Obituary: Bryan Daniel King

Obituary
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Bryan Daniel King, 58, passed away on Aug. 5, 2026, in Juneau, Alaska.

Bryan was born on Nov. 21, 1967, to Val Jean (Brown) Culich and James King Jr. at Richards-Gebaur Air Force Base in Belton, Missouri. He was an only child who moved to Alaska with his parents as a young child. After his father left the Air Force station at Fort Elmendorf AFB in Anchorage, the family relocated to Juneau, which is the place that became his forever home.

Bryan made many friends through playing sports during his youth (i.e.: swimming, basketball, etc.), and through his love of rock and heavy metal music. During the early to mid-80s, he was also part of the infamous "Highlanders" (rivaled only by the "Douglas Mafia") as he and his friends were a known bunch of rabble-rousers. He also was known for being an amazing guitar player.

After graduating from Juneau Douglas High School in 1985, he attended the Denver Institute of Technology in Colorado, and began working in the automotive parts and repair industry for a handful of years thereafter.

Bryan married his high school sweetheart, Lori (Van Kirk) King in 1989, and together they welcomed their daughters, Kylie and Katelyn. Though they eventually separated, Bryan and Lori continued co-parenting for the next three decades. He was very proud to be a father.

Despite what some may consider a life-altering medical diagnosis of Multiple Sclerosis at age 21, Bryan instead decided to pivot to another career path that would allow him to employ his natural skills with numbers. In 2000, he graduated with a bachelor's in small business management and accounting from the University of Alaska Southeast. He then used his degree to pursue a career as an accountant for the State of Alaska Department of Revenue, where he worked for nearly 15 years. During this time, he prided himself on his professional expertise, his good work ethic, and his near-perfect attendance record.

Bryan was an incredibly resilient person and gentle soul, who loved his friends and family so much that he’d do anything to help them out, including opening the door to his own home. He always displayed kindness through his actions, and could always be relied upon for mechanical troubleshooting, tax advice, or just someone to talk or joke around with. He was exceptionally brave in the face of any challenges he had to face in life and always persevered with steadfast conviction that he could find a way to overcome any obstacle in his own way.

Bryan is survived by his daughters, Kylie (Eli) Wray and Katelyn King, ex-wife, Lori King, and his grandson, Teo Wray, who he was thrilled to have met. He is preceded in death by both of his parents, who will surely welcome their beloved son home with open arms.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the National Multiple Sclerosis Society under the Bryan D. King Memorial Fund at: https://donate.nationalmssociety.org/campaigns/Bryan-D-King-Memorial-Fund.

A special thank you to his hospice nurses, Brandie, Karen, and especially Kevin, who provided him with the utmost level of care and dignity which were a huge source of comfort to Bryan and his family.

A Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, Sept. 19, at Auke Rec Eagle Shelter from 2 p.m. — 5 p.m.