DONALD LOWERY BRIAN ANDERSON

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DONALD LOWERY BRIAN ANDERSON June 27, 1927 - June 11, 2015 On June 11, Brian passed away peacefully with his wife by his side. He endured much in the last few years but continued on with courage and joy. His parents Merle and David Anderson predeceased Brian in 1939 and 1966. He lost his beloved brothers Barry (Shirley) and Michael (Laura) in 2010. He is survived by his loving wife of 66 years Betty; his two sons David (Christine) and Ricky (Nan); granddaughters Katie (Will), Erin (Tetteh), Megan (Geoff) and Lauren (Michael); great grandchildren Paolo, Amedu, Liam, Ruben; and his nieces, nephews and in-laws. Also mourning his passing are a host of friends and kind, dedicated caregivers. Brian was the eldest of three boys born in Winnipeg. He attended school at Windsor, Earl Grey and Glenlawn. His mother died tragically in surgery when Brian was 12. The ensuing years were difficult and life changing for everyone in the family. In 1946 he was employed with Larder Lake Gold Mines in Northwest Ontario. It was there that he began to correspond with Betty. They enjoyed an exciting courtship when he returned to Winnipeg and were married in 1949. David and Rick were born not long after. Both Brian and Betty were devoted partners and loving parents. Brian was an athletic man who played championship football with the St. Vital Bulldogs, was an active member of the Y.M.C.A. and became a qualified SCUBA diver. His family cherishes the memories of family vacations, holiday celebrations, tent trailer camping, fishing, swimming and the loving of a great family man. Brian had a long and harmonious relationship with Betty's Mother and Father, Florence and John McArthur, and was generous and kind to them. He loved his Scottish ancestry and was a loyal son, brother, nephew and uncle to the Anderson clan. Brian had a distinguished 36 year career with Manitoba Hydro. His job took Brian, Betty and the boys to Portage La Prairie, Brandon and Virden while he worked on rural electrification. Through continuous study he rose from Clerk to Superintendent, obtaining an Industrial Management Degree from the University of Manitoba. When he retired in 1983 he was Superintendent of Electrical Maintenance for the Central Region. Brian loved his Hydro career and made lifelong friends there. Brian was an Elder and Cub master at Rosedale United Church and became a respected member and Leader of Masons, Scottish Rite and Shriners (past President). He was a gifted singer and for many years performed around Manitoba with the Chanters. He was an energetic and competent volunteer with the Manitoba Aviation Museum and the Hydro Museum. He organized countless trips for Hydro-X. During retirement Brian and Betty enjoyed traveling in Canada and the U.S.A as well as spending lots of fun time with their family members and friends. Brian was a talented stained glass artist and created many beautiful pieces that we will treasure. Brian adored his granddaughters, their husbands and his precious great-grandsons. He is especially grateful for Nan's help and cheerful support. His two sons feel his loss deeply but continue to be inspired by his enduring love and devotion. His family is so proud of Brian and grateful for the many years he was Poppa to us all. A life well lived and thoroughly enjoyed by a loyal and beautiful man. Many people have enriched Brian's last few years as he coped with declining health and mobility. He bids us all a fond farewell. Please join his family for a celebration of his life Saturday, July 4, 11:00 a.m. at the Masonic Temple, 420 Corydon Avenue. In lieu of flowers donations may be made to the Shriner's Burn Fund. Bardal Funeral Home & Crematorium 204-774-7474 Condolences: www.bardal.ca

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Jun 20, 2015