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JAMES ALEXANDER BRENNAN
Date of Passing: Sep 29, 2014
Send Flowers to the Family Offer Condolences or MemoryJAMES ALEXANDER BRENNAN On Monday, September 29, 2014 at the St. Boniface Hospital, James (Jim) Brennan passed away at the age of 66 years. Jim was born May 14, 1948 in Winnipeg, Manitoba. He was the son of James Augdon Brennan and Florence Antoinette Brennan (née Jobin). He was predeceased by his father in 1965 and his mother in 2002. Jim is survived by his wife Nancy Lynn Brennan (née Simpkins); son Jason Brennan, spouse Donna Sikorsky and grandsons James and Julian; daughter Jennifer, spouse Derek Peters, grandson Mason and granddaughter Rebecca. He is also survived by his four elder siblings: Peter (Lily), Bridget Pastoor, Michael (Shelagh), and Steven Abraham; two younger siblings: Florence Eastwood (Robert), and Fred (Jane Thompson); and by numerous nieces and nephews. Growing up on Dorchester Street, the Brennans were active parishioners at St. Ignatius Roman Catholic Church. Jim attended St. Ignatius School and then St. Paul's and Grant Park High Schools. Upon turning 18, Jim enlisted in the United States Army. He served three years, primarily in the company of the 2nd Infantry Division in Korea. While in the army, he completed his high school GED, became an avid reader of politics and history, and honed his writing skills, sending home more than 200 letters to his fiancée, Nancy. Honourably discharged from service, he returned to Canada in 1969. Jim and Nancy married and immediately began their family. The family grew up in River Heights where the children actively participated in activities at the River Heights Community Centre. Jim served variously as hockey league convener, coach and manager over many years at River Heights. Always with an encouraging word for the kids that crossed his path, Jim was dedicated to providing opportunities for youth. He met kids at their level, listening to what they had to say, and challenging them to question their beliefs and actions. Jim started his career in sales, initially for the Acme Novelty Company. He was blessed to work with people who became great friends and mentors. In his early career, Jim represented the Fisher Trading Company and the Fisher family of Montreal. He greatly admired and respected the Orthodox Jewish faith and the commitment of the Fisher family to their history and traditions. In his later career, Jim represented Swarovski Canada, working with the White family of Toronto. His friendship with Swarovski Canada President, Mr. Peter White, superseded the business relationship, as they shared common worldviews and a great love of history. Jim was Co-Founder and served as President of the Winnipeg Gift and Tableware Association Trade Show from 1980 until 1996. He greatly enjoyed the camaraderie and travel afforded by the life of a salesman. With customers, colleagues, and friends he played most of the golf courses in Manitoba and Saskatchewan and never missed a Regina Pats game if the opportunity presented itself. Jim was an avid hunter. He spent many fall days, knee deep with his close friend Roger Watson in pursuit of geese, ducks and deer. His favourite place was Augdon House, the Brennan family cottage on Lake Winnipeg since 1949. Jim and Nancy hosted many gatherings of friends and family at Augdon House. Everyone was always welcome. Jim cherished his lifelong lake friendships especially with close friends, Gordon and Heather Ferguson and their children Graeme and Kyla. Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Monday, October 6, 2014 at 10:30 a.m. at St. John Brebeuf Roman Catholic Church, 1707 John Brebeuf Place with Rev. Fr. Mark Tarrant presiding. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the St. Paul's High School General Bursary Fund (stpauls.mb.ca), or to a charity of your choice. NEIL BARDAL FUNERAL CENTRE 204-949-2200 neilbardalinc.com
Publish Date: Oct 4, 2014
JAMES ALEXANDER BRENNAN On Monday, September 29, 2014 at the St. Boniface Hospital, Jim Brennan passed away at the age of 66 years. A memorial service will take place on Monday, October 6, 2014 at 10:30 a.m. at St. John Brebeuf Roman Catholic Church, 1707 John Brebeuf Place. Longer obituary will follow. NEIL BARDAL FUNERAL CENTRE 204-949-2200 neilbardalinc.com
Publish Date: Oct 1, 2014
As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Oct 04, 2014
Condolences & Memories (13 entries)
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For Jim - Your kindness, love, humour and loyalty is treasured. There just might be a confab amongst salesmen going on now. Somewhere. Oh, the tales to tell. To the Brennans From the Lennon-Chutters - Posted by: Kelly, Mike and Rose Chutter (Family Friends) on: Oct 12, 2014
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Our family has had a cottage at Matlock for the past 65 years, and I have always known the Brennan's lovely lakeside home. On one of my visits, we toured the lovely Brennan cottage, and were warmly welcomes by Jim. I see him now, so proud of his home, his family, his roots. My sincere sympathies go to all the family. - Posted by: Ruth Brodie (Sister of Barbara Ball of Matlock) on: Oct 09, 2014
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My thoughts and prayers are with you Nancy and Jen. - Posted by: Audrey (Dr. P.'s Office) () on: Oct 05, 2014
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Nancy and family I was saddened to read of Jim's passing. We both started our working careers at Acme Novelty, many years passed and I met up with Jim at the sign shop on Erin St. The next winter who do I run into at a golf course in Palm Springs Jim Brennan we talked a bit and said we should get together sadly we never did. Rest easy Jim and slow down on the backswing - Posted by: Earl Dudek (Acquaintance and former co-worker) on: Oct 05, 2014
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Sincere condolences to Nancy, Family and Friends. He was just coming into his stride with so many excellent initiatives and ideas, including the Canadian Club luncheon featuring our Ambassador to the United States, Gary Doer, this past year. Thankful for the many blessings of his company, his support and encouragement of so many, and his myriad good works in our Community. - Posted by: Victoria Lehman (Colleague, Friend, and Honourary Counsel, The Canadian Club of Winnipeg) on: Oct 04, 2014
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We were so sorry to hear about Jim! - Posted by: Sheila and Bob Mizak (Friends) on: Oct 04, 2014
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I was so sorry to learn of Jim's passing. My Sundays with Jim were pleasant. Nancy, to you, your children, and your grandchildren, I send my sincerest condolences. Good men are missed. - Posted by: Deborah McLaughlin (Co-worker) on: Oct 04, 2014
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I was just starting out as a lawyer when I met Jim and Nancy through my friends Janet and Paul. Jim trusted this very green lawyer with some legal matters. Then life happened and I changed careers and lost touch. Recently we reconnected on LinkedIn. Jim invited me to call him but I never found the right time. Now I wish I had. My sincere condolences to Nancy and all the family. - Posted by: Wendy Barker () on: Oct 04, 2014
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To Nancy, Jason, Jennifer and family, Sincere condolences, Angela & Richard Humphrey Cordova Street neighbours - Posted by: Angela Humphrey, (nee Hay) (friend, neighbour) on: Oct 04, 2014
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We loved Jim's determination and positive energy. He quietly forged ahead and got things done in his confident, yet diffident, way. His optimism sustained him until the last and it eased the pain for those around him. Thank you, Jim, for all you gave and for the warm and kind person you were. Our love and support goes out to Nancy, their family and all their many friends. - Posted by: Dorothy Dobbie (Friend and employer) on: Oct 03, 2014
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Our condolences to Nancy and the family. Jim was a man of vision and passion with an impish sense of humour. We will all miss him. - Posted by: Allan Jacks () on: Oct 02, 2014
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Jim, you were a very special man. Always available to help out others, loved sports (especially hockey), the cottage and of course, his family. I spent a year living with the Brennan family and it was an amazing time in my young life. Jim was also welcoming and willing to share his couch or a story of his past. I can't believe how quickly time flies, but those memories will never be erased of Jim's kindness and spirit. My condolences to the rest of the family.PN - Posted by: Andrew Hakes (family friend) on: Oct 01, 2014
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A tragic loss of a great man, too soon, whom I had begun to know and appreciate more and more. I will miss Jim's stories, his explanations for why he was flying which flag at Augdon House, his good nature and his good humour. I especially agreed with his wish to shoot off a cannon at the lake. I am privileged to have known you, Jim. Thank you. - Posted by: Thomas Steur (family) on: Oct 01, 2014
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