Brian Bitner

Brian Alan Bitner “Superman”

June 27, 1980 - September 18, 2017

Brian, our beloved Superman, passed away peacefully on Monday, September 18th after a long, heroic battle with Chondrosarcoma cancer.

He was born June 27th, 1980 to Dr. Alan Fetzer and Marilyn Egan Bitner in Bethesda, Maryland. He moved around often growing up; living in Texas (where he became an avid Spurs fan), Germany and California, before settling in Utah. Brian also served an honorable mission to Warsaw, Poland as a representative of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. He treasured his time there and often loved to tell others about his experiences in Poland.

After returning from his mission, he married his eternal companion, Emily Wilding, on January 3rd, 2004 in the Salt Lake City Temple.

Brian received a dual Bachelor’s Degree in Accounting and Economics with a minor in International Business, as well as a Master of Business Administration Degree from Utah State University. Go Aggies.

Brian excelled in whatever he did, whether it was his schooling, work, in the home, church callings and even any game he played. He was successful in his job as a Finance Manager for ATK Space Systems where he made many cherished relationships and continued to work up until the day of his hospitalization. We will forever be grateful for the support he received from ATK and the wonderful people there.

From a young age, Brian showed drive and dedication. He earned the Eagle Scout Award at the age of 13. He enjoyed participating in many sports, but most especially soccer. As cancer took its toll on Brian, his physical limitations continued to hinder him, but could never suppress his drive. When he could no longer play soccer, he coached each of his children’s teams, often on crutches and in great pain, but always with enthusiasm and a smile.

With contact sports no longer an option, golf became his new passion. In his typical heroic fashion, he took on the challenge and excelled, nearly becoming a scratch golfer. Each time the disease took something from him, he accepted the challenge to work with it and improvise without complaint.

Through it all, his greatest role remained as father, husband and patriarch of his home. His influence for good was profound not only in the home, but to all who knew him.

Brian had a strong testimony of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and his faith emanated through every aspect of his life. For nearly 12 years, Brian endured countless surgeries, numerous drug trials and daily pain all with a sense of humor; fighting to the finish in miraculous ways, so that he might continue to be around for his family and loved ones. He never missed an opportunity to teach and love his children and wife. He left a profound legacy and Christlike example to all who knew him.

He was preceded in death by his Grandfather, Robert Felt Bitner and nephew, Lewis Wilding. He is survived by his three children, Brian Lucas, Henry James, and Janie Grace, wife, Emily Wilding, parents, Alan Fetzer and Marilyn Egan Bitner, siblings, Alissa (McKay) Cowdin, Natalie (Spencer) Richins, Lindsey (Brett) Preston, Daniel (Karli) Bitner, and David (Cami) Bitner.

Funeral Services will be held Friday, September 22, 2017 at 11:00 am at the Layton West Stake Center, 1715 W. 1600 N. in Layton, Utah. Friends may visit with family on Thursday, September 21, 2017 from 5 to 8 pm at Lindquist’s Layton Mortuary, 1867 N Fairfield Road in Layton, UT and Friday from 9:30 to 10:30 a.m. at the  church.  Interment, Lindquist’s Memorial Park at Layton, 1867 No. Fairfield Road, Layton, Utah.

In lieu of flowers Brian requested that donations be made to the Anything For A Friend Foundation at anythingforafriend.com