Brian J. Simpson, 73

Brian Jefferson Simpson, 73, a man who lived an exceptional life, passed away peacefully on Monday, Aug. 20, 2018, after a long and valiant battle with cancer.

The son of Robert and Elizabeth Simpson, Brian was born in Los Angeles, Calif., on Jan. 8, 1945. He is survived by his wife, Melanie; his brother, Reed; sister-in-law, Carol; stepson, Matthew Yankee; nephew, David; David’s wife, Grace; nephew, Cory Cobb; and many great-nieces and nephews.

Brian received his undergraduate degree in business administration from Arizona State University in 1967, and then attended the University of San Diego School of Law, where he earned his law degree and graduated with honors. While there, he was a member of the Law Review and the school’s Moot Court Board and Team, and was selected as Outstanding Labor Law Student. He was also admitted to practice in the states of Idaho (2002) and Washington (2006), specializing in estate planning, real property, business, construction and litigation. Brian was an excellent litigator. He was known by colleagues as a true professional and a tough and zealous advocate for his clients.

Brian was a member of the National Guard for six years and was honorably discharged. He was an active Rotary member for many years and served a term as president of the Coeur d’Alene chapter. He was also an avid pilot and spent hundreds of hours in the air in his Cessna 182.

Brian had a diverse and remarkable life. He and his beloved wife, Melanie, experienced many memorable travels throughout the world. They shared a love of theater and often visited New York City to enjoy Broadway shows. His ready humor and captivating stories will be greatly missed by all that knew him.

A service honoring Brian’s life will be held at 1 p.m. on Tuesday, Aug. 28, 2018, at St. Luke’s Episcopal Church, 501 E. Wallace Ave., Coeur d’Alene, Idaho. In lieu of flowers or other acknowledgments, please consider a donation to the Multiple Myeloma Research Foundation, themmrf.org.

Lastly, his family wants to thank the caring staff at Kootenai Health ICU, his health care team and his many friends and associates who sent well wishes.

Care arrangements have been entrusted to Yates Funeral Homes, Coeur d’Alene. To leave a message for the family or share a personal story, visit Brian’s online guest book at www.yatesfuneralhomes.com.