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BRENDA PROSKEN Obituary pic

BRENDA PROSKEN

Born: Oct 03, 1960

Date of Passing: Jun 07, 2020

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BRENDA PROSKEN
October 3, 1960 - June 7, 2020

Brenda took the last opportunity she couldn't refuse, ending 18 months of cancer negotiations with characteristic expedience.
Predeceased by her parents, John and Olga, left with her legacy are her spouse David Shepherdson, daughter Tess Shepherdson, brother Harold Prosken (Joyce), sister Julie Alexiuk (Ed), extended family, and a legion of high calibre friends and colleagues.
Brenda was an industry - almost pathologically driven to make things happen and get stuff done. The inherent potential in community ran like rocket fuel in her veins, and powered her career trajectory from social work to human resource management in both public and private sectors, and finally into senior operational roles as General Manager of Community Services with the City of Vancouver and Director of Orange Hall with BC Housing.
The hum of people working and playing well together deeply satisfied Brenda.
Knowing she had a hand in the orchestration of that sound was it's own reward in her volunteer work. After oh so fittingly coordinating the party crew for years, she went on to become President of the Winnipeg Folk Festival. She also served on the University of Winnipeg Board of Regents.
Brenda was irresistably positive and playful, which is how she routinely charmed others into already doing what they didn't necessarily remember agreeing to.
Whatever project she was promoting, beneath the surface of things flowed her innate ability to encourage others to always keep striving to become their best selves. She didn't know as much as she wanted to, but she certainly knew how to develop and sustainably mine meaningful personal and professional relationships, many of which intersected and spanned decades.
Brenda moved through the world as if swinging from vine to vine in the vibrant jungle. The wild joy in her core was infectious, if not overwhelming. At life's banquet she piled her plate high, gobbled up its goodness, and probably stashed something in her purse for later just in case. She was a force of nature driven by will. She was not afraid of death, but so much regretted the prospect of missing out on life - she had people to meet and places to go afterall.
Due to COVID-19, celebrations of Brenda's life will be held in Vancouver and Winnipeg at later dates to be announced.
The Shepherdsons request no flowers please. If you wish to make a donation in Brenda's memory, she favoured the Ovarian Cancer Society of Canada, Winnipeg Folk Festival, the Downtown East Side Women's Centre (Vancouver), or a social services agency of your choice.
It may take some time to adjust our sails to the blow of this loss, though she would have wanted us to do it quickly.

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Jun 23, 2020

Condolences & Memories (14 entries)

  • I remember Brenda in my science classes so many years ago. Brenda was a wonderful student - so full of life. I am very sorry that we lost her at too young an age. I know that she still had so much to offer this poor world. - Posted by: Charles Jaworski (High School Teacher, St. Mary's Academy) on: Sep 24, 2020

  • I am just devastated to see this. I worked with Brenda in 2005 on a special project in Winnipeg for MTS. Brenda was intelligent, thoughtful, funny and full of life. During that project, when we all needed a break, Brenda invited a group of us over to her home for perogies and wine. We had a lot of laughs that night and it re-energized us to finish our work. I often thought of her over the years and followed her career when she worked for the city of Vancouver. I met Tess when she was just a little girl and she is lucky to have had such a great mother. My condolences to Brenda's family. I will always feel like a better person for knowing Brenda. Sincerely, Hayley Phillips - Posted by: Hayley Phillips (Colleague) on: Sep 11, 2020

  • Shep and Tess, so sorry to hear about Brenda. I had the absolute pleasure of working with Brenda at Qunara, where she was my leader. We had so much fun together and I learnt tons from her as I was just starting my HR career. I loved her energy, passion, positive attitude, tenacity and of course her beautiful laugh. We lost touch over the years, but I thought of her often. I will forever be grateful to have had her in my life. - Posted by: Jeannine Robert (Friend/co-worker) on: Jul 01, 2020

  • I had the privilege of working with Brenda at the City of Winnipeg and MTS. I will not soon forget her infectious enthusiasm and zest for life. I will also not soon forget the last time I saw her at the King’s Head. My sincere condolences to David and Tess. This is brutally unfair. - Posted by: Jim Cooper (Former colleague) on: Jun 30, 2020

  • Sending condolences to David and Tess. So sorry for your loss. We really enjoyed Brenda's company at GYC and later in Vancouver on our visits. - Posted by: Donald and Katrina Gustafson ((Long Tail Kat) Gimli Yacht Club) on: Jun 27, 2020

  • My deepest condolences on your loss. Brenda truly was a force of nature. She was a joy to be around and brought energy and life to whatever room she was in. - Posted by: Eric Turner (Worked with Brenda ) on: Jun 26, 2020

  • Deepest condolences to David, Tess, and all of Brenda's family for your great loss. I remember Brenda with great fondness, tremendous respect, and many happy memories. She was wonderful to work with, always professional, supportive and fully engaged; and a joy to be with in general. Her lust for life and great sense of humour were indeed infectious. Oh, how we laughed! She was kind, respectful, and encouraging to all. This obituary is a beautiful tribute to Brenda and her life so well-lived. I have always admired her. We are all blessed to have known her and had her in our lives. - Posted by: Jane Dick (ex-Colleague, City of Winnipeg) on: Jun 26, 2020

  • We were fortunate to have Brenda as a neighbor in Riverview, Winnipeg. We enjoyed many evenings in the gazebo with a little wine. Very sad to hear someone with so much energy has left us. - Posted by: Barrie Nelson (Neighbor) on: Jun 25, 2020

  • I will always remember Brenda for her exceptional work in human resources as well as her sense of fun and adventure. I could list numerous examples of how she made the work day so much fun, but I'll leave it to just this one. When I was CAO at the City of Winnipeg, Parks staff would bring plants and flowers into offices and common spaces. I often had a lovely flowering plant on my office table. One day, I came into my office and passed my table and "the plastic plant" came to life singing "Wild Thing" obviously triggered by my movement. You can guess who was responsible for that fun! Sending my sincerest condolences for the loss of this amazing woman. She will be most definitely be missed. - Posted by: Gail Stephens (Worked with Brenda) on: Jun 24, 2020

  • I had worked with Brenda years ago with the City of Winnipeg Social Services. She had a whirlwind personality. I treasure our friendship as well as being co-workers. She was so easy to joke around with, laugh all the time. Even though it's been 5 years since I last met up with her, it seems like yesterday. Deepest condolences to the family. She will truly be missed. - Posted by: Donna Braun (Friend/past co-worker) on: Jun 24, 2020

  • To David, Tess and all of Brenda's family, I send my most sincere condolences. I was deeply saddened to read of Brenda's passing. We curled together for many years alongside of Ron Burns and Bill Predinchuk. We shared many laughs as we would be sweeping those rocks and then again when we were upstairs dissecting the game we had just played. Brenda added so much spirit in all of the get-togethers. Every year before Christmas we would attend at least two Craft Sales together. I will remember Brenda for her always cheerful disposition. Laurette Barre Fredette (Friend) - Posted by: Laurette Barre Fredette (Friend - Curling Associate) on: Jun 23, 2020

  • So sorry to hear the news!! Yes Brenda was a wonderful force of nature that will be greatly missed. I had the opportunity of spending time with her in Ukraine when she was 7 or 8 months pregnant with Tess! I totally admired her strength, positivity and sense of fun. I will be donating some money to the Winnipeg Folk Festival in her memory! xoxo - Posted by: Taisa Monastyrski (Friend) on: Jun 23, 2020

  • I met Brenda when I joined the board of the WFF many many years ago. I think she had just taken on the role of President. She was a wonder indeed!! We became friends and I was always so thrilled to be in her presence with her joy, her humour and her constant questions about your life. I was very sad when she left for Vancouver but she was so excited for her next adventures to begin. I think I only saw her once or twice after that. So very sad to read of her passing. Sending hugs to David and Tess. Brenda really was one of the good ones. - Posted by: Vona Guiler (Friend) on: Jun 23, 2020

  • We are so fortunate to have been friends of Brenda. She was an inspiration when she visited small town Sandy Lake. Her bubbly personality and infectious smile cannot and will not be forgotten. Deepest sympathy to David, Tess, Harold (Joyce), and Julie (Ed). Her memory will live on forever!!!! - Posted by: Robert and Linda Lewandoski (Friends) on: Jun 23, 2020

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