Brian was born on July 29, 1944, to Millie and Evan Coombs.  The devotion of his parents created a family tied together by both love and friendship.  A gathering at the Coombs’ home was always a celebration.  Evan and Millie preceded Brian in death.  Brian is survived by his brothers, Mickey (Julie) Coombs and Ken (Kathy) Coombs, and by his sister, Janice (William) Martinez .  Brian was “Uncle Bud” and “Uncle Adventure” to his many nieces and nephews.  He treasured each of them as his own.  To Casey, Sarah, Kim, Curtis, Kelly, Colby and Kristen: Know that Brian was proud of your accomplishments and he will always watch over you.

Brian attended Bingham High School .  He served as a Marine in Vietnam .  He attended the University of Utah where he became, by education as well as temperament, a philosopher.

Brian believed in making the most out of every minute.  He found his home in Moab , Utah , and the Colorado River ran through his soul.  Brian joined Sidewinder River Expeditions in 1973.  He was a professional river guide for thirty-three years, becoming the legend illustrated by Nik Hougan that is, and will remain, “Fast Eddy.”  Brian spent the last decade with NAVTEC Expeditions working with his steadfast friend, John Williams, running tours on the Colorado River and in the Sea of Cortez .  While Brian ran many rivers, his “office” was Cataract Canyon . As best he could calculate, Brian ran that stretch of river over 300 times; a record that is unlikely, ever, to be equaled.  Brian was an accomplished cook, winning the river guides’ dutch oven cook-off years in a row - and  was known as “Grandma” for his fastidious kitchen habits.  He was skilled in outdoor emergency medicine and ran more river rescues than can be cataloged.  Brian’s extraordinary talent will not be lost.  He took great satisfaction in teaching young river guides in the ways of the water and the value of a good campfire song.  With that, Brian and his voice will live, forever, on the  river.

Brian, chose his words carefully.  He believed that words spent in anger or unkindness were wasted.  For that reason, and others, Brian never made a friend that he did not keep - and he had too many to list.  Brian did not have an opportunity to say good-bye; he never liked good-byes anyway.  He would want his friends to understand that he didn’t mean to rush off; he just found a new path to travel - again.  Special thanks to Molly and Zane Taylor for making certain that Brian lived in his cozy cabin, knowing that people he trusted and loved were near.

Brian loved women with complete abandon.  He would not leave without tipping his hat to Joy Ungruitch, who taught him that courage often comes in small packages and to TeriAnn Tibbetts, who considered it her job to make him laugh.  He shared his life with his sweetheart, Julie Bryan, who remained convinced that the best place in the world was wherever Brian was standing.  To the many women who loved him, Brian was a man among men, not only because of his expertise as a skier, boatman and kayaker, but because he was equally comfortable sharing his passion for rainbows, starry skies and desert waterfalls.

Brian made family and  friends his priority.  He was ready with kind words and a quick wit whenever they were needed.  To those he has left behind, Brian would pass the simple philosophy that guided him:  Live life; be happy; take chances.

Brian will be returned to the waters of the Colorado River , as would be his wish.  A send-off celebration will be hosted by Colin Fryer and company at the Red Cliffs Lodge on December 20, 2006.  To assure that Brian’s friends and family can stay warm, safe and close, special room rates will be provided for the days before and after the party.  If you wish to stay at the Lodge, call 1-866-812-2002 and tell them Brian sent you.

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Salt Lake Tribune Obituary