Brian Preston Alter, born July 8, 1949, passed away on August 28, 2026. He was the son of Priscilla Jayne Alter and the stepson of Albert J. Alter.

Brian spent his early years in Oregon, Ohio, and later in Ottawa Hills. Summers on the family farm left its mark on him, especially the time he spent with his Grandma Pearl, whose influence he carried throughout his life.

As a teenager, he attended Storer Camps on Stony Lake in Michigan, where the Ranch Hands program sparked a lifelong love of horses. He bought his first horse at age 17 and went on to own 18 horses over his lifetime, most of them Arabians.

Brian attended Clay High School and the University of Detroit, where he studied engineering. In 1970, he moved west and made his home in Arizona. He spent most of his career as a supervisor at Motorola Semiconductor in Phoenix.

In the 1990’s, Brian purchased property in Gilbert, Arizona, and built a home for himself and his horses. At 6foot-3, he was a cowboy through and through, most at home in western shirts, jeans, boots and a Stetson hat. He loved horses, animals, hunting, fishing, the outdoors and Arizona’s dry heat.

His love of horses became part of the family’s memories, too. His brother, Tim; sister-in-law, Nancy; and nieces, Mary and Kelly, would visit him in Arizona, where the girls loved riding his horses. They remembered Star, Belle and Serena so fondly, that back home they gave the playground horses the same names. Later, when the girls were grown and Brian took the whole family on desert trail rides, everyone noted how natural he looked on a horse. Brian had a special way with horses, and neighbors knew they could turn to him when they needed help with their own.

Brian never met an animal he didn’t like. Over the years, his ranch also was home to goats, chickens, cats and dogs.

He grew oranges, lemons, limes, dates and pecans on his property and would send them home to family in Ohio.

Brian was a kind and gentle man, though fiercely independent and strong-willed. He was deeply loyal to the people he loved: a devoted big brother to Tim, a caring son to his mother, Priscilla Jayne, especially during her final years, and a grateful nephew who treasured his fall visits to Toledo with his beloved uncle, Joe Simon.

In his final years, Brian was surrounded by extraordinary kindness from his Arizona neighbors, who helped him with doctor’s appointments, meals, yard maintenance, laundry and everyday care. They showed their enduring friendship in so many ways. In June 2026, he returned to Waterville, to be close to his brother and family.

Brian was preceded in death by his mother, Priscilla Jayne Alter; his stepfather, Albert J. Alter, and his uncle, Joe Simon. He is survived by his brother, Tim Alter; sisterin- law, Nancy Alter; stepbrothers, Albert Alter and Christopher Alter; stepsister, Carol Castle; nieces, Kelly Alter and Mary Alter Willbur; Mary’s husband, Matthew Willbur; great-nieces, Pearl Willbur and Eloise Willbur, and Mary Ann Simon, wife of his late uncle Joe Simon.

Brian will be remembered as a true cowboy: self-reliant, loyal, kind at heart and happiest in the Arizona sun with horses nearby. He will truly be missed by his family and friends.

Brian was laid to rest with a Catholic Mass at St John XXIII Catholic Church, Perrysburg. A private burial ceremony took place immediately following mass.

In lieu of flowers, those wishing to honor Brian’s memory are invited to donate to The YMCA Of Greater Toledo Storer Camps.