Barry Dean Brekhus
June 19, 1957-Oct. 22, 2024
After a courageous battle with cancer, Barry Dean Brekhus, a beloved husband, father, grandfather, son, brother, mentor and friend, passed away peacefully on Oct. 22, 2024, with his loving wife, Bobbie, by his side.
The family would like to extend a special thank you to all the doctors, nurses and caregivers at Billings Clinic who guided them through every difficult step of his treatment with so much care and kindness.
Barry was born in Mohall, North Dakota, on June 19, 1957, and grew up in Kenmare, North Dakota, with his parents, Harvey and Mildred Brekhus, and two younger siblings. He graduated high school in 1975 and from mortuary school at Mount Hood Community College in Gresham, Oregon, in 1980.
Barry moved to Billings shortly after earning his degree in funeral service and went to work at Michelotti‑Sawyers, providing funeral services to families in Billings and the surrounding area for 44 years. He was incredibly dedicated to each family he served and continued to do the work he loved until the end.
In 1994, Barry married the love of his life, Bobbie. They enjoyed their 30 years together, especially the time they shared with daughter Grace (Jason) Ruff, and three grandsons, Kai, Kamdon and Knox.
Barry’s grandsons were the light of his life. He shared a unique and special bond with each one of them. Barry encouraged Kai to join Cub Scouts as a first grader and took him to all his den meetings and events as Kai worked up to the rank of Life Scout. Being part of Kai’s transition from a little boy to a young man gave Barry immense joy.
He looked forward to watching Kamdon play football and soccer and cherished having breakfast with him every morning before school this last year.
Grandson Knox read to Grandpa and played with his toys on the couch beside him. Barry got a kick out of every goodbye from Knox with his, “Gimme a kiss, Grandpa.”
A few days before he passed, Barry learned a fourth grandchild was on the way. He deeply loved and was so incredibly proud of his daughter and grandchildren. He lamented knowing he would not be there to meet the newest addition to their beautiful family.
Barry had a gentle, patient and calming way about him and could always make you laugh with his quick, dry wit. He recently celebrated 39 years of sobriety and was a grateful and active member of Alcoholics Anonymous.
Barry was preceded in death by his mother, Mildred Brekhus.
Following a family graveside service, Barry’s urn was placed in Bobbie’s family plot (Lambert) at the Shorthill Cemetery near Livingston.
Scott Lukkason
April 25, 1956-Oct. 17, 2024
Scott Lukkason, 68, died Thursday, Oct. 17, 2024, at Benefis ICU following cardiac arrest.
Scott was born on April 25, 1956, to Joe and Dai Lukkason in Great Falls. He graduated from Three Forks High School in 1974. He attended Montana State University before graduating from San Francisco College of Mortuary Science. In 1978, Scott married Shirley Todd. They lived in Three Forks, and Scott worked at K&L Mortuary. He eventually returned to Bozeman and completed his bachelor’s degree in English in 1982. During that time, he also completed a ministry training program through the Bozeman Church of Christ. He worked as a campus minister in Bozeman. They moved to Minneapolis, and Scott worked as a minister for the Minneapolis Church of Christ. After returning to Montana in 1986, he worked for many years as a funeral director in Billings, Great Falls and Ellensburg, Washington. He retired from funeral service in 2015, and Scott served as a minister and elder for the Great Falls Church of Christ until his death.
Scott was a faithful and devoted husband, father, brother and grandfather. He was a passionate disciple of Jesus, loved to study the Bible and dedicated his life to helping others grow closer to the Lord. He was known for his optimism, joyful smile, compassion and service to others. Scott was an avid hunter, hiker, cyclist and lifelong learner.
Scott is survived by his wife, Shirley; sons, Chad (Sara) and Todd (Amanda); brother, Ross (Sue); and grandchildren, Hannah, Heidi, Gage, Levi, Silas, Amira and Amaya.
The viewing took place at O’Connor Funeral Home at 2425 8th Ave. N., on Friday, Oct. 25, 2024, from 5:00 p.m.‑8:00 p.m. A funeral service was held Saturday, Oct. 26, 2024, at the Great Falls Church of Christ at 1300 6th St. NW, with viewing at 11:00 a.m. and the funeral at 12:00 p.m. The burial followed at Highland Cemetery.
Memorials are suggested to the Great Falls Church of Christ. Condolences for the family may be shared at www.oconnorfuneralhome.com.
Jayson Daniel Watkins
Nov. 25, 1968-Sept. 13, 2024
Jayson Daniel Watkins, 55, passed away at home in Kalispell on Friday, Sept. 13, 2024.
Jayson was born on Nov. 25, 1968, in Iowa and raised by Paul and Diana Watkins. He graduated from Arapahoe Community College in 1998 with a degree in mortuary science.
Jayson wore many titles: husband, dad, brother, son, papa, friend and, perhaps his most well-known attribute, funeral director. He served many communities throughout his 26 years as a funeral director in Montana, Oregon and Arizona, where he owned his own funeral home. He had a passion for helping people, and he was able to do that in the funeral industry. Jayson found serenity and joy in the mountains, forests, rivers, lakes and oceans. He was a true outdoorsman, avid hunter, fisherman and skier. His adventurous spirit took him on travels around the world. He was a lifelong Seahawks fan who enjoyed listening to classical rock. Most importantly, he was a family man who loved cooking and hosting barbecues that were surrounded by loved ones. He will be deeply missed by his family, friends and all who knew him.
Jayson will forever be remembered by his wife, Danielle Teske-Watkins; his children, Jayson Watkins (Kimberly Boulger), Kayla (Patrick) Finlan, Kyleigh and Bayleigh Burgoyne; grandchildren, Alexia and Makayla Brabham, Jayson, Adynn, Roman and Jasper Watkins, and Patrick and Willow Finlan; his father, Threan Leach, his siblings; John (Teri) Watkins, Gary (Sarina) Watkins, Linda Wright, Jody (Falicia) Watkins and Kimberly (Tracy) Wood; and many nieces, nephews and cousins.
He is preceded in passing by his dad, Paul Watkins; his mother, Diana Watkins; daughter, Feleshia Brabham; granddaughter, Emma Finlan; and his brother, Keith Watkins.
A celebration of Jayson’s life was held on Saturday, Sept 28, 2024, at 12 p.m., at the Canvas Church, 255 Summit Ridge Dr. in Kalispell, Montana.
