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PostPosted: Sat Dec 14, 2024 10:14 am 
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Joined: Fri Feb 20, 2004 5:30 pm
Posts: 4401
Location: MI
Our great friend and LTW plank holder, Tim “CT” Brian, passed away November 22, 2024. Tim’s participation in LTW went beyond just doing the work. He was an “ideas man” and motivator for the rest of us.

I proudly claim Tim as part of my inspiration to do 1911 work outside of just for myself. It was the mid 80’s when I first met him at the Second Chance shoot (now The Pin Shoot). Tim had a display of his work, as did Cylinder & Slide and Austin Behlert. For the young me, meeting these guys was like walking onto the pages of a gun magazine. Tim was most kind and patient with my questions and comments, and although we were practically the same age, I looked up to Tim after that first encounter.

Incidentally, it was at that match, in 1987, that Tim first met his wife Susan, who had come from Colorado to Michigan to compete.

When we met again many years later, as LTW coalesced, it was a huge honor for me to be a part of something so worthwhile, and to become a partner with Tim and some of my other 1911 'smithing heroes.

You didn’t hear of Tim’s passing first at LTW because we purposely held off mention to give the family some space. Susan wanted to have time to reach out to customers whose work was in progress or in the queue, to assure them that they would be taken care of and to discuss the disposition of their projects.

Polite, humble, and gracious, yes, but Tim did not shrink from voicing his opinion, discussing things in a matter-of-fact way when it really mattered. He will be sorely missed by family, friends, associates, customers, and the 1911 world as a whole.

Tim's obituary is copied below.
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Tim Brian, affectionately known as CT, passed away peacefully on November 22, 2024, in Boise, Idaho. Born on December 30, 1955, in Springfield, Missouri, Tim lived a life marked by service, love, and passion.

Tim proudly served in the United States Air Force, dedicating himself to his country with honor and integrity. His commitment to service was a testament to his character, reflecting the values he held dear throughout his life.
A man of many interests, Tim was an avid golfer and reader, pursuits that brought him joy and fulfillment. He found solace in the great outdoors, often spending time immersed in nature's beauty. These passions were a reflection of his vibrant spirit and zest for life.

Tim took great joy and pride in his work as a Master Custom Pistolsmith, however he was always very humble about his craft. Tim's work has been enjoyed by many and his memory will live on through his craftsmanship and artistry. Tim was one of the founding members of LTW (Louder Than Words), which is a collection of pistolsmiths who donated their work to create custom pistols that were auctioned off for various charities. During their active time, they donated over $500,000 to various charities, such as Ted Nugent's Camp for Kids, Hunting for Heros, Cops for Kids/POSA, americansnipers.org, Naval Special Warfare Foundation, Navy SEALS Foundation, and Kara's Hope.

Tim's greatest devotion was to his family. He is survived by his beloved wife, Susan, and his cherished daughter, Christine. His love for them was boundless, and he was known for his unwavering dedication to their happiness and well-being. Tim's kindness and generosity touched the lives of many, leaving a lasting impact on all who knew him.

Throughout his life, Tim was celebrated for his warmth and compassion. His legacy is one of love, kindness, and a deep appreciation for the simple joys of life. He will be remembered fondly by his family and friends, who will carry his memory in their hearts forever.

In honoring Tim's life, we celebrate a man who lived with purpose and grace, leaving behind a legacy of love and cherished memories. He will be deeply missed but never forgotten.


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PostPosted: Sat Dec 14, 2024 12:38 pm 
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Joined: Sat Oct 05, 2013 7:39 pm
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A bit of a gut punch when I read this news this morning. Although I did not know Tim well I was fortunate enough to have him build one of his masterpieces for me a few years back. He was always upbeat when I communicated with him whether it was via email or on the phone. The 1911 community has surely been diminished. May Tim, his family and all that knew him find peace at this time. 🙏🏻


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PostPosted: Sat Dec 14, 2024 7:32 pm 
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Joined: Wed Jan 02, 2008 5:25 pm
Posts: 45
So sorry to hear about Tim. I had admired his work here on LTW for years, then progressed from emailing him to calling him to finally visiting him when the wife and I were out in AZ on vacation. And ordered a "fishing gun", that Tim wrote about here in LTW, some eight years ago. https://forum.ltwguns.com/viewtopic.php?f=6&t=9832

It still resides in my safe, and still goes fishing with me!

Thoughts to Susan, who not only took the photos in the above thread, but sent me a framed photo of the pistol.


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PostPosted: Sat Dec 14, 2024 8:55 pm 
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Joined: Thu Mar 04, 2004 4:56 pm
Posts: 1419
Location: Mesa, AZ
My deepest sympathies to Susan. RIP Tim.

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PostPosted: Tue Dec 17, 2024 5:54 am 
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Joined: Wed Aug 04, 2004 2:53 pm
Posts: 252
Location: Fate, Texas
I have followed Tim here pretty much since I joined. I was actually surprised to meet him at one of the SHOT shows several years back, we talked about some of the pistols he had worked on that were posted here and other places. I really think his Chopper's were the idea carry pistol. Prayers for Susan and the family as they navigate these times.

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PostPosted: Tue Dec 17, 2024 8:22 am 
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Joined: Thu May 15, 2014 11:44 pm
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I didn't know Tim well but whenever we did interact he was always extremely nice and always willing to give sound thoughts.
Gone to soon.... Rest easy.


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PostPosted: Fri Dec 20, 2024 8:36 am 
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Joined: Sun Dec 11, 2005 8:43 pm
Posts: 292
Location: Metro Detroit Michigan
So sorry to hear this, he was one of a kind.
I got to know him as we talked quite a bit when I ordered a Chopper and then a Sidewinder from him.
Both are still in my collection and are very special guns to me.
My thoughts go out to his family!

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"You won't rise to the occasion - you'll default to your level of training." Barrett Tillman


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PostPosted: Thu Jan 09, 2025 11:36 pm 
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Joined: Fri Aug 05, 2005 6:55 pm
Posts: 74
Location: SF, California
My condolences to Tim's family, R.I.P. Tim

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"The best way to find yourself is to lose yourself in the service of others" Gandhi


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PostPosted: Tue Jan 14, 2025 12:17 pm 
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Joined: Tue Mar 13, 2007 12:34 am
Posts: 290
Location: CA
Very sad news, my condolences to his family and friends. I had the pleasure of dealing with Tim on several occasions; trading some watches to him for his outstanding pistol smith work. A true gentleman and artist; he and his work will be greatly missed.


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