Brian's Obituary
Brian Bulger, an incredible wit and special and unique person, died on May 16, 2023, after an 18-month battle with prostate cancer. He fought courageously and without complaint, most worried about the effect this disease would have on his family and friends.
Brian was born in Great Falls on a wintry November 14, 1952, to Dr. James and Betty Bulger. He was the fifth of what would be seven children. His childhood was idyllic, playing all manner of sports in his parents’ side yard with Richie Ulring, his siblings, and other kids in the neighborhood, basketball on the driveway, golfing and swimming at Meadow Lark Country Club, and heading to Kilmorey Lodge in Waterton Lakes National Park every summer.
Brian attended Saint Thomas Elementary School and Great Falls Central, where he played basketball, beating Great Falls High twice in his senior year, once on his tip-in buzzer beater. He loved his time at Central palling around with his friends Kenny Lorang, Jim Bailey, Bill Salina, Jim Weber, Tom Matsko, John Boyle, Dan McKay, David Tacke, Tommy Janzer, Steve Doherty, Mike Myers, and Charlie Rice. They would remain his true and loyal friends for the rest of his life. He enjoyed working for Weissman’s in Great Falls and Jensen-Byrd Hardware in Spokane during the summer.
After high school, he attended and graduated from The University of Montana and the UM Law School. While an undergraduate, he met his wife-to-be, Anne Hauptman. Between graduating from UM and beginning law school, Brian worked for a year at the Boulder River School and Hospital.
Upon graduation from law school in 1979, Anne and Brian were married in her hometown of Billings. Brian was always very fond of Anne’s extended family, and they spent many happy weekends visiting with her parents and siblings in the years to come. Anne and Brian moved to Helena, where he was legal counsel for Governor Tom Judge. In 1980, he was invited to join the law firm of James, Gray and McCafferty in Great Falls and was made partner a year later. After many years of private practice, Brian was appointed as the first Standing Master for Cascade County and later worked for the Department of Justice until just before his death. His role with the DOJ as legal counsel for children in need of care brought him particular satisfaction. Throughout his career, Brian took great pride in his work and believed being a lawyer was a respectable profession, continually helping clients free-of-charge. He believed in the core values of justice, integrity, and loyalty in all aspects of his life.
Anne and Brian welcomed their three exceptional children, Emily, Connor, and Kathleen, after moving to Great Falls. He enjoyed attending their various school and sporting events and coached each in one sport or another. Brian was so proud of them and their successes. He taught his children many lessons: the pleasure of going out to lunch, to never go anywhere without a coat (you don’t have to wear it), the thrill of a $1 bet, the power of a well-executed bounce pass, to close a drawer (or a door) if you open it, to always do the right thing (especially if no one is watching), and that onions are your friend. Nothing brought him more joy than taking them each year to Waterton growing up, their visits back home to Great Falls, and seeing them grow into the amazing adults they are today.
He was a Trustee for the State Bar of Montana for 12 years and was a charter member of the Montana Geophysical Society and the Ancient Order of the Hibernians. He loved being the assistant coach, Mr. Frau, for the CMR tennis team.
Brian possessed an uncanny and generous talent for seeking out those uncomfortable or shy in social situations and engaging them. He did not suffer fools gladly and had a wonderful sense of humor and infectious giggle. He could not bowl and math was never his strong suit (thank you for your help, Sister Hugh!), but was a real fan of science, clear thinking, and honesty. He loved fly fishing, driving the backroads of Montana, and the Boston Red Sox. He was a superb cook and avid reader, always carrying a library book under his arm. He mourned the death of the Tribune as we knew it. He loved Gordon Lightfoot, James Taylor, Mark Knopfler, and Steve Winwood. Brian was a dedicated and loving spouse, father, sibling, and friend.
His family has been honored by the incredible support they have received throughout this process, and they would like to thank the Weber, Matsko, Lyons, Salina, McKay, and Scott families in particular.
Brian was preceded in death by his parents, Jim and Betty, and dear friends Kenny Lorang and Jim Bailey. He is survived by his wife, Anne; children, Emily, Connor (Rachel), and Kathleen (Brady); as well as his six siblings, John (Tiffany), Gerry (Bridget), Carol (Fred), Sally (Tim), Tom, and Chris (Mary Ann); many nieces and nephews; and cousins Judy (Michael) and Jane (Bobby).
In keeping with his wishes, the family asks that donations be made to the Brian Bulger Memorial Fund at either Clearwater Credit Union (1100 1st Ave N, Great Falls, 59401) or People’s Park and Recreation Foundation (P.O. Box 2106, Great Falls, 59403), with the goal of revitalizing the tennis courts at North Kiwanis Park.
A funeral service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, May 20, 2023, at Hillcrest Lawn Memorial Chapel (1410 13th St S, Great Falls), followed by a reception at Elevation 3330 in the Strain building downtown. Brian loved bright colors, so if you are so moved, please wear a bright, colorful accessory or outfit. He would love that.
