Brian Debski

Brian was born January 30, 1957, in Detroit, to Alfred and Patricia (Green) Debski, the second of five boys. He graduated from Lake Shore High School, Class of 1975. He went on to continue his education at Macomb Community College before moving to the Upper Peninsula to attend Northern Michigan University, where he earned his Bachelor’s Degree in Conservation and Geology. Brian was a longtime employee of the Michigan Department of Corrections, serving his entire career at the Marquette Branch Prison. He retired in 2011 after just over 25 years of service.

Brian married Suanne Larson of Negaunee on September 14, 1991, and together they raised their most prized possession, their daughter, Taylor. It was their greatest joy following Taylor in all of her accomplishments in life, from academics, to athletics, and most recently welcoming her own son, Beckham Stuart, on Brian’s birthday, with her husband Travis. Beckham will share his birthday with his Grandpa Brian forever.

Brian was a true doer of all things. He was an avid outdoorsman, from downhill skiing, to all types of hunting, to snowmobiling across the U.P., to boating on the Dead River Basin. His favorite season of the year was deer season and he enjoyed many nights at camps with family and friends.

He taught himself to read music, play the ukulele, mandolin, and banjo, and even participated in a few Jam Sessions on Third Street in Marquette. His music taste was eclectic to say the least, but he always shared it with those closest to him, despite their potential distaste. His stories were long, but filled with just the right amount of details, only he would remember to share.

He was an absolute lover of history, especially that of the Upper Peninsula and the southwest United States. He was also a collector of many things, from shark’s teeth, to ball markers, and even U.P. rocks. His love of geology carried strong throughout his life and he spent much of these last few years prospecting for gold and other gemstones. Most of all, he enjoyed learning about anything and everything, and if he didn’t know enough about something, he would research until he did.

He was a previous member of both the Negaunee Rod & Gun Club and the Negaunee Elks Lodge #1116. Prior to his diagnosis with cancer, he was an avid golfer, participating in Tuesday night and Thursday morning leagues, at Wawonowin Country Club. He enjoyed watching countless golf videos and sharing his newest tips and tricks with Taylor.

Brian and Suanne enjoyed spending winters at Banyan Point, in Punta Gorda, FL, where they connected with lifelong friends, and met new friends who became like family. It was here, he again took up another hobby, remote control sailboat racing, joining the Sun Coast Model Sailing Club.

His family, including extended members and close friends, were his number one priority. He was always willing to lend a hand and be a thinking partner on the next big project. Those closest to him will miss him dearly but find comfort that he is pain free.

Surviving are his loving wife, Suanne; his daughter, Taylor (Travis) Truskowski; his grandson, Beckham; four brothers: Paul, Craig, Bradley (Michele), and Darryl Debski; father-in-law, William Larson; four brothers-in-law: Billy, Jim (Sue), Jon, and Donald (Shana Thornton) Larson; two sisters-in-law, Kay (Pete) Heikkila and Lori (Kevin) Bell; numerous nieces, nephews and cousins; and his grand dog, Sully.

He was preceded in death by his parents; mother-in-law, Judy (Salminen) Larson; and two sisters-in-law, Cheryl Larson and Loralee Larson.

Brian’s family invites you to join them for a celebration of his life on Thursday, September 12th, 2024, from 12-3 PM, at Wawonowin Country Club, in Champion, MI.

In lieu of flowers, Brian’s family would encourage memorial donations be made to the Marquette County Junior Golf Association to further promote youth involvement in the sport of golf. MCJGA is what truly started Brian and Taylor’s love for the game of golf. Memorial donations may be directed to MCJGA, P.O. Box 201, Marquette, MI 49855.

His family would like to extend their heartfelt appreciation to all that cared for Brian along his journey, especially the UP Health System Marquette ICU Staff, including Dr. Culpepper and special RN’s: Savannah K., Dani P., Chelsea F., and Sara M.