Brian Donald Gwyer

Brian passed away January 7, 2023 after being diagnosed with cancer a year ago.

His father Gerald Gwyer predeceased him. Surviving family includes his mother Merle, wife Barb, children Joel (Trish) and Pamela (Dan), grandchildren Benny, Niki and Minka, brothers Lawrence (Norma), Murray (Susan), sisters Sandra (Rich), Donna, brother-in-law Tom Hinch (Lorraine), sister-in-law Diane Pogue (Lyle), and eleven nieces and nephews.

Brian was born in Neepawa, Manitoba on January 19, 1953 and grew up on a busy farm in the Cordova area. He completed grades 1-6 in a one-room schoolhouse and later bussed to Minnedosa for junior high and high school. He graduated from the U of M with his BSc in 1975 and married Barb, his “childhood sweetheart.” They then moved to Edmonton where Brian completed a master’s degree in Soil Science at U of A. His first job after university was as agriculture rep for CSP foods in Altona.

Joel was born in 1983 followed by Pamela in 1986. The family moved into a new home in Altona where life was busy and full. So it was a surprise for many when Brian accepted a two-year position working on an agricultural project based out of New Delhi, India. But Brian loved travel and adventure, so this opportunity was right up his alley. During that period he toured widely in India and beyond. It was an exciting time, especially travelling with two young children. Brian, always a lover of technology, captured many once in lifetime memories on the family’s new video camera.

In 1990 the family moved to Winnipeg and Brian began working for the Canadian Wheat Board selling grain and later leading the sales team. As the kids grew, Brian planned many memorable vacations including: skiing in Banff and Whistler, Disneyland, Mexico and Fiji and New Zealand. The trips always included lots of scenic driving and often last minute hotel bookings. The family cottage at Laclu, Ontario was the scene for many enjoyable summer vacations, long paddles on the lake and relaxing evenings watching the water and listening to the loons - as well as many lively dinner table debates! Brian was always up for a good debate and a great adventure.

He retired in 2016 along with several of his colleagues, who had also become close friends. Brian enjoyed many fun trips over the next 4 years. In 2019, to his pleasant surprise, he became a granddad two times over. Brian relished and thrived in this role. He thoroughly enjoyed visiting his grandkids in Kitchener and Vancouver, and picking out the coolest toys for all to enjoy.

The last year has been incredibly challenging, with too much waiting, many disappointments and difficult discussions. However, Brian remained determined, hopeful, loving and realistic. And although it was a difficult year, there were light moments and happy times, especially this past summer at the cottage when Brian was able to kayak and cycle as well as enjoy the company of friends and family.

Brian was incredibly brave, facing a brutal disease and often spoke of how many people are facing the same and worse. He continued to enjoy his grandchildren, getting on the floor to build a train track, even while weak from chemo. He was a thoughtful, caring, funny and moral man, believing in what is good and right. He will be deeply missed. However, he would not want us to dwell in pain, so we will continue on and look for happiness and joy in each day.

The family wants to thank all of the doctors, nurses and medical personnel that helped treat and care for Brian. They work tirelessly in an imperfect system. We also want to thank our family and friends for all of the support you have provided - we are extremely blessed.

A celebration of Brian’s life will be held on Friday January 20th at 2:00 p.m. at Thomson "In the Park".

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.thomsoninthepark.com for the Gwyer family.