Bronson Derrek Koterwas

Bronson Koterwas, age 44, passed away February 25, 2017 at home in Bozeman. Born in Aspen, CO, as a young child Bronson lived in NH, Kalispell, and VT. He entered first grade in Bozeman and grew up skiing at Bridger Bowl, riding motocross, playing soccer, and camping in Yellowstone with his family.



While in high school he worked as a baker for Yogi's Bakery and, when it became Wheat Montana, he was part of the team honored in the Guinness Book of World Records for making the "fastest loaf of bread"--- from wheat field to table. In 1990 he and a friend drove a VW camper to Alaska, hoping to work as fishermen. But, due to the Exxon Valdez oil spill the year before, the fishing was depleted and he returned to Bozeman.



Perhaps partly because of this experience, he became a staunch defender of the environment. As he began his life-long career in construction, he strove to use solar and other energy-efficient technologies. At one point he worked as construction supervisor in the Pacific Heights neighborhood of San Francisco and indulged his budding interest in surfing. But he always loved Montana and kayaking its wild rivers with friends. So he again returned to Bozeman, where he married and started a family.



His daughter and the environment were his two greatest loves and he feared the future of both was threatened by global warming. He had a kind heart and gentle spirit and will be greatly missed.



In addition to his wife Kate Huston and daughter Maia Luna of Bozeman, Bronson is survived by his parents, Ted Koterwas of Bozeman and Marilyn White of Newburyport, MA, his brother Cliff Koterwas and his wife Rebecca of Spring, TX, a niece and nephew Lexi and Aaron Koterwas, two aunts, four uncles, eleven cousins, and his beloved rescue dogs Ranger and Lorax.