In Loving Memory

Roger Donald Bresnahan

Lifelong Colville resident, Roger Donald Bresnahan, age 91, passed away April 25, 2024 in Colville with his daughter, Patti by his side.  Roger was born April 24, 1933 in Colville.  He attended Colville schools and graduated as a twelve-year senior in 1951.  He then attended Gonzaga University for one year before enlisting in the United States Coast Guard during the Korean conflict.  He would serve 2 years stationed in Seattle.  While serving in the Coast Guard, Roger would marry his childhood sweetheart, Aileen Helen Hirsch.  Aileen would laughingly say that Roger kicked her lunch bucket to school every day that they walked to school together.

The couple would settle in Colville and welcomed four children. Daniel, Bryan, Patti and Sean into their family over the next several years.  During this time, Roger began working with his father, Patrick, at the Flour Mill until 1967.  He, then, joined Ray Beardsley Real Estate and Insurance agency.  Roger would later purchase the Insurance side of the agency and change its name to Bresnahan Insurance.  He eventually, sold the business in the late 1980's to USB.  Roger would stay with the new owner until 1998 when he would retire.

Roger was never one to sit idly.  After retiring, he could be found helping longtime friend, Otto Rainer, with the remodeling of the old Catholic church.  Friends and family described him as being the "Epitome of Commitment" and being constant and committed to all he was connected to.  Additionally, Roger was known for his timeliness.  He was often seen pointing to his wrist noting that time was about up.  He would even do so while at church to remind the priest that Mass was going a bit long!

Roger and Aileen enjoyed retirement together traveling abroad to Ireland, taking cruises, or long road trips.  Roger also enjoyed golfing as a way to connect with his friends.  He and several of his buddies would meet regularly at Mr. Sub for coffee and sharing their latest story.  Roger had a great sense of humor and was often throwing in a good pun or two into the conversation.  He was involved with the Elks Lodge as well as a board member for Tri-County Economic Development District (TEDD).  Roger was never one to pass on having a good time.  Once a month, he could be found sipping wine and eating cheese with members of the Immaculate Conception Catholic Church.  He was loved by all!

Most of all, Roger loved his family.  He delighted in spending time with each of them.  His grandchildren and great grandchildren were the apples of his eye.  Known for having eyes that danced when he was up to something or just happy, his eyes would be twinkling and dancing with absolute joy when he was around all the grands.

Roger was preceded in death by his parents, Patrick and Maude Ann (Martin) Bresnahan, his bride, Aileen, of 63 years, daughter-in-law Lisa Taff Bresnahan, and sister, Louise Norton.  He is survived by his four children, Daniel (Susan), Bryan, Patti (Pat), and Sean (Anna); 17 grandchildren and 8 great grandchildren, brother Terry Bresnahan, and sister-in-law Joanne Delles.

The family wishes to extend a big thank you to his family at Parkview who took excellent care of Roger for nearly four years. Also, thank you to the staff at Mt. Carmel Hospital who were so kind and caring of Roger in his last days.

Rosary service will be Monday, May 6, 2024, 6:00 pm at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church in Colville.  Mass of Christian Burial will be Tuesday, May 7, 2024, 10:00 am at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church with internment at Mountain View Cemetery immediately following.  Memorial contributions may be made to Immaculate Conception Catholic Church Building Improvement Fund and/or to Catholic Charities. Please visit the online memorial website and sign his guestbook at www.danekasfuneralchapel.com. Danekas Funeral Chapel & Crematory have been entrusted with his care.