Brian Tayler Smith
Brian Tayler Smith, passed away unexpectedly at the age of 61 on July 10, 2025, in North Bend, Washington. Born on March 9, 1964, in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, Brian’s journey through life was marked by his intelligence, wisdom, and remarkable handiness—a true testament to a life well-lived.
Brian’s early years in Fond du Lac were filled with the promise and energy of a young man destined to make a meaningful impact. His pursuit of knowledge led him to earn a degree in Electronics, which served as the foundation for his successful career. After moving to Seattle to work for Boeing, Brian eventually transitioned to the Telecommunications industry and dedicated many years to T-Mobile as a NOC technician, a role in which he not only excelled but also displayed his innate ability to solve complex problems with grace and ease. His commitment to service was further exemplified through his honorable tenure as an Army National Guard Reservist, a period during which he cultivated a profound respect for history and the sacrifices made by those who served before him.
Brian’s life was filled with the love and joy of his family. He was with his wife, Beth for 30yrs, and was a proud father to his son, Angus, and stepchildren, Donny Hendrickson and Devin Lindor. His mother, Judy Selk Seal, and sisters, Tracee Chelios and Lesley Manowske, were constant sources of support and encouragement. Brian was a cherished figure in the lives of his grandchildren, and they were the light of his life. His joy was obvious when he was playing with them, often seen with a twinkle in his eye as he planned their next adventure to Disneyworld.
Brian’s hands were gifted, and there was hardly anything he couldn’t fix. If a solution wasn’t immediately apparent, he would eagerly learn and master the needed skills with remarkable ease. This same tenacity and love of learning fueled his interest in history, particularly military history. He also loved to watch old movies, which he would watch every day, when he wasn’t watching Harry Potter.
Friends and family will remember Brian as a man who approached life with a rare combination of intelligence and practicality. His wisdom was not just in books but in the way he lived his life and engaged with those around him. As we bid farewell to Brian, we do so with a celebration of the life he led and the legacy he leaves behind. A life defined by dedication, love, and an unwavering commitment to his family and country. Brian will be deeply missed, but the imprint of his spirit will forever remain in the hearts of those who had the privilege of knowing him.
Friends and family are invited to a Celebration of Life on Thursday, July 17th from 3-6pm at North Fork Farm in Snoqualmie, Washington. This will be an open-house celebration as we gather to share our memories of Brian.