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BRENT DONALD PAHL
Date of Passing: Jul 24, 2020
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BRENT DONALD PAHL
1959 - 2020
Brent was born in Atikokan, ON and grew up in Thunder Bay. He obtained his BSc in Chemistry from the University of Winnipeg, and lived there through his late 30s. In 1997, Brent met the love of his life, Karen Robinson, and they were married in 1999. They had three children, Olivia (2001), Will (2002), and were so happy to bring Abebayehu home from Ethiopia in 2007.
Brent was a proud employee of Husky Energy (Pounder Emulsions/Husky Asphalt) for just a month short of 35 years. He started out as a Lab Tech in Winnipeg, became a Plant Operator, and finally the Plant Manager. He was excited to be transferred to Saskatoon in 2012, where he became their Health, Safety, and Environment Coordinator. Brent loved nature, especially exploring around water, often stopping to watch birds, sniff wildflowers, or to quietly slip a treasure into his pocket, which he would give to Karen to add to her (massive) nature collection. He loved Autumn the most, soaking up its glorious colours and marvelling at the changing light that marked the beginning of cooler days.
Brent was a writer and a great story teller. He was a keen observer of people, and made notes about funny things he experienced or heard in daily life - you never knew if you'd end up in one of his stories! He helped co-edit Zygote Magazine in Winnipeg with his friend Tom, wrote several short stories, and proudly self-published his first book "The Toughest Gardener in the West" on Amazon in 2018. His second book will be published before too long.
Brent was a handy man - it seemed that he could do anything. He built a pond for the library at Beausejour Early Years School, built raised beds and a compost bin for River Heights School in Saskatoon, chopped down 50-foot pines for the neighbours, built the "Taj MaPahl" in our backyard, and made rope swings and a mammoth tree house for the kids. If you mentioned it to Brent, he would gladly make a plan and build it.
Brent will, above all, be most remembered for his gentle spirit, his kindness, and his humour. Since his passing, family, friends, and co-workers have shared funny stories, mentioned his calm and confident approach to problem solving, spoken about the way he put everyone at ease, and just his goodness. We were so lucky to have been loved by him and to love him.
Brent was predeceased by our sweet Olivia (2001), and his dad Don Pahl. He leaves to remember his beautiful life, Karen, and their children, Will and Abebayehu. Brent is survived by his mother Auriel Wallace, and carrying on with the hilarious Pahl stories are his sisters, Sheree (Dave) and Laurie (Tom), and his brother Brad (Janelle), as well as his nephews, Paul, Thomas, Tyler, and Rick, and his nieces, Cheryl and Lisa, and their children. He is lovingly remembered and will be sadly missed by the Robinson family.
A cremation and private family service has taken place.
If you wish, please plant a lilac in Brent's memory. Donations may be made to Empty Arms Perinatal Loss Support Services (emptyarmspls.com/) or to the Canadian Cancer Society (prostatecancer.ca).
Besides his unmet goals of teaching a writing course and living to 95, Brent had a great life. Bye for now my love, Brent, Dad, Dada, Daddio, Brentie, Brenty, Brennie, Bowtie, Brento, Uncle, Gruncle Brent, Unk the Skunk. You are so loved and missed.
A private family service will be held.
Arrangements in care of Ashley Knash - Mourning Glory Funeral Services
(306) 978-5200, www.mourningglory.ca
As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Aug 22, 2020
Condolences & Memories (7 entries)
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I am so sorry to hear of Brent's passing. We met at a creative writing course back in the 90's and a group from our class formed a writer's group that self published a chapbook of short stories. Of course, this was Brent's idea. :) He was such a warm and positive personality, with incredible intellect and wit, and had an innate ability to make everyone feel welcome. I reiterate Andy's sentiments . This is such a beautifully written homage to Brent. My heartfelt condolences to Karen,their children and the rest of his family. May he rest in peace. - Posted by: Lisa (friend) on: Sep 14, 2020
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I am so very sad to learn about the passing of Brent. I met Brent through two close friends of his, Debbie and Rod, around 1990. My first impression of him was his mild, gentle manner. As I grew to know him in the years to follow, I gained great admiration and respect for him. He was so wonderfully insightful and pensive. He had a remarkably keen sense of observation regarding human nature. It is no wonder he was such a good writer. Above all, I can quite honestly say, I never met a finer human being. He was truly the salt of the earth. His loss is everyone's. My deepest sympathy goes to his loved ones. Their only consolation is that they had the great fortune to have been his closest companions in life and were the people who contributed most to the joy and quality of his all too short life. Andy Stout Winnipeg - Posted by: Andy Stout (Friend) on: Sep 10, 2020
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Auriel, Sheree, Laurie, Brad, so very sorry to see Brent’s obituary. I have many fond memories of playing at your house on Court Street. The bunk beds that Brent & Brad shared come readily to mind. Brent’s life story clearly demonstrates that he lived with compassion, integrity and intellect. Sincere Condolences. Marilyn Duncalfe (Kusznier) Red Lake, ON - Posted by: Marilyn Duncalfe (Kusznier) (Friend) on: Aug 26, 2020
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Brent lived only a few streets away from me when I first moved to Winnipeg. His Dad lived next door to my Mom and Dad in his later years. Brent shared the odd short story with me and they made me laugh out loud. I hope a collection of his short stories might be published. A kind, clever and gentle man. My sincere sympathy to Karen, the kids, Aunt Auriel, cousins Sheree, Laurie and Brad. - Posted by: Nadene Charlotte Halm Marlatt (Cousin) on: Aug 25, 2020
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Karen, Will and Abebayehu, My heart is broken to hear of the loss of your husband and father. May the memories of him stay safe in your hearts and minds. Thinking of you and sending warm hugs. - Posted by: Susan Borkowsky (Friend) on: Aug 25, 2020
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I knew Brent from Toastmasters and a writing group we attended many years ago. We fell out of touch as our lives diverged but I was inspired by his determination as I completed writing a novel, I never forgot his amazingly funny speeches, his ability to spot beauty everywhere, and his kindness. I know my life is better for knowing Brent because he never left my mind. Deepest sympathies to his family and friends. My thoughts are with you. He was a lovely person and he will live on for me. - Posted by: Chris (friend) on: Aug 23, 2020
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Such a beautiful obituary. I am so sorry to hear of your loss. My condolences. Offering you prayers and virtual hugs. - Posted by: Natalie (Friend ) on: Aug 22, 2020