BRIAN MANROVICH

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BRIAN MANROVICH August 17, 1967 ~ April 1, 2006 It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Brian Manrovich. From the moment he was born, Brian assumed the world was his for the taking. He was the youngest of seven children and loved and admired his mother Annie greatly. While still in school, he talked his way into a rewarding career in the petroleum industry. A local Shell Station became the training ground for the character building prankster he would remain all his life. There, his zest for life was only rivaled by his loyalty to his friends. The Booze Brothers will forever rally behind their Buddy Bri with cheers of He who controls the cheezies... controls the world! . Brian graduated in 1985 and it didn't take long for him to indulge his wandering spirit. He packed his bags in 1987 and with a song in his heart, a coffee in his hand - he set off to explore Europe; back packing, hitch hiking and train hopping his way from one escapade to the next. Friends and family lived the adventures with him through letters and phone calls home. Still feeling the need to roam, in 88/89 he signed on with Canada World Youth; the highlight being three months in Nepal. This trip would leave a lasting impression on Brian. He never forgot the beauty of the land, the people, or his fellow travellers. He wasn't back in Winnipeg long before he took off to explore the Yukon. He stayed three years in and around Whitehorse bonding with the locals and soaking up the atmosphere. If you haven't lived there... you just wouldn't understand . It was a place he longed to return to one day. In 1993 Brian returned to Winnipeg; rekindling old friendships and good times. He came to Thunder Bay in 1995/96. Seeking the romance of country life, he moved to Kaministiquia in 1998. His off-the-wall sense of humour eased his transition to life in a cabin. He loved the outdoors: the world outside his doorstep went on forever. He lived a simple lifestyle in a place of peaceful solitude and beauty few could appreciate. It had to be experienced to be understood. He had finally come home. Brian tried his hand at many careers over the years but his heart kept bringing him back to the theatre where he enjoyed a professional career in theatrical sound and lighting. He had great respect for his fellow Techies and the acting companies he worked with. While he may have stopped globe trotting, it was only to turn his gaze upward to explore the universe. He was a member of the Royal Astronomical Society and especially enjoyed bringing the stars to the eyes of a child. Brian was an avid reader, gardener, photographer, radio buff, music lover, great friend and so much more. His intellect and insight were to be admired. He loved unconditionally and children were drawn to his uninhibited view of the world. He was a joy to be around and left a lasting impression on all who met him. We still had so much more to learn from him! Brian will be deeply missed and always loved by his partner and best friend Kathy. He is survived by six siblings, Robert, Louise, Marilyn (Don), Allen, Debbie and Ron (all of Winnipeg MB); nieces and nephews, Michelle (Dan), Lisa, Dan (Margarita) and Gary; as well as great-nieces/nephews. He also leaves behind an extensive family of the heart here in Kaministiquia and Thunder Bay. Family and friends are welcome to attend a Wake in celebration of Brian's life. Friday, April 21, 2006 Prince Arthur Hotel, Thunder Bay, ON Drop in between 7:00 p.m. and 1:00 a.m. Light refreshment and cash bar Brian has left this world to complete his journey but his spirit lives on. He has found peace.

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Apr 18, 2006