- Brandon Sun Passages
- All Titles
Search:
Notices are posted by 10 am Monday through Saturday
BRIAN HADCOCK KIRKPATRICK
Born: Oct 07, 1936
Date of Passing: Feb 16, 2025
Send Flowers to the Family Offer Condolences or MemoryBRIAN HADCOCK KIRKPATRICK
In Loving Memory
It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of Brian Hadcock Kirkpatrick on Sunday, February 16, 2025, at the age of 88. A devoted husband, father, grandfather, brother and friend, Brian’s kindness, humour, and love for his family and community will be deeply missed by all who knew him.
Above all, Brian was a devoted family man. He was the beloved husband of Joan (née Turner) for 66 wonderful years, a loving father to Heather Clifford and Carla Bahr, and cherished grandfather to Connor Clifford. Also missing him are his beloved Jack Russell terriers Moxie and Millie. His family was his greatest joy, and his humour, wisdom and guidance will be deeply missed and cherished forever.
Brian will be dearly missed by his siblings, Barbara (Fred Passmore) and Willard (Sylvia), brother-in-law Howard Berge, and all of his respective nieces and nephews. He is predeceased by his parents, Gordon and Elizabeth (née Hadcock) Kirkpatrick, and his sister Carolyn "Joan" Berge.
Born in Vita, Manitoba - and growing up on the family farm - Brian began his professional life as a teacher and principal in Manitoba, before transitioning into a distinguished career with International Harvester Farm Equipment. He started as a territory manager in 1959 in Western Canada, and over the next 40 years, his work took Brian and family across Canada and the United States in a variety of roles. Returning to Burlington, Ontario, permanently in 1992, his experience and knowledge of the Canadian market led him to a series of progressive positions, including as Vice President and Group Manager of Agricultural and Construction Equipment for Canada and the Northeastern United States with Case/IH.
Beyond his professional contributions, Brian was deeply involved in supporting many organizations he believed in. He served as Chairman of the Canadian Farm and Industrial Equipment Institute (CFIEI); Director of the Canadian 4-H Council; Elder and Chairman of the Christian Education Committee at Port Nelson United Church; Board member of the Nelson Youth Centre; President of his condo associations in both Florida and Burlington; and proud 35 year member of Ireland House Museum.
Brian (or Mr. K as he was known to many) and Joan always supported both daughters' passion for horses and other furry creatures. They also enjoyed some amazing travel adventures, boating, and hosting IH picnics on their hobby farm in north Burlington. After retiring in 1999, Brian and Joan had the opportunity to spend their winters in Port Charlotte, FL, boating, travelling, and enjoying friends and family.
Brian’s love for antique farm equipment was more than just a hobby - it was a lifelong passion. He took great joy in collecting and restoring these pieces of history, ensuring that their stories would live on for generations to come. He co-authored a book," A History and Memories of International Harvester Canada", on the history of International Harvester (with Larry Smith and Warren Brewer), dedicated to preserving that knowledge.
Brian’s life was a testament to hard work, laughter, passion, and a commitment to service.
In keeping with Brian's wishes, cremation has taken place, and a Celebration of Life will take place in the Spring.
If desired, memorial donations to either the Kidney Foundation of Canada or the Port Nelson Meals of Hope Program would be appreciated by the family.
As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Feb 22, 2025
Condolences & Memories (3 entries)
-
Morris Turner a Joan cousin via Turner and Stewart parents....and in 2025 we continue to "grateful"....take care.. M... - Posted by: Maurice Turner (close friend (A cousin of Joan's - two via Turner's) on: Aug 30, 2025
-
We offer Joan, Heather, and Carla our deepest sympathies and condolences on the passing of a beloved husband and father. We understand your relief that he will no longer suffer but, as always, the finality of a life well lived is traumatic. Brian was an old and loyal relative and friend. We met in the 1950’s in Dominion City when he was courting Joan. We bonded immediately, forming a rare friendship that has outlasted his lifetime. When we married in 1963, we knew without question that Brian would be the Best Man. As we joked with him over the decades to follow, he was the Best Man! After marriage and children, we all settled in Winnipeg and smaller communities in Manitoba, all the while becoming loving friends, far beyond just relatives, growing stronger over the decades. But, as they say, “life happens”. When Brian and Joan left Manitoba and we moved to the West Coast, we were separated by thousands of miles although we managed to maintain our special relationship and the warm place in our hearts endured. Visits were less frequent, although offset by incredibly joyful and memorable reunions. Our mutual admiration and respect always resumed instantly as though we had never been apart, the true mark of enduring relationships. Brian had a character and nature that was special and unique. During our times together he impacted us and everyone with whom he associated. He was a gentle soul, compassionate, calm, reassuring, conscientious, dependable, and generous. These admirable qualities were enhanced by a brilliant mind and a wicked sense of humour. Brian stood out with the superior intellect illustrative of highly accomplished individuals. It was a challenge to keep up! He rarely celebrated his gifts and he maintained a sense of modesty that was endearing. His humour, on the other hand, was difficult to describe. Maintaining his typical reserved and dignified manner, he could be absolutely hilarious. We remember fondly! We are devastated by the loss of this wonderful, kind, and gentle man. Our lives go on, as they must, but the world as we know it has been diminished by his loss! Dale & Joan Stewart Vancouver, BC - Posted by: Dale & Joan Stewart (Family) on: Feb 22, 2025
-
We are so sorry to hear of Brian’s passing. We have many fond memories of the years staying beside you at Harbour Village. It wasn’t the same after you both left. Brian was so kind and helped us with many questions over the years. He was such a wonderful man and the association wasn’t the same without him. We will never forget the amazing outside dinner he organized for all the residents. Lots of work for him but so wonderful! Please accept our condolences. You are in our thoughts and prayers. - Posted by: Jeannette Fraser and Lee Benard (Friend) on: Feb 22, 2025