Friday, October 4, 2024
I wish to offer my condolences to Brian’s family and friends on the loss of such a good person.
I have known Brian since he registered in my Grade IX classroom at Regina High School early in the 1970’s, the same year as his terrible, life-changing accident. I knew him in class as a very respectful and cooperative student. He jokingly admitted in later years that he was no great scholar.
In the difficult years of his rehabilitation I lost direct contact with Brian, but when he returned to his home at Westview Ave. we reconnected. Often we met on the street as we came and went and would discuss the fates of our favourite hockey teams (Leafs for me, Canadiens for him), re-live the successes of the Royals, and mull over changes in the neighbourhood. Brian always spoke proudly of his Dad, Leo’s, dedication to and love of skiing, and of his Mom, Mona’s, devotion to him through the long hours of his difficult physical and emotional struggles after his accident.
The outstanding feature of Brian’s character that Westview residents appreciated was his willingness to help with the usual chores of mowing lawns , stacking wood and shovelling snow. Brian was the one to turn to when you had to leave your property for a period of time.
Corner Brook has lost a good soul who was proud of his hometown and his family.