DOUGLAS (BRENT) GALAUGHER

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DOUGLAS (BRENT) GALAUGHER
September 5, 1949 - June 23, 2019

With profound sadness, we announce Brent's swift and peaceful passing on the morning of Sunday, June 23, 2019, at the Riverview Health Centre, at the age of 69, with his loving partner at his side. Brent fought against sarcoma cancer for two years with stoicism and admirable optimism, defying his limitations to wrest enjoyment out of life until the end.
Brent was predeceased by his mother, Jessie Galaugher (nee Crerar); father, Beverly (Bud) Galaugher; brother, Peter Galaugher; and sister, Lynne Stoyko (nee Galaugher). Left to cherish his memory are his children, Jolen (Peter), Tara (Lindsey), and Bryan (Kelle) and grandchildren, Pascale and Rigel; his treasured partner, Helen Fortier, and her daughters, Danielle (Derek), Chantal (Michael) and Jennifer (Brayden); his beloved cousin, Dave Hall and his wife Barb Remnant; his nieces and nephews, Jodie Lucas (Keith), Lindsey Galaugher, Shaun Galaugher, Heather Hall (Patrick), Evan Hall, and his many great-nieces and nephews, his special cousins near and far, his children's mother June (Bob), Helen's mother, Lois, and Helen's siblings, the members of the Crerar clan, his buddies from Wednesday night pool and weekly golf, the St. James Civic Centre crew, and many other dear friends and colleagues from Manitoba Youth Centre, Remand Attendance Centre, and Family Violence unit offices.
Brent was born in Winnipeg and raised on Radford Street in the North End by a strong working mother with whom he was very close. His most treasured childhood memories were of camping at Rushing River with his mother, siblings, aunt and cousins. Brent replicated these memories of bonding over campfires and camp songs with his own children at Rushing River and at many Crerar clan reunions over the years - traditions which will live on in the next generation. Brent's family had always impressed upon him the importance of a university education as he did with his own children. After a few wayward teenage years that he was fond of recollecting, only because the tales ended well, Brent graduated from Glenlawn Collegiate and went on to the University of Winnipeg, where he successfully pursued his passion for history while earning the credentials which would serve him in his lifelong career, graduating with a BA Honours in History with a minor in Sociology in the early 1970s.
Brent began his career at the Manitoba Youth Centre where he met many lifelong friends. He then went on to take his first job as a Probation Officer in 1975, quitting it in 1978 to travel the world. Following his year-long world tour, Brent returned to Probation Services in a role working with high-risk young offenders at the Remand Attendance Centre in early 1980. He then moved to Central Youth Probation followed by Central Adult Probation, where he remained until the reorganization in 1993. He continued in the Family Violence unit at the 470 Notre Dame and 2031 Portage offices in a career that spanned 34 years until his retirement from the Portage office in January, 2014. Serving in various offices across Winnipeg with the purpose of diversifying his skills and experiences, Brent formed many more close friendships through the years. He was integral to the development of a Spousal Abuse group and in many ways was influenced by, and influenced many in the field, including his only son who followed in his footsteps.
While Brent was always proud of his education and career, particularly in the light of his humble beginnings, he nevertheless viewed work as a means to create opportunity for his children and pursue his many passions. He quite intentionally ensured he never lived to work, but worked to live - making time for travel, golf, local sports, camping, reading history and politics, live music, and time spent with friends and family, including going to sports events, golfing, and watching weekly TV series with Bryan, travelling and lunching with Tara, coffees with Jolen, and teaching Pascale to swim. A devoted fan of the Winnipeg Jets, Winnipeg Blue Bombers, Manitoba Moose, and Winnipeg Goldeyes, Brent was typically the loudest fan in the section or in front of the T.V. He listened passionately to Sports Radio and would often call in to give his commentary. While coaching his children's hockey, baseball and softball teams he also never hesitated to give his commentary, but was typically the loudest fan in the section there as well. Brent looked forward to his Wednesday pool nights at the Rockwood, his noon-hour workouts with good friends at the St. James Civic Centre, and his weekly rounds at the Tuxedo Golf Course. His absence will be felt by all of these dear friends with whom he shared so many happy times. Through all life's ups, downs, and transitions, he found a trusted confidante in his cousin and good friend, Dave Hall.
In more recent years, Brent and his partner, Helen, had many adventures at home and abroad, embracing their shared passions for travel, local sports, golf, cycling, live music, and gatherings of all sorts. Together, they hiked the Grand Canyon, went scuba diving at the Great Barrier Reef, wintered in La Penita, Mexico, and took annual trips to Kimberly, BC with Helen's siblings. Brent grew close to Helen's family, especially her mother, siblings and three daughters, spending Christmases, Easters and Thanksgivings with the Parry's from Vancouver, Calgary, Australia and Winnipeg.
Not long ago, his family asked Brent what he would do differently if granted more time. He replied that he'd do exactly as he'd been doing...for longer. We will remember this answer as the surest sign of a life well lived.
Brent guided us with his 'pearls of wisdom', impressed us with his breadth of knowledge, targeted us with his sharp, opportunistic wit, and awed us with his resilient spirit. As the years go by, he will be deeply missed, but happily remembered for his many contributions, big and small, to each of our lives.
The words by which he can best be remembered are his own: "I've picked up some pearls of wisdom along the way and discarded some foolishness along the way, and I'd like to be remembered as the man who did his best with what he had, and added to what he had, from the time he was a little kid until the time he died."
In keeping with his wishes, a Celebration of Life will be held on Thursday, July 11, 2019 at 1:00 p.m. at the St. James Legion, 1755 Portage Avenue. Following an informal service, friends and family will be invited to share a few words and stories in his memory.
In lieu of flowers, donations to Brent's preferred charity, Siloam Mission, will be gratefully accepted.

Bardal Funeral Home
204-774-7474
Condolences: www.bardal.ca

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Jun 29, 2019