BRIAN JAMES LEWINSKI Mueller's Tri-Cities Funeral Home Brian James Lewinski passed away on October 23, 2016 with his family surrounding him as he finally went to eternal rest. He was born on July 27, 1957 in LaCrosse, WI to James and Mary Lewinski. He was the first of three sons. His brothers always looked up to him for his determination, tenacity, positive attitude and courage. His family moved to Stanwood, WA and later resided on Camano Island, WA. Brian graduated from Stanwood High School in 1975. He attended Washington State University where he received his Bachelor Degree in Business Administration, June 1979. At college Brian met the love of his life, Diane. They were married on May 23, 1987. They made their first home in Snohomish, WA and in 2001 moved to Kennewick, WA. Brian's first career was at Palmer G. Lewis Company, later becoming Huttig Sash & Door. He was a wholesale building products salesman. Brian was awarded, on many occasions, the top salesman of the month. He retired from Huttig Sash & Door in 1991 due to brain cancer that was diagnosed in 1990. The second career that Brian embarked upon was volunteer work with a variety of organizations. This career brought him the most joy and satisfaction. Brian volunteered for the Hutch School, a school associated with the Fred Hutchinson Medical Center. This school served students who were going through cancer treatment or had a parent or sibling undergoing cancer treatment. Brian was a light in a dark tunnel for these children. He would be seen joking with them, jumping rope at recess and helping them to see there was hope. Brian's work with the Hutch School was recognized and featured on a local Seattle news station, in a series called, "Angels Among Us". Brian's other volunteer work included helping at several different elementary schools in Snohomish, Lynnwood and more recently Kennewick, at Washington Elementary School. He was presented the Volunteer of the Year Award at Washington Elementary in 2006. Brian loved helping the students with math, and liked to treat them with M & M's, along with treating himself! He was actively involved in volunteer work through the American Cancer Society. Brian volunteered with CanSurmount at Providence Medical Center in Everett, WA, helping to support patients going through cancer treatment. He participated many years in the American Cancer Society's premium event, The Relay for Life. Brian was known for his courage and resounding attitude, along with his fundraising ability. Year after year he would individually raise over $10,000 for his Relay for Life team. Brian was honored in 1996 with the Adult Courage Award for the Western Division of the American Cancer Society. Brian always maintained a positive attitude over the years, despite two brain surgeries, months of radiation and years of chemotherapy. He was an inspiration to many, and whenever asked, "How are you?" Brian would answer, with a resounding smile, "I am phenomenal!" He loved his family dearly, and was blessed in 1998, when he and Diane adopted their newborn son, Alex. In his spare time, Brian enjoyed watching football. He was an avid Green Bay Packer fan, and was able to see the Packers play in the 1996 NFL championship game at Lambeau Field. He loved to play football, basketball, and golf. Brian spent a lot of time with family and friends on his boat, cruising and vacationing in the Puget Sound, where many memories were created that have been shared over the years. He loved playing cards and was known as the "card guru" at a community center he attended. Brian has left behind many people who loved and admired him, including his parents James and Mary Lewinski, and brothers, Mark Lewinski (Tammy) and Bruce Lewinski (LuAnn), his beloved wife, Diane, and the pride & joy of his life, his son Alex. He was recently blessed with meeting his grandson, Brian Alexis, born on Oct. 7, 2016. We welcome all family & friends to join us in a celebration of Brian's life. Funeral services will be Sunday, October 30th at 2:00 at Kennewick First Lutheran, 418 N. Yelm St. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the . The family invites you to sign their online tribute wall at www.muellersfuneral homes.com.