Brian Leslie Ganske, age 69, a lifetime resident of Skagit Valley, passed away in Bellingham on October 27, 2023. He was born April 23, 1954 in Sedro-Woolley to Donald and Florence (Rutledge) Ganske.

Brian started working at Snelson Companies, Inc. in 1969 washing vehicles. He continued to work at Snelson's and retired in 2011 as part owner of the company. He also continued to consult after his retirement until 2023. During his employment with Snelson Companies, he served on the board of the Pipe Line Contractors Association (PLCA) from 2003-2018 and was elected President in 2010. Brian served on the labor committee for 7 years and was a trustee for the Pipeline Industry Advancement fund for 6 years. Brian was an active member in his community. He served with the Sedro-Woolley Rotary Club, Skagit Nile Shriners and Skagit County Search and Rescue. He was also honored in 2016 by the Community Recognition Program with the Sedro-Woolley School District and Sedro-Woolley community for his outstanding accomplishments.

Brian and his wife Joanie (Mulholland) were married in 1974 in Sedro-Woolley. They enjoyed traveling together and split their time between their homes in Big Lake and Florence, Arizona. Family was most important to Brian, and he involved his family in most everything he did. He enjoyed fishing in Alaska, spending time in his shop, golfing and having Sunday dinners with his two daughters, Nicole and Sabrina, and their families.

Brian is survived by his wife of 49 years, Joanie; his two daughters, Sabrina Guilliaume and husband Daniel of Stanwood, Nicole Peterson and husband Nolan of Mount Vernon; three grandchildren, Ashton and Ella Guilliaume and Evan Vinal; mother, Florence Ganske; siblings, Donna (Darwin) Mecham, Cliff (Kate) Ganske; niece, Amelia (Eric) Lund and her children Luna, Lily and Landon.

He was preceded in death by his father, Donald; his uncle's, Jack and Gene; and his aunt Joann.

Memorial contributions may be made in Brian's honor to PeaceHealth Whatcom Hospice House. A Celebration of Life will be held from 1:00 to 5:00, Saturday, January 13 at the Skagit Casino, 5984 Darrk Lane, Bow, WA  98232. Please share your memories of Brian and sign the online guest register.