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BRIAN ENGLISH (ENGY)
Born: Apr 10, 1944
Date of Passing: Oct 31, 2019
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BRIAN ENGLISH
A Wonderful Man
April 10, 1944 - October 31, 2019
Sadly Brian, Engy as he was known to his friends, died after a lengthy illness and left us far too early in life. He was 75 years old, but had so much more to give.
Brian will be forever loved by his wife and best friend Valerie (nee Burnside). She was the Freshie Queen at University; he was a star player on the University of Manitoba hockey team. They have been together in love for 50 years. He will be cherished and loved by daughters, Marnie, Kellie (husband Alex) and Robyn (husband Christian), and the grandkids Brian loved and adored, Bryson, Kaylee, Autumn, James, Hayden and Silas.
Brian was a standout defenceman for the U of M hockey team and was on the blue line in 1965 when his Bisons won their only national championship. He also played junior hockey for the Winnipeg Braves, a Boston Bruin farm team. His loyalty as a Bruin fan followed him through the years. His Bruin ball cap with a B for Brian was never far away. His U of M hockey coach described Brian as the "toughest player in the locker room and on the ice", a hardnosed competitor, but a respected and caring softie in life.
Always looking for a new adventure and a chance to be with his DU Fraternity brothers and his hometown Winnipeg friends, Brian was instrumental in organizing 'The Stupid Guy Trips' (SGT). They hiked Vancouver Island's Westcoast Trail, went on wilderness horseback rides, did ocean kayak camping and wild river canoeing, sailed along the British Columbia coast and in the Caribbean, and organized bike treks throughout Canada, and to Utah and Ireland. The SGT adventures have continued, enriching the lives of Brian's many close friends, for 25 years.
There will be a Celebration of Life organized for Engy early in the New Year.
As a character, husband, father, grandfather and loyal and true friend he will always have a special place in our hearts.
Brian would be honoured if donations in his name were directed to the Alzheimer Society of BC.
As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Nov 23, 2019
Condolences & Memories (6 entries)
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I'm sorry Val, Brian was a wonderful guy. - Posted by: John C Wilson (Friend of Valerie & Brian) on: Nov 24, 2019
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Valerie and your family, you have my sympathies and sincere condolences. I played sports with Brian as well as attend Glenlawn High together. Engie was always the guy with the smile. We played fastball together with the St. Vital Southerners. Brian was specia, especially when started selling booze. HaHa. Anyways God Bless Brian, it was great ride. See you on the other side, Lag - Posted by: Paul L Lagimodiere (Friend) on: Nov 23, 2019
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Brian, "The Man of Hats", will be missed but not forgotten by those he knew. His stories and his smile will live on. Val, we are thinking about you and your family and we look forward to seeing you soon. - Posted by: Gary Read (Friend) on: Nov 23, 2019
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Valerie and family..so sorry to read Brian's obit..but am so glad I noticed it. Sounds to me that Brian was a very special person and you two had a great life together. Hard to believe that Marnie & our Jennifer are the same age..where does the time go. I am sorry about Brian's long illness and what you have had to go thru as Harv is fighting a losing battle with terminal cancer and it really takes a toll on you loved ones. Please take care of yourself and you will be in my thoughts and prayers. Hugs and luv from an old family friend of over sixty years...Cheryl Jamieson - Posted by: cheryljamieson (friend) on: Nov 23, 2019
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Great guy and teammate. - Posted by: Roy Kunicky (Fellow hockey teamate) on: Nov 23, 2019
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I would like to add my sincere condolences to you, Valerie, and your entire family. It is impossible to think of Brian and not smile. Brian Baizley - Posted by: Brian Baizley (Friend) on: Nov 23, 2019