Physical Address
357 Agency Rd,
Lapwai, ID 83540
Brian L. (Buffalo/Buff) Holt, Nez Perce Tribal Member, passed away on May 15, 2025, surrounded by his family. He was born on August 23, 1964, in Lewiston, Idaho.
Brian was born to Loretta Scott and Maynard Holt. Brian had four brothers, Donald Johns, Maynard “Bugs” Holt, Jr., and Daniel and Vernon Peters. He also had two sisters, Marilee Burke and Cora Holt.
Brian spent his formative years in Lapwai and attended school there. He also spent time in Kamiah with his mom, grandma Bea Miles and her sisters Lillian and Loda and brother Ron Oatman. He also spent time at the Talmaks Church Camp.
He spent time with his late uncles Ron and Vic Holt, and uncles David, Lewis, and Adrian, along with his cousins. Brian had many teachers in life, his grandparents, aunts, and uncles. He honored them by gifting salmon, big game, or medicine from the mountains. He was raised by many older family members from his father’s side, the Holt’s, and his mother’s side, the Oatman’s-Miles’.
He loved to hunt deer, elk, and moose and fish for steelhead, salmon, and trout. He also loved to gather roots and berries, especially his medicine from the mountains. He loved to make firewood for his sweathouse and home. He looked forward to the spring salmon fishing season at Rapid River. He had his own camp and would spend the whole season there. He was an artist and believed in the dreamer ways of the Tribe.
Brian attended the US Forest Service Smokejumper Center School and met the rigorous training to become a smokejumper. He attended the school with Richard Guzman and Corby Ellenwood. After becoming a smokejumper, Brian became a major part of the Nez Perce Tribe’s Wildland Firefighter Program, serving as crew leader over 40 man strike teams.
Brian married Stacy Startzel and they had two boys, Brian and Brock, who live in Richland, WA. Their marriage ended in divorce. He had 3 more children with Patricia Pinkham – Aaron, Zach, and Misty. His children and grandchildren were the love of his life. He often prayed for his children and family.
Brian spent much of his time helping his siblings and cousins. He had a big heart for family.
He is survived by his siblings Marilee, Daniel, and Bugs, his children Brian, Brock, Aaron, Zach, and Misty, and 6 grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents, stepfather Jonesy Scott, sister Cora, and brothers Donald and Vernon.
A memorial service will be held at 7 p.m. on Monday at the Pineewaus Community Center. A Wahlusat sunrise service conducted by Armand Minthorn will be held on Tuesday followed by a non-denominational service at 10 a.m., both at the Pineewaus Community Center. Burial will follow at the Nez Perce Tribal Cemetery with a dinner and giveaway at the Pineewaus Community Center afterwards.
