On Monday, August 27, 2018, Brian Henry Eekhoff went to be with his Lord and Savior at age 32.
Brian was born November 10, 1985, was raised in Churchill, Montana, and attended Manhattan Christian School where he met his beautiful wife, Johanna, whom he married on October 5, 2007.
He grew up with a ball in his hand and playing any and all sports including football, baseball, basketball, and golf. He was an exceptional athlete and went on to play college basketball and golf at Dordt College in Sioux Center, Iowa, where he earned his business degree.
After graduating, he and Johanna moved to Phoenix, Arizona, where he pursued his love for the golf industry. He worked as the assistant golf professional at Villa De Paz Golf Course and with Cool Clubs, a world renowned golf club fitting company.
Seven years later, Brian and Johanna could not resist the call to go back to where they felt most at home, Montana. He became the head golf professional at Cottonwood Hills Golf Course where he played his first rounds, worked as a high schooler, and ultimately where his passion for the game began.
His deep love for the Lord and his incredible connection to children led him to be a youth group leader at his home church. Brian had a way of making youth and children feel special and loved. Whether he was on the course, court, or in the church, Brian always took the time to mentor and encourage. He was a gentle giant.
Brian was a man of many interests. When he was not at the golf course, he could be found fly fishing, tying flies, hunting, camping, shooting, wood working, and purchasing storage units. Whatever he did, he did to the fullest and with vigor.
Brian’s magnetic presence brought so much joy and laughter to everyone that surrounded him. Anyone who had the joy of knowing Brian was blessed by his contagious personality and kind spirit.
He is survived by his wife, Johanna; parents, Hank and Kathy; and brother, Mark; father and mother-in-law, Stan and Susan Flikkema; sisters-in-law, Katie Beckman (Luke), Diane Grover (Jordan); nieces and nephews, Payton and Morgan Grover, Hudson and Landon Beckman; grandmothers, Ordie Eekhoff and Freda Visser. He was proceeded in death by his brother, Eric.
Brian Henry Eekhoff Memorial Youth Development Fund has been established at First Security Bank. The fund’s first recipient will be Brian Atika, a young boy from Kenya who was on Brian’s heart. These funds will give him the opportunity to attend a school for children with special needs. The remaining funds will continue to support youth in our community and abroad.
Visitation will be held Friday, August 31 from 4 to 9 p.m. at Dokken-Nelson Funeral Service and again Saturday, Sept 1 from 9 a.m. to noon at Manhattan Christian Reformed Church. A graveside service will be held Saturday, Sept 1 at 1 p.m. at Churchill Cemetery. If able, please park at Manhattan Christian Reformed Church/school parking lot and walk to the graveside. A memorial service will follow at 2 p.m. at Manhattan Christian School Memorial Gym.
Arrangements are in the care of Dokken-Nelson Funeral Service. www.dokkennelson.com
