Brian Kleinjans, 74

Brian Kleinjans, 74, of Liberty Lake, Wash., passed away, with his kids by his side, on Feb. 8, 2022, after a short and unexpected illness.

Brian was born April 23, 1947, in Holland, Mich., to Everett and Edith Kleinjans. After spending his youth in Japan, he later graduated from Holland High School (Michigan) in 1965. He then headed to Downers Grove, Ill., where he earned a bachelor’s degree from George Williams College. After several decades in Michigan and Indiana, Brian and his family eventually settled in North Idaho and Eastern Washington, where he spent his last 27 years.

His life was spent raising a family, working, primarily in office furniture and chauffeuring his kids to swim meets, where his booming voice (“GOTTA GOOOO!”) was recognizable to anyone on the pool deck. “Poppop,” as his grandkids called him, was also famous for his corny “Brian Jokes” and sociable demeanor. He enjoyed sailing, photography, dogs, summertime day-trips in his convertible and rarely passed on an opportunity to cheer on his grandchildren at sporting events.

He will be missed by all who have known him.

Per his wishes, life celebrations will be held in his honor. The first in Liberty Lake, Wash., in March 2022 and another in Holland, Mich., in July 2022.

An online condolence registry is available at www.holycrossofspokane.org He’d appreciate something lighthearted and funny.