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RICHARD BRIAND
Richard died tragically on January 7 from injuries sustained in a motorcycle accident while wintering in Arizona. Wife Polly, daughter Hayley and dear friends, Jim, Susan and Anne were at his side.
Richard's itchy, wandering feet guided him and first wife, Joan, and later Polly, to many European and North American destinations. More recently, Richard followed the twisty, winding roads of Nordic and Mediterranean countries, sometimes meeting up with Hayley mid-trip. Last September he joined a South African motorcycle and safari tour. Japan was next on his 2025 to-do list.
Richard was a Vanguard, Saskatchewan prairie boy who by his early 30s had married his first wife Joan. Hayley was born and Richard became a bonus dad to Joan's children, Jane, Noel and Cindy and became bonus granddad to Brent, Ari, Adam and Noah. Parenting young and teenage kids was both a pleasure and a challenge but as the kids matured, so did Richard. Richard married Polly in 2007 and he again became bonus dad, this time to Rebecca and David.
Richard's passion for aviation resulted in a short stint as a wet-behind-the-ears bush pilot, but he quickly found his niche as an air traffic controller with NavCanada where he had a 35-year career that saw him based in several prairie cities. Richard was also an avid tennis player, a gadget collector, an ardent media fan, a 'Coronation Street' and Brit Box enthusiast, a proud dad and a devoted husband (twice!) 'Snow-birding' in Mesa enabled Richard to focus his energy on his dual passions of tennis and motorcycling. Retirement, he often said, was 'the best job I never had'.
Richard was predeceased by wife Joan and her daughter Jane, brother Bob and parents, Pierre and Irene. Brother Clarence is bereft at losing his last sibling. Richard was passionate about philanthropy. The Salvation Army and M.O.S.A.I.C. (Muti-lingual Orientation Service Association for Immigrant Communities) were especially close to his heart. (mosaicbc.org)
If you have 'Richard' stories to share, please send them to: briandfamilycondolences@gmail.com
As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Feb 08, 2025
Condolences & Memories (3 entries)
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I'm so shocked and saddened on hearing of my friend Richard's passing. Richard joined the 'Mild Hogs' in 2023, riding from Gold Canyon AZ to Texas and back. He rode the Cape Town to Victoria Falls journey with Renedian, which I had introduced him to last year. An enthusiastic rider who loved the adventure and lived life to the MAX. RIP brother. Chuck. - Posted by: Chuck Fast (Friend and fellow rider) on: Apr 18, 2025
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So sorry to hear of his sudden passing. Had many pleasant work memories with conversations about family ties. Our sincere condolences to wife and family! - Posted by: Roger Loiselle (Co-worker and family) on: Feb 09, 2025
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Our thoughts are with you all in the sad loss of Richard. We met him when he and Joan visited the UK some years ago, he was a fascinating and interesting person. So sad to learn of his terrible accident but he lived life to the full and had so many interesting adventures in his lifetime and if we could all achieve that, then we have contentment. Sending all the family our love & hugs as Richard makes makes his last journey. xxxx - Posted by: Judith and Bob (Family) on: Feb 09, 2025