John Charles Brenan

It is with great sadness that we announce the peaceful passing of John Charles Brenan at his home with his family by his side on November 13, 2024 at the age of 82. John will be sadly missed by his family and all who knew him.

John is survived by his wife Mara, son Timothy (Carla), daughters Suzanne (Garth) and Christie (Leeaidian), grandchildren; Christopher (Bryce), Nicholas (Gabrielle), Tessa (Sarah), Madison & Liam. Sisters Margaret (Ted), Lorraine (Larry), brothers Paul and Gordon (Lise), sisters-in-law Alica, Vera (Albert) and brother-in-law Richard (Mona).

John was predeceased by his parents Marion Lousie Brenan (nee Bentley), Charles Nance Brenan and birth mother, Margaret Mary Oliver.

John grew up on Mager Drive in St Vital on the Red River. He played hockey on the river in the winter and learned to swim there in the summer. He attended Windsor School, Glenlawn Collegiate and United College. John met his wife Mara while working as an auditor at Powell Equipment on McGillivray Boulevard and they married in June of 1968. John graduated as a Chartered Accountant in 1970 and worked in the automobile industry as CFO for dealerships in Winnipeg, Regina, Calgary, Halifax and Truro. Upon his return to Winnipeg, he worked in the hospitality industry as Controller for WOW Hospitality for over 25 years.

John’s love of music began early in his life learning to play the guitar. He attended Johnny Cash’s Winnipeg debut concert at the Winnipeg Auditorium on November 27, 1956. He and his friend waited patiently after the concert hoping to meet Johnny Cash and the Tennessee Two. They were successful, and John had the opportunity to have Johnny Cash and his band sign the playbill as well as shake Johnny Cash’s hand. John continued his love of music learning to play his 6 and 12 string guitars singing along to all his favorites. He enjoyed listening to his granddaughter Tessa playing the piano and encouraged granddaughter Madison to pursue her gift for singing. John had the opportunity to accompany her on his guitar at one of her concerts.

John was a passionate Family Historian, dedicating much of his time to tracing his family’s history and preserving stories from generations past. He enjoyed travelling, seeing most of Canada, much of the United States as well as Europe and England. Each trip included searching Cemeteries and church records for past family history.

John spent countless hours on the Golf Course perfecting his golf swing and enjoying the comradery of the game. He played some of the most prestigious golf courses around the world from the Cayman Islands, Mexico, England and Ireland, with the highlight of his game playing St. Andrews in Scotland on a number of occasions.

John’s greatest joy was spending time with his children and grandchildren, enjoying the holidays, celebrating birthdays and special events.

A Celebration of Life will be held at the Masonic Memorial Centre, 420 Corydon Avenue on February 22, 2025, at 11:30 am.

Donations in John Brenan’s memory can be made to The Winnipeg Humane Society.