Brian Russell Rector

Brian R. Rector August 25, 1962 - September 6, 2009 Our beautiful, gentle, and loving Brian concluded his long, hard fought battle for life on Sunday evening. He departed this life peacefully, surrounded by the boundless love of his family, who were continually at his side during his final days. After Brian learned that cancer would eventually claim his life, he struggled to accept that knowledge, and during that process he grieved for his own loss, just as he grieved for family & friends who had gone before him. His family & friends are sharing that grief now, but we are beyond grateful that his pain and suffering have ceased. Accepting did not mean giving up, and Brian fought back until he drew his final breath. His body, though destroyed by cancer, remained so strong that his fight continued beyond what his family believed was physically possible. We are extremely proud of him. Brian was preceded in death by his beloved son Mark, sister Julie, brother Nicky, & uncle David Rector. He is survived by his parents, Nancy & Steven Clark of Pueblo West CO; Al & Josette Rector of Farmington; son Michael Finley & wife Kristy of Aztec; daughters Lisa Finley-Duarte & Serena Finley of Farmington & five grandchildren who brought him much happiness. Also surviving are sisters, Michele Berkey of La Plata, Tammy Alexander & husband Clint of Farmington, and Deanna Van Briesen & husband Tim of Colton SD; brothers, Scott Rector & wife Sherry of Colorado Springs CO, Tony Rector of East Granby CT, Todd Rector of Durango CO, and Greg Clark & wife Desiree of Denver CO. He is also survived by nieces & nephews, aunts & uncles, & many, many friends. Brian loved the outdoors, excelling at sports such as water skiing, windsurfing & kiting, skiing & snow boarding, hang gliding, swimming, golfing & bike riding. He enjoyed raising plants for his home & yard including roses, orchids, & many varieties of cactus. His love of learning was a lifetime pursuit. Brian worked in the hospitality industry in Farmington for many years and particularly enjoyed his work as a waiter at The Bluffs. He brought a professionalism to his job through his quest for knowledge and perfection; his impeccable manners made him a favorite to his customers. Brian was fortunate to experience the love & camaraderie of many friends and they were a major part of his happiness. His family is grateful for the moral support they provided, and for the countless efforts made on Brian's behalf during his illness. A Memorial Service will be held from 2:00 to 5:00 p.m. on Friday, Sept 18, to celebrate the life he lived so fully in his own unique style. Please join his family at the Lakeshore Reception Center, 6200 Lakeshore Drive, off of the old Aztec Hwy in Flora Vista. As an expression of affection for Brian, his family encourages his friends to wear flip-flop shoes & brightly colored T's. Formal wear is discouraged. The family requests that in lieu of flowers, you make a generous contribution to your favorite food and/or beverage waiter. Brian's services are entrusted to Brewer, Lee and Larkin Funeral Home, 103 East Ute Str. Farmington, (505) 325-8688.