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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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