Leonard “Rabbit” Joseph Brien
2/20/41-1/30/09
Wolf Point, MT- Leonard was born February 20, 1941, in Poplar, MT to Gregory and Mary (LaRocque) Brien. He passed away peacefully on January 30, 2009.
He attended Marty Mission Catholic School in Marty, SD and the Immaculate Conception Catholic School in Wolf Point, MT. In school, he enjoyed art and playing basketball, where he received his nickname, “Rabbit”, because of his quick abilities on the court. After the unexpected death of his father, he left high school to help his mother raise the younger of 9 siblings, later receiving his GED.
At 16, he started working for Randolph and Sons Construction to provide for the Brien family. Over the years, he excelled in his trade because of his love of hard work and creating things with his hands. He was a carpenter, a painter, and a mason. Many of his creations can be seen throughout the northern plains. In the spring of 1974, he met the love of his life, Edna Gustafson. Shortly after, they wed at Holy Faith Chapel in Lindy, NE. They resided in Wolf Point and raised their four children. After 27 years of service, Randolph and Sons Construction relocated and Leonard began his own business, contracting with Trinity Hospital. They offered him a permanent position and Leonard began a new era in his life. He valued his job and considered his co-workers his family.
He loved to watch every sporting event from horse racing to his beloved NFL team, the Minnesota Vikings. He was known to always cheer for the underdog. Every year, he participated in the Annual Bloomsday 12K Walk/Run in Spokane, WA with his youngest daughter. He could be seen training every spring while walking all over Wolf Point. He also enjoyed traveling around the country to visit relatives and occasionally visiting architectural landmarks.
He also was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather and brother. He dedicated his life caring for his children and grandchildren. He was also considered a father figure too many of his nieces and nephews. His humor and smile will be missed.
He is preceded in death by his parents, Gregory and Mary Brien; brothers, George, Roy and Louis Brien.
He is survived by his wife, Edna Brien; children, JoLynn Marie Brien of Joplin, MO, Dorothy Brien of Columbia Heights, MN, Heleen (Travis) Dewey of Spokane, WA and Gregory Brien of Wolf Point, MT, Sisters; Kathleen Kirn of Spokane, WA, JoAnn (Mack) Szymanski of Fairfield, TX, Ruth (Johnny) Evans of North Pole, AK, Mary Jane (Kenny) Friskey of Wolf Point, MT and brothers; Andrew (Phyllis) Brien of Glendale, CA, Willard (Laverne) Brien of Merced, CA, Patrick (Renita) Brien of San Jose, CA; nine grandchildren, four great grandchildren, and numerous nieces and nephews.
Rabbit loved God and held his hand through the end. Cancer took his body, but God took his soul.
Visitations will be from 2-9pm on Friday, February 6th at Clayton Memorial Chapel with a Rosary Service at 7pm. Funeral services will be at 10am at the Immaculate Conception Catholic Church.