For those who knew Brian he was a character larger than life. Always boisterous and fun to be around Brian brought smiles wherever he went. He was engaging and knowledgeable on many subjects but also had a mischievous and occasionally raucous sense of humor. He was fun loving and always generous sharing both his ideology and his possessions. Brian lived life to the fullest sense and while taken from this Earth too soon, he certainly accomplished a lot, both personally and professionally in the time he had.
He is survived by his wife Gini Tyrrell Staton, three children Tim, Audrey and Emily (husband Ryan), known as “Poppy” to his grandchildren Sadie and Lila and his beloved dog Joey. He lost his first wife Vicki to Cancer in 2006. Brian was the youngest son of Jim and Marion (Lippard) Staton (both originally from North Carolina). He was very close to his mom and his brother Greg Staton who both passed away within the last 10 years. Brian’s father Jim passed away many years ago.
Brian’s marine career stretches back to the 1980s where he started at Sound Marine in Seattle. He then went on to a long career at SIMRAD dating back to 1983 where he worked his way up the ranks from a regional sales manager to general manager and then President of SIMRAD North America from 1996-2006. He was also elected to the SIMRAD board of directors. After NAVICO Inc. purchased SIMRAD Brian remained as a Vice President at NAVICO until 2009 when the offices were moved from Seattle to Tulsa. After a brief stint at POWER & MOTORYACHT, he joined Ship Equip as Manager of Business Development and, finally went on to his role as Vice President of Krill Systems, Inc. from 2009 until his recent untimely passing.
Brian grew up near Seattle and had a true love of the Northwest including the incredible seafood abundant in the waters of the Pacific Northwest. Brian was an accomplished cook who would make extravagant meals, brushing it off as “just a little something I whipped up.” He also knew his way around a bottle of wine and liked to travel to Walla Walla to experience the latest Washington-grown wines, which he collected. Sharing his wines with friends and family with a big smile on his face was a favorite pastime.
Brian went to Eastern Washington University (Cheney, WA) on an Athletic Scholarship where he played football (center). He was physically big and strong yet at the same time gentle and agile on the dance floor. He and Gini loved to play golf and spent his last day on the golf course in the Seattle sunshine.
Brian was bestowed with many professional honors including being elected Chairman of NAVICO Canada Ltd., serving on the Board of Directors of SIMRAD Inc., and being elected Chairman of B&G North America.
Those of us fortunate enough to know Brian were shocked and saddened by his sudden passing, yet when thinking back about him it is hard not to smile. The strength of his character shines through bringing a measure of joy even in this time of sorrow. Brian truly lived life to the fullest. He was a strong leader and those around him rose-up and did great things, guided by his exuberance and inspiration.
A celebration of Brian’s life will be held at McMenamin’s Anderson School (18607 Bothell Way NE, Bothell, WA 98011) on Friday, November 10, from 11am to 5pm. Please join us for a toast to the “big guy” that many of us knew and admired so much. RSVP to: gastaton24@gmail.com
In lieu of flowers the family requests donations be made in Brian’s name at: The First Tee of Greater Seattle. www.thefirstteeseattle.org
Please sign our on-line guest book at www.acaciafuneralhome.com or contact 206-362-5525
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