February 13, 1943 to February 7, 2026
It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Brian. He died a week shy of his 83rd birthday.
He was a great father, uncle, grandfather, neighbour and friend. He was happy to lend a hand, fix your roof, give you vegetables from his beautiful garden or just chat with you for longer than anticipated.
Brian leaves behind his three children Michael, Kelly and Jean; his sister Donna; his grandchildren Cole and Kennedy; his dear friend Annette; as well as many nieces, nephews, friends and colleagues. He was predeceased by his parents Frank and Helen, his sisters Eunice and Geraldine, brothers Donald and Ronald and his ex-wife Colleen.
Brian grew up in Calmar, Alberta, where he played baseball, hockey, and football. He worked tirelessly on many farms after school. He made the decision to join the RCMP in lieu of a professional sports career, becoming a Constable at the age of 21 with his first posting in Prince Rupert, BC. He married Colleen in 1971. Due to the nature of his job, they subsequently lived in Kamloops, Creston, and Penticton, as his 28 years working for the RCMP moved him all over the province. He eventually retired in Ashcroft, BC as a Sergeant. Still a young buck at 49, he ventured on to a second career at Highland Valley Copper, where he worked as a Supervisor for 12 years.
Throughout his life, B.S. refereed WHL hockey, Junior B and of course Ashcroft Beer Belly. He made many friends (as well as some enemies) doing this but was known for being a fair and respected referee. He spent his retirement years planting and weeding in his garden, golfing, and going for coffee with Annette.
He enjoyed helping Kelly with her yard work. He was an enthusiastic supporter of his grandchildren in their activities (occasionally refereeing from the sidelines).
He loved visiting Jean in Vancouver where he could sideline referee Canucks games and browse different grocery stores. Known for his newly discovered love of many foods he would often be heard asking “have you tried THIS??” He would spend hours speaking cop talk with Michael.
His great big heart, generosity of spirit, and relentless support will be greatly missed His jokes will not…
A memorial service will be held in the springtime with details to follow. In lieu of flowers, remembrance donations would be appreciated to the Heart and Stroke Foundation and the Marjorie Willoughby Snowden Memorial Hospice Home in Kamloops.