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BRIAN VICTOR MONKMAN It is with tears and heavy hearts that we announce the sudden passing of Brian Victor Monkman, age 66, of Loon Straits. Left to mourn are his wife and best friend, Annalee Johnson Monkman, sons Jason McMillan (Julie) and Brian, daughter Shyan, grandchildren Alistair, Joey, Elizabeth, Francis, and Louella, brother Lester (Dawn), sisters Wendy (Bert), Jeannie, Marlene, and several nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends. He was predeceased by his parents Priscilla and Victor, and sisters Thelma, Muriel, and Judy. Brian was born January 20, 1949 in Loon Straits, and though he travelled widely and lived in many places in his lifetime, Loon Straits was the only place in the world where he was truly "home". He owned and operated several businesses over the years: Captain Hook Marine, Can-Saw Custom Cutting, and most recently Monkman Island Hideaway. He most recently worked for the East Side Road Authority, and Bloodvein First Nation. His passions were working with people and wood and both found a home in his work with Frontiers Foundation where he developed the Standing Tree to Standing Home Program. He served on the Board of this organization until the time of his death. Brian was quick with a joke and loved to tell funny stories about the people he knew. He had a great interest in people and was always finding ways to learn new things from those he met. In recent years, his grandchildren were a great joy to him and he loved each one dearly. This world will be a poorer place without him. Cremation has taken place. A memorial celebration of Brian's life will be held at Pine Falls Legion Branch 54 on Monday, December 21 at 1:00 p.m. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Society For Manitobans with Disabilities (smd.mb.ca)
As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Dec 19, 2015
Condolences & Memories (29 entries)
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I still can’t believe that he’s gone! Such a sweet, caring teddy bear! I will always remember how he cared for his family and took such an interest in friends and helping anyone in need. Thanks for your friendship! - Posted by: Michelle Menzies (Friend of the family) on: Dec 25, 2017
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Brian hosted me when I was a graduate student travelling the east side roads. I'll always remember his gentle soul & warm hospitality on the island, and his willingness to work with others towards the common good. - Posted by: Alon Weinberg (Fellow traveller ) on: Aug 05, 2017
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I first met Brian in 2001 throughout my 9 years of work at the Northern Association of Community Councils. Brian was the contact person for Loon Straits. Then we met up again when I started to work for Frontiers Foundation, MB in 2010. He was hired to Train First Nations people through the Standing Tree to Standing Home Program. Brian was always so friendly that you couldn't help but look forward to seeing them come through the door at work. I will truly miss him. - Posted by: Kathy Frisk (Friend) on: Jan 19, 2016
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Anna my sincerest condolences. - Posted by: Sperry Maclean (friend) on: Dec 28, 2015
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Jim and I met Brian in Winnipeg when we were en route with Charles Catto of Frontiers Foundation to God's Lake in 2009. He was the perfect host and guide and we were so impressed with his vitality and good cheer. He touched many lives and left them better. He will be sadly missed. - Posted by: James and Elisabeth Bacque (acquaintance) on: Dec 24, 2015
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The news came to me from my uncle. He was a friend and was very upset to hear the news. I recalled a childhood memory of Brian coming home to his mom and dads home on Matheson Island when they lived in the old two story house. I was over playing with Jeannie and Marlene. Brian had a one of a kind laugh. I called it a giggle. He came walking into the porch, then through the door to the kitchen, laughing as he came in. I would recognize his laugh, without see who it was, many times over the years. I bet he is giggling where ever he is. My deepest condolences to all. - Posted by: Kathy Whiteway (acqaintance) on: Dec 23, 2015
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I will miss you Uncle Brian. Thinking of all the wonderful things, you brought to the family. Remembering Christmas's past, wonderful summer vacations. The times you were there for all of us. My deepest sympathy, thoughts and prayers are with you Anna, BJ and Shyan. - Posted by: Sheila Monkman (Niece) on: Dec 22, 2015
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Our deepest condolences to you all.. - Posted by: Chris & Wanda Mowatt (Cousin) on: Dec 21, 2015
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My sincere condolences to you and the family Anna, My Our Creator bring you Peace and Healing... - Posted by: Yvonne Young (Friend) on: Dec 21, 2015
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I am so sorry for your loss! When I saw the news, I hoped upon hope that it wasn't Brian. My heart broke when I saw this. I had just ran into him in Selkirk after not seeing him since 2000. He was such a gentle soul with a huge heart. And your right the world will be poorer without him! - Posted by: Julianna Roberts (Friend) on: Dec 21, 2015
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I am so sorry for your loss. Brian was a great man. I will never forget his smile, funny jokes and stories and love of Halloween! My favourite story is when he had made decorations to put out front of your place in York Landing. He had made a casket and jumped out at the kids when they would come to the door trick or treating. You could hear the kids screaming for miles! You will be so missed Brian! - Posted by: Michelle Menzies (Friend of the family) on: Dec 21, 2015
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so sorry to hear of Brian's passing how tragic. I knew Brian years ago through my brother in law Larry Ross. Brian was quite a character. He will be sadly missed. My condolences to you all - Posted by: Susan Danard (Friend) on: Dec 21, 2015
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I am so sorry to hear of the sudden passing of your beloved husband and best friend. You may not remember me but I remember you. You used to be out teacher here in York Landing. I will always remember Brian as a friendly and hard working man while his time here in York. Once again so sorry for your loss. Sending my sincere condolences to you and your family. - Posted by: Bailey Saunders () on: Dec 21, 2015
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Heaven truly got a great angel. I've had the pleasure of listening to many of Brian's great stories. Brian's passion for life truly would shine through him. He will truly be missed. My condolences to the entire family. - Posted by: DerekCook (Friend) on: Dec 21, 2015
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Although we only met on the phone I will remember his down to earth demeanor and dedication to Frontiers Foundation. He will surely be missed not only in that regard but for the many challenges he took on and his love for the land and water. Respectfully. Bob Haggart - Posted by: Bob Haggart (Fellow Board of Director - Frontiers Foundation) on: Dec 21, 2015
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Dear Anna, Sorry to hear your beloved husband Brian passed away. Please accept our sincere condolences for the loss of a gentle giant. May the Great Spirit keep him in peace. Marco A. Guzman, Executive Director - Posted by: Marco A. Guzman (Board member) on: Dec 21, 2015
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Unfortunately I never met Brian, but I had talked to him many times by phone. He was a good friend to my son and he will be truly missed. My thoughts and prayers go out to Anna and her family. Sincerely, Liz - Posted by: Elizabeth Brown, Ontario (Mother of Wayne Brown (good friend of the family)) on: Dec 21, 2015
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Sorry to hear about Brian's sudden passing. He was a good man who gave to the community. And had so much more to give - Posted by: Brian Murray () on: Dec 21, 2015
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I worked with Brian at ESRA and he was a wonderful man. So friendly and caring. He loved life and I am sure his family will miss him very much. My sincerest condolences to his family at this difficult time. He was well loved. - Posted by: Norma Spence (colleague) on: Dec 21, 2015
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Thinking of Brian's family. Brian was one hell of a good guy, he will be missed by all who knew him. - Posted by: Tammy and Chico (Friends) on: Dec 21, 2015
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So sorry for your loss Anna. - Posted by: Lea-Anne Zinke & Family (Neighbor) on: Dec 20, 2015
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Thank you for the storytelling and friendship. I will remember the stories told about Loon Straights. I will forever be grateful for the experiences of Monkman Island. Till we meet again buddy! Shavon Sinclair - Posted by: Shavon Sinclair (Friend ) on: Dec 20, 2015
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A friend and good person to talk to when he stayed the God's River Lodge where I met him while doing his training. Enjoyed his company. Farewell my friend and RIP. - Posted by: James McKay (Considered a friend) on: Dec 20, 2015
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He was a great man, taught a lot of people, made friends with everyone that he had met. I am grateful that I had the chance to work with him, passed on his passion for working with making homes, lumber, I wouldn't have the skills I have if it weren't for you big man. Had a big heart. Rest in peace Brian Monkman, gonna miss you. - Posted by: Cameron fontaine (My mentor, friend) on: Dec 20, 2015
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Dear Anna: our hearts go out to you and your family at this very difficult time! I only met Brian once in Canso but I knew he was a true soul mate for you!! I did try to phone but had to leave a voice message!!! Even thou we live far away and do not keep in touch I want you to know our thoughts are with you!!! Love and friends always! Kate & Joe - Posted by: Kathy (MacDonald) & Joe Jamieson (Friend) on: Dec 19, 2015
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Brian will be truly missed for his great sense of humor and quick wit. I always appreciated listening to his stories while sitting in his veranda looking out over the lake at Loon Straits. His bushcraft knowledge and experience were absolutely remarkable. Brian will be missed by many. Anna I am so sorry, time heals many wounds, hang in there, I will be thinking of you. - Posted by: Bob Kovachik (Friend) on: Dec 19, 2015
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I had the pleasure of working alongside Brian with the east side road authority. Brian was always happy and a real treat to be around. He was an amazing man who shared many a story and taught me so much about the land. I had the pleasure of visiting his home and witness first hand his amazing craftsmanship. He will be missed. - Posted by: Todd Martin (Friend) on: Dec 19, 2015
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I first met Brian in the Post Office in Pine Falls, and enjoyed the talks we had when he would come in. Then we met up again when he started coming in to win all the meat draws at the Legion. Brian and Anna were always so outgoing and friendly that you couldn't help but look forward to seeing them come through the door. He will truly be missed by all his comrades at Branch 64. - Posted by: Joan and Jim Kleyh (Friends) on: Dec 19, 2015
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I first met Brian in the Post Office in Pine Falls, and enjoyed the talks we had when he would come in. Then we met up again when he started coming in to win all the meat draws at the Legion. Brian and Anna were always so outgoing and friendly that you couldn't help but look forward to seeing them come through the door. He will truly be missed by all his comrades at Branch 64. - Posted by: Joan and Jim Kleyh (Friends) on: Dec 19, 2015