Comments on: Douglas George LeBrun

By: John F Nehus

John F Nehus — Wed, 14 Aug 2019 01:44:11 +0000

Coach, looking back I can’t imagine how difficult it must have been for you to perform at the level that you did throughout my high school years. Just coordinating a trip to Stanford or much worse yet, Miles City, must have been so hard. Thank you so much for investing the amount of time that you did with me during the period of 1964-68. God Bless you.

By: Henry & Susanna Normandeau

Henry & Susanna Normandeau — Tue, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000

Dear Friends,

We are so very sad to learn about your loss. We will always remember doug as a very caring, fine man.
May God bless you and keep you all during this difficult time.

Henry & Susanna

By: Jim Longin

Jim Longin — Tue, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000

To the family of my friend, Doug LeBrun:
Please accept my deepest sympathy in the passing of our beloved, Doug. I had known Doug for some 50 years and had always admired his love and commitment to our youth. I pray for him and thank God for having allowed me to know him. He has been a forwever friend. May he rest in peace.

By: Johanna Mellinger

Johanna Mellinger — Tue, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000

A big hole exists in the pole vaulting world with the passing of this great man.
I had the pleasure of traveling once to Reno with Doug and a car load of vaulters – one of them my daughter. Doug was her behind the scenes coach for 5 years. Helped her to 3 State titles in Class C. Always enjoyed our visits. Doug was always available to offer a helping hand to the kids. We’ll miss you coach!

By: John Evans

John Evans — Tue, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000

Doug was part of our extended family at St. Leo’s and after my father’s passing, he was the one who put up the basketball hoop in the driveway and was there to tutor my siblings on the finer points of physics. I have fond memories of the old cracker box gym, locker room, football field and track, where Doug held court for many years. His actions and coaching style reflected his passion for all things althetic. I once took a basketball on the chin in 7th grade for talking when I should have be listening. Message recieved. He later took me out for a rum hot-n-tot. I will alway remember Doug for his goofy phrases like “Holy Geidus”. May God bless you.

By: Kevin McEwen

Kevin McEwen — Tue, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000

Sorry to hear of Coaches passing. He was a inspiration and “menace” to those of us he coached and taught. Nobody worked harder and did more for kids than Doug.

By: Lanny Fred

Lanny Fred — Tue, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000

“Heavens to Mergatroid” or “Holy Geddis” were a couple of Doug’s expressions. I don’t ever remember hearing him swear in all the 38 years I knew him. Not that he wouldn’t get excited once in awhile, but throughout, Doug was truly a fine and good man. When we hired Doug out of Lewistown in 1973 to teach and coach at Helena Junior High School, we needed someone who could teach physical education but also coach a number of sports, and Doug was able to do that. The remaining almost 40 years speak for themselves as Doug earned the respect, admiration and love of so many of his students, athletes and others. My wife, Sharon, and I are the track and Field commissioners for the Big Sky State Games. It’s always a challenge to find event judges to come to Billings in the middle of the summer. One person we could always count on was Doug LeBrun. Doug would not only run the pole vault for us but he would bring a number of Helena young men and women to compete in the event. Other vaulters and coaches from around the state would enter because Doug was going to be there. It feels empty already knowing Doug will not be with us this summer at the BSSG. We will truly miss him in that regard and as a friend.

By: Louie Sharp

Louie Sharp — Tue, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000

Doug LeBrun could very well be the best man I have ever known. He lived his life by the same standards and principals that taught his students and atheletes. He dedicated his life to the youth of his profession.
“Doug thankyou for your guidance at a time in my life when I needed discipline and direction. You gave me the self confidence and self esteem that I still carry with me today. You will always be an inspiration to me and I will not let my memory of you and my graditude to you ever fade. Thankyou Coach”.

By: Luanne Smith

Luanne Smith — Tue, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000

We will sure miss Doug! We were hoping to have a 75th birthday party for him this year, since I actually knew his age thanks to a nephew we had dinner with at Golden Corral in Missoula one time. I did finally tell him how I knew his age- for the last 4 years.

By: Heather Johnstone

Heather Johnstone — Tue, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000

I feel so blessed that my son and I were able to attend Doug’s vault camp. He was full of ideas/information, willing to share his knowledge, and passionate about the sport. His legend will live on in the countless number of athletes and coaches he influenced throughout his life.

By: Greg Mohl, Ginny, Jeff, and Sami

Greg Mohl, Ginny, Jeff, and Sami — Tue, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000

Doug will forever be in our hearts and minds. He was a special friend and coach.

If there is anything we can do please do not hesitate to ask

By: Gale Decker

Gale Decker — Tue, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000

I am saddened by the news of Doug’s passing. I first met Coach as a young boy in Ronan and he coached our Babe Ruth baseball team. He always had a big smile and encouraging words. I saw him several times in later years and Ronan and he was always the same, big smile and a warm heart.

By: Amy Brooks

Amy Brooks — Tue, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000

Thank you Mr. LeBrun for always putting a smile on my face and for all of your support and guidance. You will truly be missed by all. Thanks “Old Man!”

By: Beth lewis

Beth lewis — Tue, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000

Coach LeBrun was an amazing gift to all who knew him. I will always remember him yelling “holi Geddis!” as you ran the track….he always had a warm smile and a hug when I saw him…even after all these years, he remembered me and mad me feel special. He was a special, special man. My prayers are with hi family.

By: Braelynne Johnson

Braelynne Johnson — Tue, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000

Old Man, I am sorry I couldn’t make it home to honor you at the vigil. I will truly miss you hollering “Hey Speedy!”, with witty comments followed by your beaming smile and giddy, boisterous laughter. You made track season eventful and fun, and always knew what to say to calm me down before the big race. You always wanted to try and get me on to the pole vault pit, and I’m sorry we never did. Thank you for being such a positive light to those around you, from my mother in 1988, to me in 2010. You were single-handedly capable of bringing people together just in the spirit of competition. You were an amazing coach and an even greater person, and I know your heart will live on to be a model for those in the Helena community. Thank you for the undoubtedly countless blessings you left behind for us. I love you Old Man.

By: Dale and Carol Adams

Dale and Carol Adams — Tue, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000

I was so saddened to see the passing of Doug. I have memories of him practicing football in our back yard in Lewistown.
Our condolences are sent to all of the family especially the Haverkamps

By: Dan and Pat Hodge

Dan and Pat Hodge — Tue, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000

We are sorry to hear of Doug’s passing. He was a great coach and a wonderful person with a huge smile. It was apparent that he loved his time on the track with “his” pole vaulters. Our thoughts and prayers go to all of Doug’s family. We will miss your smile and your jokes “old man.”

By: David

David — Tue, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000

By: David Gans

David Gans — Tue, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000

I am saddened to learn of Doug’s passing. Thankfully I had a chance to visit with him last September after not seeing him for years. He was a major influence to all the students and athletes whose lives he touched. My condolences to his family.

By: Debbie Evans Whipple

Debbie Evans Whipple — Tue, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000

My sincere condolences to the family of Coach LeBrun. He touched so many lives as a teacher and a coach. He asked simply that you listen and do your best. There were many erasers that flew in biology at St. Leos, ears that needed gnawed and shoulders that needed big hugs. He remains in the fabric of what my life has become because he truly cared. Rest in peace, Coach.