Brian Howard King, 63, of Bremerton, Washington, passed away suddenly on December 20, 2025, from natural causes related to heart disease. His family imagines him now with a guitar in hand, a favorite song playing, and a grin that suggests he’s already found the best seat in the house.

Brian lived in poems and music. He believed laughter was essential and stories were meant to be told (often twice). He had a dark, clever sense of humor and made it clear that if people were going to gather because of him, it better not be gloomy.

Brian was crude but kind, sharp tongued yet deeply compassionate. Beneath the humor and sarcasm was a big heart that genuinely loved helping others, especially when there was a problem to solve. He was endlessly curious, practical, and thoughtful in ways that often went unspoken.

Born on September 30, 1962, in Spokane, Washington, Brian was the son of Kay and Howard King. He grew up marching to the beat of his own drum. Honest to a fault (sometimes very honest), Brian was deeply sincere, grounded in strong morals, and unwavering in what he believed was right.

Brian earned his engineering degree from Washington State University and went on to dedicate 35 years of service to Puget Sound Naval Shipyard (PSNS) as a nuclear engineer. Known to many as BK or “The O-Ring King,” and to everyone as a gifted storyteller. Brian had a natural way of making a room laugh without even trying. If you sat near him long enough, you were guaranteed a good story, a strong opinion, and probably a song recommendation. He often joked that his greatest challenge at work wasn’t engineering, but the steady stream of people stopping by to visit.

He also attended Crossroads Neighborhood Church, where his faith and community mattered deeply to him.

Outside of work, Brian loved riding motorcycles, playing guitar, camping, and writing creative songs, many of which captured his humor, his heart, and his perspective on the world.

Brian married the love of his life, Jeanette Kennedy, on June 7, 1986, and together they shared nearly 40 years of marriage built on devotion and partnership. 

Brian Survived by wife Jeanette King , daughter Laura king, grandson Ocean Walusayi, parents Kay & Howard King. He also survived by his siblings Bethany Hunnicutt, Curtis King, and Jonathan King.

He was preceded in death by his beloved daughter Shellie King on September 19, 2022, as well as Alan King and Martha Blackburn.

Brian didn’t want tears. He wanted laughter, music, stories, and maybe a little sarcasm. So if you find yourself smiling while thinking of him, singing one of his favorite songs, or laughing at something wildly inappropriate… you’re doing it right.

In true Brian fashion, don’t be sad he’s gone..be glad you got a story out of it.

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