May 7, 1924 – March 26, 2013
at the age of 88 years
Celebration of Life: Saturday, May 11, 2013 at 1:00 p.m., Carlin Hall, Tappen, BC
Born in Birtle, Manitoba and passed in Salmon Arm, BC. He was predeceased by his parents John and Kathleen, brothers Dennis and David, and sister Eileen; and survived by his brother Ed, his children Ruth (Carl), John (Helga), Harry (Josie), Marie (Ray) and grandchildren Steve, Scott, Kathryn, Megan, Harrison, Keani, Subrina and Arthur.
He served in WWII as a member of the RCAF in the 405 and 419 squadrons and flew on 21 Pathfinder missions over Germany. On May 7th, 1945 as a part of Operation Manna he flew over Holland dropping food to the Dutch. It was the end of the war and his 21st birthday. He said, “It was the best birthday party ever”. He also served 27 years as a member of the RCMP in Ontario and British Columbia. As an active member of the RCMP Veterans he was granted a lifetime membership which was an honor he was very proud to receive.
Brian had many interests throughout his life but he will probably be best remembered for his musical talents and wonderful booming voice. He was a gentle soul who had a strong passion for life, family, love and spirituality.
He was beloved by his family and was blessed to have so many friends whose lives he truly touched.
A celebration of his life is planned for 1:00 p.m., Saturday, May 11th, 2013 at the Carlin Hall, 4051 Trans-Canada Hwy, Tappen, BC. It will be a potluck event with music and tributes in his memory.
Harry and family, my deepest heart felt condolences to your family for a loss. It is the memories that are left when someone passes, remembering the good times and the times you were there for one another. Harry I know that you can endure all things with the love and support of your family and friends. God bless
Wago
Brian was our father’s cousin. I remember him as warm and friendly and always eager to share a tune at a family gathering. We didn’t see a lot of Brian but knew him also through stories shared by our Dad, Ken Pratt, as well as David and June Pratt, and his brothers Dennis and Ed. It is wonderful to see the names of all his children and grandchildren. He has left a legacy and a smile for those of us who knew him.
Our thoughts are with you. Have a wonderful celebration in honour of a wonderful man.
Bernice Pratt (Ken’s wife), and daughters, Cynthia, Shauna and Kathy, and sons Derek and Michael. (from Sidney, Bowen Island, Burnaby BC, and Winnipeg)
Ruth (Carl), John (Helga), Harry (Josie), Marie (Ray): I grew up to Brian joining the Beulah Plainsmen at Hooper’s Lake or our place (Murray Stowe Farm) and still treasure copies of some of the recordings from that time including my Uncle Don Stowe, Aunt Elsie Gies, cousin Bruce Medd and many others. We 5 kids could all sing every word of what we were allowed to hear and most of what we weren’t when sent to bed later. After bed time when all were well warmed up the war tunes would start all of which were irreverent delivered with lots of gusto and many chuckles. On Top of Old Smokey, Oh Lord its Hard to be Humble, Lily the Pink, Bring the Good Old Beulah Boys and many many others are still my comfort music! Enjoy and treasure the many happy memories of your Dad.
Kim Poppel
We have known and been neighbours of Brian for 15 years. During that time we’ve enjoyed many interesting conversations. Brian had an inquiring mind and a zest for life that was amazing and inspiring.
Rest in peace, Brian. We’ll miss you.
Brian was my first cousin, but as he lived in Canada, and I was brought up in Kenya I did not meet him until just a few years ago. Then we met at our mutual cousins, David and June Pratt’s house. I remember a great evening with lots of musical talent playing the old tunes.
I also have a photo of Brian in his RCMP looking very handsome. I wish I had been able to get to know him better.
My deepest sympathy to the family. May he rest in peace.
Brian was a very much loved Squad-Mate of mine in 1952/53. Being the elder statesman of the squad all the while sporting his DFC ribbon on his tunic he was looked up to and admired by those of us in the squad who were not long out of our three cornered pants. His musical talents were enjoyed to no end during our training days. I personally cherish the number of get-togethers we had in our post-training days. He was endearingly dubbed “PACK-RAT’ a identifier which has stuck to him to this very day. Pack Rat, you have enriched my life and I shall be eternally grateful that our paths crossed. Rest in Peace my friend. See you anon.
My sympathy to Brian’s family, who were an important part of his life, as were his music and friends. I went through the RCMP training with Brian at Ottawa and Regina, and was posted to Nanaimo with him. I have kept in touch with him in Salmon Arm, where I also live.
I will truly miss Brian’s company, he was a truly great individual, may he rest in peace.
Please accept my heartfelt sympathy for your loss. Every time I walked into church I was greeted enthusiasically by Brian. His ability to make you feel welcome and special, made him a real treasure to know. I am saddened by his passing and am also grateful for having known him.
Brian was a good friend, and we played many tunes together over the years, and had many laughs. He had a wonderful sense of humour.
Brian’s political views were always fair and for the benefit of all the people.
Brian always supported hard work and peace for all.
He will always remain in our memories and we will miss him.
Rest in peace, friend.
Nick and Lola Sherstobitoff, and all his Doukhobor friends from the Kootenays.
ps. Unfortunately we will not be able to attend Brian’s Celebration of Life in Tappen.
If you wish to read this condolence at the Celebration, please feel free to do so.
Nick
.
We will miss Brian as a great neighbour and friend. His musical talent was widely known and he loved to play and sing for people. He also enjoyed dancing and could be found at many events in the area.
We will miss him. May he rest in peace and we are sure he will be playing and singing in the heavens.