Julian Wesley Brigham

Julian Wesley Brigham, 100, has “Gone Fishing” beyond the next bend on March 9, 2013. A trout fisherman from way back, born on September 11, 1912 in Buckley, MI to his parents Clarence and Zell Brigham. As a young boy growing up in Buckley he and his brother, Lyle and occasionally his brother Aaron, would hitch a ride with the train and head toward Sherman and get off the train when it took on water. They would trout fish their way back to Buckley with a “nice mess” of Brookies. Julian and his family moved to Kalamazoo as a young teenager furthering his education. His career evolved into sales and management in the business machine world of the Burroughs Corp. and with Sutherland, Brown and James River Paper Companies until his retirement. Along the way in 1937 Julian married Esther F. Barhyte of Buffalo, N.Y. and in 1938 a son was born named Kent Wesley. The family of three moved about the Midwest due to transfer and persuasions of Julian’s career. One of his associates quoted Julian saying “all of my customers like to fish,” which soon became a classic. Another remembrance from his Esther was: “If only he would look at me like he looks at a Brook Trout” – that too became a standard. Esther F. Brigham preceded Julian, passing in 2005, after 68 years of marriage. Julian had five siblings: brothers, Lyle, Aaron, and sister Faye Reed (100) have deceased and brother Charles (Barbara) and sister, Jackie Howard resides in the interlochen area. Surviving families are Kent and his wife Jane Brigham, grandchildren, Glen (Jonna) Brigham, and Kelly (Dan) Lynk; great grandchildren, Caroline and Scott Brigham, Jazemine Hairston (adopted) and Justin, Jessica, and Jillian Lynk, all of Kalamazoo, Katie Richardson U.S. Navy; and great great granddaughters, Chaylar and Kaylin of Hawaii. In recent years Julia Egan became important to Julian as a close friend and primary care giver. A memorial service will be held on Monday March, 18, 2013 at 1pm with a visitation held one hour prior at the First Congregational Church, Peninsula Drive to 6105 Center Road, Traverse City. The Rev. Dr. Gary Hogue will officiate and music will be by Michael Coonrod of the Interlochen Arts Academy. Burial will take place at Monroe Center Cemetery as a private service. Memorial contributions may be directed to the Interlochen Arts Academy General Scholarship Fund.

Julian Wesley Brigham

September 11, 1912 - March 9, 2013