Brian Richard Belbeck

Brian Richard Belbeck passed away peacefully on January 27, 2017 from cancer at his home in Seattle with his wife Kathryn by his side and surrounded by family. He was 51.
Brian graduated from Ellensburg High School in 1983 in the top 10% of his class. Academic and athletic, he earned trips to State AA track meets in the 110m high hurdles and 300m low hurdles. He was infamously dubbed “Bill Beck” by an erroneous announcer at a track meet and this moniker followed him for many years. In his senior year he was voted Most Inspirational by his teammates.
He attended Central Washington University and later the University of Washington where he earned a Bachelors of Science degree (1988) and a Masters of Science degree (1994) in Aerospace, Aeronautical and Astronautical engineering. The fact that he worked full time while earning his undergraduate and masters degrees exemplifies his drive and work ethic.
Brian started his engineering career with General Dynamics and then Northrop Grumman before returning home to the Northwest and joining Kenworth in Seattle. He worked for Kenworth for 22 years, most recently as Assistant Chief Engineer. His contributions professionally to Kenworth were significant but it is Brian’s personality that will be most deeply missed by his Kenworth family.
Even though Brian had a strong work ethic and drive to succeed, he excelled at balancing work with family, friends and fun times. He loved watching his children grow and going to soccer games, swimming meets, and baseball games with them. He enjoyed spending time at his cabin in Cle Elum, riding motorcycles with friends, listening to music (favorites U2 and Coldplay), rooting for the UW Huskies (season ticket holder) and Seattle Seahawks. He also loved good wine (both red and white) and cats. Not many people knew he had a great singing voice. He was known for his sense of humor, his kindness and his superhuman positive attitude.

Brian and Kathryn

He was deeply loved and will be truly missed by his children Stephanie and Thomas, step daughters Laura and Kate, his wife Kathryn, mother Carolyn (Everett) Olson, father Gerald, and sister Kelle (Mark) Davis. He also leaves behind many aunts, uncles, cousins, step brothers, step sisters and step parents, as well numerous friends and his entire PACCAR/Kenworth family.
We are extremely grateful for the excellent care provided by JFS of Seattle—particularly care giver Marta Olivas, with whom Brian developed a close friendship. Marta’s infectious smile and laughter always brightened Brian’s day.
Join us in celebrating his life on Saturday, February 25, 2017 at 1:30 pm at the University of Washington’s Center for Urban Horticulture located at 3501 NE 41st Street in Seattle. This will be a casual gathering, full of fun stories—just as Brian would want.
In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to a scholarship endowment fund that has been set up in Brian’s name at the University of Washington. This annual scholarship will be awarded to an UW engineering student that exemplifies the drive and passion for life that Brian brought to the world. To donate to the Brian Richard Belbeck Endowed Student Support Fund follow this link https://www.washington.edu/giving/make-a-gift/?page=funds&source_typ=2&s... to the University of Washington Make a Gift Site where the fund can be found by clicking “Search” under the “Find Funds” header and typing in Brian’s name.
Although his time was short, he touched the lives of many people and leaves all of us richer for knowing him.