Final Post

Brian's memorial service was well attended with around 350 friends and neighbors doing a lot of singing and sharing. This is probably not how we would have chosen to end this blog but Brian is well now, better in fact than he could have ever been on this earth. I will continue to post comments you want to pass on to Jennifer. Thanks again for all who prayed and participated in other ways. I even met one of Brian's doctors at the service who is starting an education fund for Carrie Ann and Joseph. Continue to pray for the ongoing needs of Jennifer and the kids. God Bless you all.

I will add the very first photo of Brian.  This was taken before he left Korea with his full Korean name for his travel document.

Brian's Slide Show

You can copy this link into your browser and see the slides that will be shown for Brian's memorial service.

http://picasaweb.google.com/larrydevilbiss/brian#

Obituary

Palmer resident Brian Lee DeVilbiss, age 49, died Friday, January 29, 2010 at St. Elias Specialty Hospital in Anchorage with his wife Jennifer at his side. A private graveside burial has already taken place at the Palmer Pioneer Cemetery.

A memorial service will be at 2 PM on Saturday, February 6, 2010 at Lazy Mountain Bible Church in Palmer.

Brian was born April 23, 1960 in Seoul, Korea, and adopted by Ralph and Maxine DeVilbiss in 1963. He graduated from Palmer High School in 1979. He also studied and worked at the Evangelical Institute of Greenville, SC.. He became very distinguished in the Valley as a self taught diesel mechanic.

He married Jennifer Clements on July 28, 1998 in Palmer. One of Brian and Jennifer's favorite quotes is from their friend and teacher the late Mr. Joseph Carroll, "All is in Christ, by the Holy Spirit for the glory of God. All else is NOTHING!"

Brian is survived by his wife Jennifer, daughter Karianne, son Joseph, brothers Larry, Ray, and Billy, father and mother-in-law Tom and Shirley Clements, brothers-in-law Scott Clements and Thomas A. Clements- all of Palmer and many nephews, nieces, cousins, and many beloved brothers and sisters in Christ and close friends.


Brian was preceded in death by his father and mother Ralph and Maxine DeVilbiss, his sister Susan Herr, and his nephew Stephen DeVilbiss.

Memorial Service

Jennifer has announced that a memorial service for Brian will be at 2 PM on Saturday, February 6 at the Lazy Mountain Bible Church in Palmer.

She also indicated that gifts in leu of flowers could be directed to the Evangelical Institute- a cause close to Brian's heart.

Evangelical Institute

700 North Parker Road,

Greenville, SC 29609

Phone 864 678 4903

E-mail: office@grcomin.org

If any of you have pictures of Brian that we could incorporate into a slide show for his service and also this blog please contact me at carrots@mtaonline.net or call 907 355 0733. Thanks.

Dust to Dust

This afternoon at 3 PM we laid Brian's body to rest in the Palmer cemetery. This was primarily a family event. Officiating were the pastors from the Church in the Wildwood. Details about a memorial service will follow.

Present With the Lord

Jennifer just called to say that Brian went to be with the Lord at 3:53 PM this afternoon- Friday the 29th. She was by his side holding his hand.

There will be more details about a memorial service later.

Dr. Lester Speaks

Family members have requested that I provide a statement about Brian's medical condition since our multiple discussions over this week. I have had the distinct pleasure to care for Brian on several occasions while at St. Elias during the last few months. Unfortunately, Brian has progressively deteriorated despite all of our best medical efforts. In the last few weeks, it became obvious, that Brian was not going to recover to any level of significant function. The "Brian" that everyone remembers and loves, is not the Brian that is here today. Brian has significant deficits in his brain function from his previous infection(s) and a newly suspected stroke to his brainstem. As a result he is markedly impaired. His respirations are erratic, he is unable to communicate, he does not make any purposeful movements, and he is a shell of his former self. Many discussions with family and loved ones were held at the hospital over this very difficult week for Brian. Based upon decisions from family members who felt they knew what Brain would have wanted, he was made DNR (do not resuscitate). I believe Brian's wishes are being upheld by his devoted family and that the right decision is being made to make him comfortable, and not provide any further life sustaining treatment. Brian's medical condition is terminal, but he appears to be at peace. I believe Brian would be proud of his family's support, unrelenting devotion, and many prayers. It has been a privilege to care for Brian and interact with loving family members. I hope this statement is able to provide a since of peace for those who loved Brian. God Bless.