Bryan W. Rowder, 78, of Helena MT passed peacefully in his sleep at his home on March 23, 2022.

Bryan was born on April 2, 1943, in Holland MI to Elmer Joseph and Helen (Toczyl) Rowder. Bryan was the second oldest of five siblings. The Michigan wilderness served as a catalyst for Bryan's lifelong love of all things outdoors and a place where he spent countless days honing his hunting and fishing skills.

After graduating from Holland High School, Bryan attended Michigan State University and in 1966 earned a B.S. degree in Parks and Recreation. It was during this time Bryan met Anna S. Schomer (now Morrow) and they were married shortly thereafter. In 1967 Bryan and Anna began a life together and ventured west to Idaho, where Bryan secured his career-long employment with the Idaho Department of Parks & Recreation (IDPR). As a Park Manager, Bryan supervised operations in many State parks, including Bruneau (Sand Dunes), Heyburn, and finally Farragut State Park.

As their time in Idaho grew, so did the Rowder family with the addition of two daughters, Bryanna (Bree) and Jill. Relocating to Northern Idaho in 1976 and managing Farragut was the highlight of Bryan's career. As one of Idaho's largest State Parks and former major naval training base, Farragut hosted a variety of enormous events, most notably veteran reunions and national jamborees for both the Boy Scouts and Girl Scouts of America. Bryan loved these events as they provided an opportunity to show off the park and meet myriad new visitors. In 2003 Bryan retired after 36 years with the IDPR, whereupon he received a commendation for distinguished public service by Governor Kempthorne.

Bryan soon bought an RV and began travelling around the U.S., ultimately settling in Helena, MT. with his then partner Sue Belcher. Helena provided the perfect rugged country along the Missouri River for Bryan to continue his love of bird and big game hunting. In addition to hunting, Bryan's favorite hobbies included wood working, reading, racquetball, music (playing his dobro), dancing, and storytelling.

Bryan was a gentle soul and eternal optimist who viewed all acts of kindness as gifts. He loved his family, wide open spaces and valued life-long friendships with his IDPR family. And, countless friends including Gord Devries, C. J. and Jack Van Liere.

Bryan is survived by siblings Kent Rowder, Alan Rowder, Sue (Rowder) Boies and Luanne Rowder; children Kayeleen Jacobs (Bill), Bryanna Rowder Givens (Dan), Jill Flabel (Steve), grandchildren Mara Leake and Bryan Lewis; great-grandchild Kaiden Leake. Last but not least, his canine hunting buddy Bo.

The family is anticipating a celebration of life at a later date this summer. For more information please contact Bree Givens at bree@dangivens.com.