Brian M. Coles, 60, of Libby

Brian Murray Coles, 60, died Wednesday, Sept. 5, 2012, at his home in Libby.

He was born Oct. 25, 1951, in Ontario, Canada, to Cameron Hadley Coles and Irma Irena (Mossop) Coles. 

At the age of 5, he moved with his family from Canada to California, where he grew up in the San Francisco Bay Area. He graduated from Pleasant Hill High School in 1969.

Brian gained a qualification in massage therapy and practiced in a sports club as well as with private clients. 

After working in various jobs in the Bay Area, Brian moved to Nevada City, Calif., where he eventually enrolled in Yuba College, Marysville, graduating as a licensed vocational nurse in 1993. 

He worked in various capacities as an LVN, but especially enjoyed his work with Hospice care in the Bay Area.

In 2003, he achieved his dream of living on a river in the mountains, by moving to Libby and living on the Kootenai River.

He valued both faith and family, and he was an avid Oakland Raiders fan. 

One of his many passions was Kung Fu, and he taught both self-defense and healing arts for many years. He loved nature and especially enjoyed canoeing and kayaking among other outdoor pursuits.

Brian is survived by his loving siblings: his brother,  Bruce, and wife, Cindy, of Port Orchard, Wash.; his sister, Irene Johnson and husband John of Birmingham, England; nephews Dustin Coles, Matthew and Michael Johnson and nieces Amanda Besaw, Steph and Stacey Johnson. 

Also, one uncle, Ed Mossop, and two aunts, Wanda Hayes and Erma Jones, along with many special cousins and relatives in Canada.

Suggestions for memorial donations include: St. John’s Hospice, 350 Louisiana Ave., Libby, Mont., 59923; or a charity of your choice.

Funeral arrangement still is pending.