Brian Arruda

A larger than life figure, with a real enthusiasm for life, Brian was surrounded by his loving family as he peacefully passed on Monday January 12, 2015 after a hard fought and courageous battle with cancer. Brian and his family would like to thank the staff at Southlake Regional Health Center for their care and kindness during his stay, and support during this difficult time.

Brian will always be remembered by his beloved wife Eileen of 19 years, and will continue to be an inspiration of love, faith, and kindness to his daughter Emily and his numerous friends and colleagues.

Son of Humberto Arruda and Regina Arruda of Mississauga, brother of Ana and Michael (wife Christine), loving uncle to Nicholas and Alexander, Brian leaves behind the extended Arruda family, countless friends and colleagues who loved and respected him and will miss him dearly. He will always be remembered for his enthusiasm and positive outlook with which he approached all things in his remarkable life.

Brian worked at York Catholic District School Board (YCDSB), teaching from kindergarten up to grade 5, adding an air of sophistication to their day with the "word of the week", and was often greeted in the school with a resounding “Salutations Mr Arruda!” Brian encouraged and celebrated all opportunities to learn & develop skills in the classroom and through extracurricular activities. He relished in nurturing the potential in each student, and enjoyed bringing his love of drama to the school stage. Brian became teacher-librarian for a few years and was able to work with every single age group, and then became the Computers in Education Consultant for the entire YCDSB where he worked tirelessly to bridge departments. His vision of education is even now being implemented by the school board through the 21st Century Learning initiative. Brian was also extremely proud of his acceptance into the Apple Distinguished Educator program, a global network of handpicked educators chosen for the embodiment of forward-thinking values and skills.

Brian’s zest for life went well beyond the classroom. He loved to travel, experiment with photography, bomb down a hill with his daughter snowboarding, camp and canoe in the Canadian wilderness with his buddies, give his all in hockey and volleyball, enjoy live theatre, movies and concerts with family and friends and integrate all things Star Wars, Muppets and Disney into his daily life. Brian took particular joy in sharing his passion for all of these activities with those he loved. While family and friends will miss Brian every day, we also mourn those who will not have the opportunity to know this extraordinary person. Rest in peace Brian. MTFBWY.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Make a Wish Foundation or Blue Door Shelters of York.