Brian Blundell, 78, passed away on January 2, 2025, surrounded by family. Born on March 4, 1946 in Vancouver and raised in Britannia Beach, he will be deeply missed and fondly remembered by his wife Marion, his children Clark Blundell (Nannette) and Brooke Sommer (Sam), his stepchildren Haley Hardy (Kevin), Adam Brown (Jessica), and Elliott Brown (Pannipa), as well as his many grandchildren and countless friends.
Brian’s career journey began after graduating from BCIT with a degree in Marketing, which led him to manage Jay Ray Men’s Wear in Ashcroft. Over time, he became a partner and later the owner of the store. His career took him to Kelowna, Salmon Arm, and finally Kamloops. In 1988, Brian transitioned into a new career in life insurance and financial planning with Great West Life, where he built a successful business until his retirement.
Outside of work, Brian’s greatest joy was his family and friends. He was a proud and loving Grandpa to CJ and Jorden Blundell, Shantana Pounder, Jack Sommer, Erin, Corinne, and Owen Hardy, Cohen Brown, and CJ Brown. Brian was also known for his unwavering commitment to maintaining lifelong friendships. He nurtured deep and lasting bonds with many people over the years, and his ability to stay connected with friends from every stage of life was one of the things that defined him. Whether near or far, Brian was always ready with a phone call or a visit to check in and share a laugh.
Brian was also an active and dedicated member of Rotary International, where he shared his time, resources, and passion for giving back to the community. His commitment to service left a lasting impact on those he worked with and the many lives he touched.
A man of humor and wit, Brian had a remarkable gift for storytelling. Whether recounting funny anecdotes from his life or telling a well-timed joke, his infectious laugh and sharp humor were part of what made him so beloved by friends and family alike. His ability to bring joy and laughter to any room will be deeply missed.
Brian’s love for adventure blossomed when he met Marion. Together, they cycled over 12,000 kilometers across Europe, Canada, and the US, creating cherished memories along the way.
An avid and self-taught woodworker, Brian spent much of his time in his workshop, crafting beautiful furniture and commissioned pieces for family and friends. His intricately designed cutting boards and charcuterie boards were so beautifully crafted they were often described as “too beautiful to cut on.”
Brian is survived by his brother Mark Blundell, as well as many nieces, nephews, and extended family members. His legacy of hard work, generosity, humor, and storytelling will live on in all who knew him.
Please join us for Brian’s Celebration of Life Saturday, April 26, 2025 at 1:00pm in the Kamloops Funeral Home.
Condolences may be sent to the family from
www.kamloopsfuneralhome.com
10 Tributes
Dear Marion, I was in the same grad class as Brian at BCIT in 1976, study buddies along with Stu W It was a tough grind for 2 years but we got through My condolences to you and family on your loss, I will miss him
Sandra and I are very sorry for your loss. We know he will be greatly missed.
The world will be a sadder place without his humour and his “larger than life” presence! Brian was good friend with excellent financial advice and unlimited kindness
I feel so sad for your loss Marion! To me Brian was a nice gentleman and treated all who knew him with great respect. Brian was a mentor to many and especially to me regarding his woodworking skills. 100% was never good enough, that was probably his average! He will be sadly missed by all who knew him well. Brian was a good and dear friend to all of us who knew him well!! He will be missed.
Brian was a mentor to me…I started my business because Brian was my Division Director in 1992…He was at my wedding in 1997 and I counted him as a valued friend…I lost touch once I retired in 2014 from IG, but, I know he was very happy in his life the last time time we shared…That’s all any of us can wish for..
Dear Marion and family,
John and I are so saddened to hear of Brian’s passing. He was a lovely man and always the same, whenever we met him. A smile on his face and a hearty hug. I have many good memories of Ashcroft days and he was a dear friend. We will miss him.
My sincerest condolences to you Marion and your family. Brian had a great sense of humour and always fun to chat with. He and I became acquainted through his woodworking and his acquisition of tools and materials for his many family projects. We also didn’t miss out on discussions regarding the Blazer. Brian will be deeply missed by all that knew him.
Brian will be greatly missed. It was such a pleasure to have worked with Brian in the same office for many years. I am so glad I got to see him again before his passing.
My condolences to you, Marion and your family. He will be missed.
Marion and Family
I am so sorry to hear of Brian’s passing.
A true gentleman with humor.
Ron and Myself enjoyed many memories through our Rotary days . He will truly be missed.
You all In my heart and thoughts .
Barb Newson
I knew Brian from Rotary, was one of the very best bosses I had In my 50 plus years of working.
He was knowable, superb sense of humour, enjoyable to be around.
There are individuals you meet that stand out of amongst their piers, Brian was one of those individuals.
Brian will be missed by all who knew him, our thoughts go out to his family at this time, not having Brian physically in their lives, but what memories!
Hi Marion and family. Brian shared office space at Underwriters Insurance and we spoke every day. He was a man of great humour, happiness, and fun. He was also unfailingly honest, had the highest ethical standards and sense of decency. I really admired Brian. Not to mention he was always impeccably dressed. One of his proudest attributes that he values in others was his handshake was his bond. I am deeply saddened to hear of his passing.
Kevin McIntyre