a.m. at the Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Miles City. Rite of Committal will follow in the Calvary Cemetery. Condolences may be sent to the family by visiting: www.stevensonandsons.com.
Service Schedule
Vigil Service
19:00
Sunday March 18, 2012
Stevenson Funeral Home-Miles City
1717 Main Street
Miles City, MT 59301
Mass of Christian Burial
10:00
Monday March 19, 2012
Sacred Heart Catholic Church
520 North Montana
Miles City, MT 59301
Service Schedule
Vigil Service
19:00
Sunday March 18, 2012
Stevenson Funeral Home-Miles City
1717 Main Street
Miles City, MT 59301
Mass of Christian Burial
10:00
Monday March 19, 2012
Sacred Heart Catholic Church
520 North Montana
Miles City, MT 59301
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Clara Jo says
My thoughts and prayers are with you all at this time . God Bless
Patti (Terhaar) Jesso says
May Go be with the Donnelly family at this time of great loss.
Kathy(Terhaar) Doane says
May God surround the Donnelley family with His love during this very difficult time. My prayers and thoughts are going out to each and everyone of you.
Katherine Dunning Akiti says
Brian, I can’t imagine a greater sign of love and respect for a family member. You are extraordinary. Rest in peace.
Katherine Dunning Akiti says
Brian, I can’t imagine a greater sign of love and respect for a family member. You are extraordinary. Rest in peace.
Eileen Terhaar says
Words are hard at a time like this but please know you are all in my thoughts and prayers. I have many good memories from North Cottage and the Donnelly’s have always been a part of the Terhaar Neighborhood Family. God Bless you all during this very difficult time
Nancy Norsby says
To all the Donnelly family and especially to Sean and Brian’s wife and son: My heart is with you. Brian was a true hero. Many, many, people in Miles City are feeling crushed by this tragedy. You are in my thoughts and prayers. I wish you PEACE.
Casey & Lenny Joyce says
Dear Donnelly Family,
We send our heartfelt sympathy during this tragic time. In death there is certainly real pain and sorrow of physical separation. But it is equally true that our loved ones will remain with us. Dianne & Brian’s spiritual eyes are always watching us as they wait for the day when we (All) shall share in their perfect joy and eternal life in the name of Jesus Christ. A firm faith in the real and continual presence of our loved ones has brought the conviction and consolation that death has not destroyed them. Rather it has given Dianne & Brian life! In sympathy and love, Casey & Lenny Joyce
Marvin Nelson says
May God Bless you folks and help you through these painful times………..
Jeana Brock says
Truley a loving man. Sorry to hear of your loss. Many prayers are being said for the family. Sacred Heart classmate with Sean.
Gerry Bredberg says
We are so upset to hear about this awful tragedy, our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Jill Marquard says
Brian,
Thank you for trying to save Dianne. Your family are in my thoughts and prayers as they try to cope with your loss.
John Jackson says
There is no greater gift, no greater love than to lay down ones life for family or friend. There is a special place in Heaven for men like Brian. May God bless you and keep you.
jeffrey mitchell says
Brian was a was a good and true friend. he was always willing to lend a helping hand and always stayed in touch with friends. he loved his family and proved it in his actions thru out his life.he will be missed.
Monte & Leila Massar says
Kevin,Lori and Family,
We are so sorry for the tragedy and your loss of Brian. What a brave act of Love he exhibited. Our Thoughts and Prayers are with You.
Monte & Leila Massar
Penny Schmidt says
While I did not know Brian, I know he had to be the best brother ever. He was there for Dianne in life and now they are together for ever. God Bless your family and give them comfort.
Tom and Penny Schmidt
Patti (Green) Ireland says
I’m so sorry for your loss. I appreciate so much the love Brian and family showed toward my long-time friend, Dianne. It was lovely to spend time with you all at Dianne’s birthday in July, and to visit Dianne in your home. Thank you so much for your love for her. Once again, I’m so sorry for your loss.
Fred and DeeDee Isaacs says
Donnelly family we share in your sorrow and sadness.
Fred and DeeDee Isaacs
Ashland, MT
Betty O'Brien says
Again my special prayers and condolesence go out to the Donnelly family – such a tragic accident. May God welcome him and his sister into heaven. My prayers for all – so sorry.
James L. Arneson says
jeanie Elwood Sorensen says
I am so sorry for your family’s tragic loss. My thoughts and prayers go out to you.
Donna and Bob Riley, says
Dear Donnelly Family:
We are so saddened by your tragic loss. Our thoughts and prayers are certainly
of/and with you all. May
God be with you all, and
may His promise of eternal life be a comfort in the loss of your loved ones.
Bless you all.
The Riley’s
Patrick Joyce & family says
We send our prayers and our sympathy.
Terry and Deborah Hanson says
Words are so inadequate at a time like this. Just know our thoughts are with you.
Kathleen Niklas Herman says
Louise — I’m sure you remember my older sister and brother, Betty Sue and Don Niklas. (She died in 1968, he in 1991.) My twin sister, Maureen, sent me the link to the article about the fire in the MC Star. I’m so sorry to hear about this tragedy, and I want you to know you and your family are in my prayers.
Tim Niles says
My thoughts and prayers are with you, my family. No words can describe how sad this is. Please know that although thousands of miles have seperated me from my cousins most of my life I’ve always held the times I shared with them in my heart.
Tim
Ann Dyer says
I am so sorry for the loss of your son, brother and friend. You are in my prayers. Brian rests with his father & sisters; together they are happy.
Mark Hammond says
-Just found out by browsing the obits.Brian was my best friend from 1st grade till we were 20 years old. Miss him. Loved him a lot.Diane I was always wowed by.Her intelligence and her gentle nature-she always seemed so mature to me. Love all you Donnellys.Been blessed many times over to know you. God I got some stories. email me anytime if you want. Im sorry I didn’t know sooner.