“Do not let your hearts be troubled. You believe in God; believe also in me. For my father’s house has many rooms; if that were not so, would I have told you that I am going to prepare a place for you? And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and take you to be with me that you also may be where I am.” – John 14:1-4
On January 8, 2026, Brian Norval Whitson accepted his savior’s invitation to join him in his father’s house in paradise after a two-year battle with cancer. Brian passed away in the company of family confident in the knowledge of his salvation.
Brian was born on November 20, 1955, in Detroit, Michigan to Donald and Beverly Whitson and graduated from Southfield Lathrup High School (class of 1973). He married Kimberly Buckthorpe Whitson on October 4, 1975, at Peace Lutheran Church. Brian and Kimberly were nearly inseparable throughout the 50 years of their marriage, and it was clear that Brian’s greatest joy in life was being her husband.
In 1982, Brian and Kimberly founded Whitson Insulation Company of Grand Rapids where the pair worked side by side every day until Brian’s passing. For over 45 years, Brian ensured that thousands of West Michigan residents stayed warm in their homes, schools, churches, and businesses.
In his down time, Brian could be found in the backyard playing with his dogs, washing his Corvette, sitting near the pool watching his grandchildren swim, or in the Muskegon river with friends as part of his annual float trip. In recent years, he could also be found walking along the shore of Lake Michigan near his RV in Whitehall. His favorite pastime, however, was simply enjoying a weekly dinner out and a movie with his wife.
Brian is survived by his wife, Kimberly; their three children and spouses: Courtney & Robert Vander Poppen, Jaymie & Jeff Prindiville, and Adam & Jennifer Whitson; and seven grandchildren (Morgan, Alexis, Carter, Brian, Connor, Rylann, and Caroline). He is also survived by his sisters, Gail Kassin, Denny Shull, and Dawn Lampe, and predeceased by his brother, Craig Whitson.
Services will be held at Ada Bible Church – East Paris Campus, 1640 East Paris Ave SE, Grand Rapids, MI 49546, on January 13, 2026: Visitation 9-11am, Service 11am-12pm, Celebration of Life 1-3pm – Thornapple Brewery, 6262 28th St SE, Grand Rapids, MI 49546. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to Resurrection Life Church (Kid’s Camp and House of Hope).
“You know the way to the place where I am going.” – John 14:4
26 Responses
He is now in the arms of his loving Savior, whom he so faithfully followed. Rest in God’s peace dear Brian. God’s strength, peace and hope for all the family.
With our heartfelt condolances and love,
Pastor and Phyllis Otto
“We’ll done thou good and faithful servant.” Matthew 25:21
Rest in Peace 🕊️
Love to your family and friends 🙏
We all have faith he is in Christ’s loving arms today. My prayers are with Kim and the entire family…Brian was a good man. I’m sure he will be missed by many.
Many fond memories of my Whitson cousins. Family pool parties, Boblo and holidays. Say hello to all that have gone before us. Too many to mention but especially Craig, Don, Bev and my mom and dad. 💔
Kim, We love both you and Brian! We are missing Brian so very much! Thank you for calling us this week to let us know how close Brian’s time to enter His eternal home in Heaven would be. So thankful we could hear his voice over the phone. We treasure your friendship and enjoyed so many times together in our small group and doing our couples dinners and laughing and teasing over card games. Brian is completely healed and knowing how precious the loving arms of Jesus are. We will definitely see Brian again. Our grief here on earth missing our dear friend is so real. Thankfully we are promised to be reunited along side Brian in Heaven as our faith in Jesus as Lord and Savior is also real. Kim, we continue to pray for you going forward and we are always here for you. Tight hugs and prayers !
Our most sincere condolences to you Kim and your entire family. May God guide you and give you comfort and understanding until the day you will meet again. We will miss him, he was a great man and friend.
I had the privilege of meeting Mr. Whitson at a NICE meeting last year, and from the moment he walked into the room he radiated kindness, warmth, and compassion. He spoke so highly of everyone around him, and his love for God and for his wife was so evident and genuine. You would have never known he was fighting a battle of his own, he carried himself with such grace and strength. I’m truly honored to have crossed paths with him, and I will do my part in helping his legacy live on. My prayers are with his family and loved ones during this difficult time. He will be missed greatly.
Brian and I became instant friends when I joined NICE in 2002. I always enjoyed our visits and wisdom exchange. I will really miss him and those visits. He was a true friend. My sincere condolences to you and your family
Our Sincerest condolences to the Whitson Family and the Whitson Insulation Team. He was very kind to me as a supplier and his knowledge of the industry was so helpful for me in our meetings. Hugs and prayers to the family, the Insulation Team and to all who knew him. You will be missed my friend.
Love and prayers to Kim and the Whitson family
Brian was instrumental in teaching me how to be a good field sales person. I will always treasure our conversations. Rest in peace dear friend!
My most sincerest condolences to Kim and the family. Brain always had a way to make you feel like you were part of of the family. I will forever cherish all of the laughs that we had together.
Dear Courtney & Family, Our hearts go out to you at this
difficult time. Please know that we are thinking of you and
sending our deepest condolences for your loss. Your are in my prayers.
Stephen.
May his soul rest in peace and his memory remain a blessing.
Rest in peace Brian. Sending all of our love to his family. Chardae, Jack, Harrison and Hayleigh.
Dear Courtney, we are so sorry for your loss. Please accept our deepest condolences on the passing of your father. We’re thinking of you and your family and are here to support you in any way you need. Take all the time you need — your colleagues are with you.
Jeff & Family, please accept my heartfelt condolences during this difficult time. I still think about my parents 2 & 5 years deceased, it takes time to heal the wound. May you and the family find strength, peace, and healing in the days ahead. Please know that you and the family are in my thoughts and prayers and am here to support you in any way you may need.
With deepest sympathy,
Chris Woodthorp
Dear Courtney and Family,
My deepest condolences on your loss. You are in my thoughts and prayers. May he rest in peace.
My deepest condolences to you and your family, Courtney. It is a great consolation to know that Brian has gone home to his Father’s house. Thinking of you all.
Courtney and family,
I am so sorry for your loss, my prayers are with you all.
Rest in peace Mr. Whitson.
Take care,
Sumit
Dear Courtney & Family,
Thinking of you all as you navigate such a difficult time, when your world is rocked beyond recognition. I’m so sorry for your loss, and my prayers are with you. Sending my deepest condolences for your loss. Don’t rush back Courtney.
With deepest sympathy,
Kate
Our heartfelt condolences to Kim and family for their loss.Keeping you all in our prayers at this difficult time in your lives.May God be with you.🙏
I have so many wonderful and cherished memories of Brian including ALL the “Society” group’s adventures. From our silly and fun “themed” get togethers, Halloween dress up parties, Christmas gatherings, New Year’s Eve sleepovers, Salmon Run camping and tubing trips, so many more and our favorite annual MI vs MSU party… GO GREEN!
Brian always had a smile on his face and I can still hear his laugh! He was such a thoughtful person and always so kind. Rest now Brian. Until we meet again my friend…I will miss you!
Love you,
Janet
My condolences to the Whitson Family. Keeping you all in my prayers and thoughts. We all know this is a difficult time for you all, but please know that Courtney’s team is here for her, and we are thinking of you all.
We extend our deepest condolences to the family during this time of loss.
Familia Pena Contreras
Sending prayers and love as we process losing one of our own. He will be greatly missed! I pray for peace and rest fir the family in the days to come.
Sending prayers and love as we process losing one of our own. He will be greatly missed! I pray for peace and rest for the family in the days to come as you proceed this loss. My sincere condolences.