Brian Sievert

Although he accomplished so many things of which to be proud, Brian Sievert was a humble man whose greatest joy was found in the family he shared with the love of his life. He was fully devoted to the people and things he loved, and his strength and moral character were unmatched. Brian took his role as a father to heart, and he was an amazing role model for his sons to strive for. Things only got better once grandchildren arrived as there was more love to go around. Taken from his loved ones without warning, Brian leaves behind a priceless collection of memories that his family and friends will forever hold near and dear to their hearts.

During the first half of the 1940s, the eyes of our nation were focused overseas as countless young servicemen and women were deeply entrenched in the throes of WWII. Those who remained stateside became familiar with rationing on common goods while victory gardens were planted to lessen the demand on the nation’s food supply. There was celebrating in the streets in 1945 when America and our allies were victorious after the dropping of the atomic bomb brought the war to an end a short time later. This same year was a year to remember in the lives of Reo and Mary (Elliott) Sievert as they were pleased to announce the birth of the son they named Brian Lee on March 6th in St. Johns, Michigan. He was the oldest of three children in his family and was raised on a farm in Ashley alongside his sisters, Ann and Kay. Brian learned the value of hard work from a young age as he was always helping out with various farm chores like picking up stones and driving the tractor.

In many ways Brian was a young boy of his generation. He was outgoing and made friends with ease, and he attended a one-room schoolhouse in Washington Township during his earliest years. Brian liked school and was a good student who was also actively involved in sports. In order to earn the money he needed for a new bike he wanted, he helped his grandpa with the ponies that he took to the local fairs to give kids pony rides. Having worked hard, Brian was extremely proud of that bike. He went on to Ashley High where he played football, but he was only able to play for one year as he needed to help on the farm instead. After graduating from high school, Brian went on to Michigan State University, graduating in 1968. For the rest of his life he was a Spartan fan. Having been involved in the ROTC program, Brian immediately went into the Army after graduating and was commissioned as a 2nd lieutenant. He spent time serving in Vietnam as an air observer in Chu Lai.

Not to be forgotten during his years as a young man was Brian’s introduction the young woman of his dreams. Her name was Pamela Mahar, and they met in 1967. It wasn’t long after they met that they had fallen head over heels in love. About one year after they met, Brian married his sweetheart on October 26, 1968, in St. Johns, marking the beginning of a new chapter in a love story that would span more than 45 years. After exchanging their vows, the newlyweds took a honeymoon to Tahquamenon Falls and then settled in Ft. Lewis, Washington, where Brian was stationed. With his military duties fulfilled, Brian took a job with the Federal Bureau of Prisons where he spent 23 years working until retiring in 1997.

First and foremost in Brian’s life was his family. He and Pam were blessed to become parents when they adopted their son, Matthew, in 1973. He was later joined by his brother, Aaron in 1976, and another brother, Jeff in 1977. After spending years living out of state, the Sieverts returned to St. Johns in 1998 to be closer to extended family members. In everything they did, Brian was his children’s biggest supporter, and he expected that they would work hard and excel in school. He instilled within them a strong work ethic, just as his own father had done. Brian looked forward to traveling with his family with the fishing trips he took to Canada with his boys being among some of his favorite moments. Although he was not overly expressive in how proud he was of his children, they knew that when he said he was proud of them that it was truly from the heart.

Even though he worked hard, Brian played hard, too. He was an expert bridge player and a Life Master in the American Contract Bridge League. Brian played a variety of card games and was always very competitive. Around the house he also enjoyed cooking. Once their children were grown and on their own, he and Pam loved antiquing and traveling.

All who knew Brian Sievert would agree that he was an extraordinary man to know and love. He was kind and generous, honorable and wise with a zest for life that was contagious. Brian was deeply devoted to his wife and sons, the rock of his family in many ways. He will be remembered for his unwavering strength, his unmistakable sense of humor, and his warm laughter, but most of all Brian will be remembered for his love. His memory will be forever cherished.

Brian Lee Sievert of Perrinton, MI died February 26, 2015. Brian’s family includes his wife, Pamela; sons, Matthew Sievert of Farmington Hills, MI, Aaron (Laurie) Sievert of St. Louis, MO, Jeff (Gina) Sievert of Philadelphia, PA; mother, Mary Sievert; four grandchildren, Domenic, Aevri, Haedyn, and Alyssa Sievert; sisters, Ann (Eldon) Whitford and Kay (David) Aughton; and many nieces and nephews. Brian was preceded in death by his father, Reo Sievert. Funeral Services will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Tuesday, March 3, 2015, at the Osgood Funeral Home, 104 E. Cass St., St. Johns with Pastor Bill Dye officiating. The family will receive friends from 6-8 p.m. Monday, March 2, 2015, at the funeral home and one hour prior to the service on Tuesday. In lieu of flowers contributions may be made to Wounded Warriors Project at www.supportwoundedwarriorproject.org. To learn more about Brian and view his Life Story film, visit his personal webpage at www.lifestorynet.com/memories/106129.