BRIAN MICHAEL ROCAN

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BRIAN MICHAEL ROCAN

July 16, 1958 - June 6, 2024

It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of our dearly loved husband, father, Afi (grandfather), brother, and uncle. Although unexpected, Brian passed away peacefully at the BRHC on June 6 surrounded by his family and so much love. Brian will be deeply missed and forever in the hearts of his wife Carol (McInnis), children Danielle (Dallas) and Adam as well as the apple of his eye, his sweet granddaughter, Scarlett. Brian also leaves to mourn his siblings: Diane, Gerry (Mary Anne), Debbie (Al). Brian was very fond of all of his nieces and nephews.

Brian was born on July 16, 1958 in Reston, MB to Joseph and Therese (Terry) Rocan (nee Bellec). Brian grew up enjoying the great outdoors as he and his siblings explored the town and country side. Riding his bike and playing with the other kids in town was the norm.

Brian moved to Brandon with his family in 1966. Many happy times were spent fishing with his dad and the rest of the family. Playing soccer in the surrounding fields and riding his bike to his friends’ homes were part of the fun growing up at that time. At 16, Brian moved up to a motorcycle and had a love for cars. He graduated from Neelin High School in 1976. Brian was an athlete and played on both the volleyball and soccer teams. He continued playing senior men’s soccer for 20 years until his children started to play.

Brian studied at Brandon University and that was where he met his future wife, Carol. Their first date was on their 21st Birthdays after Brian found out it was Carol’s birthday too and suggested that they celebrate together. This is how their love story began 45 years ago. Brian and Carol were married on August 23, 1984 and it would have been their 40th Anniversary this summer. In their early married life, they did a lot of camping in the beautiful Duck Mountains as well as at Lake Katherine in RMNP. They enjoyed hiking, canoeing, and fishing, as well as playing tennis, slow pitch and volleyball together. Brian loved listening to music and going to festivals. A highlight was their adventure to Europe where Brian and Carol celebrated their 30th birthdays.

When their two children, Danielle and Adam were born, their focus was family. Brian was a hands on dad and he loved reading and playing with the kids. Happy summers were spent at Ditch Lake with the extended family at Grandma Terry’s cabin. Brian enjoyed driving the boat for the kids while they had fun tubing and skiing.

Brian taught his children how to play soccer at an early age and then spent countless hours as a volunteer coach-first through the Brandon Youth Soccer League and later for the travel teams. The family enjoyed many soccer trips across North America for the kids games and tournaments. These and other family trips were always so much fun, with many wonderful memories over the years as a family to cherish.

Brian was fond of animals and was constantly followed around by his dog Finnegan. You could see them together on the walking paths or at their favorite spot, Tim Horton’s—a coffee for Brian and a Timbit for Finn.

Brian was always a hardworking guy whether at home, the cabin or work; he always had a project going on. Brian graduated from Assiniboine Community College in 1982 and became a successful Journeyman Instrumentation Technologist. He worked for Simplot Fertilizer, which later became Koch, for 34 years before retiring in the spring of 2014. Brian then happily did some contract work at Koch through Blackbox and Shreem. During his career, Brian was asked to be on the Apprenticeship and Certification Board through the Province. He was a well-respected employee who was always ready to help others and was noted to be a mentor. Brian was a good problem solver and could fix pretty much everything.

It was during his working years that Brian developed his love for golf as he was fortunate to have the opportunity to participate in many golf tournaments. Brian enjoyed numerous golfing trips with his brother and friends. Highlights were visiting the Old Course at St. Andrews, Scotland and golfing in PEI. He introduced Danielle and Adam to golf and they enjoyed many rounds together. Brian also recently got back into curling and was an avid fan. He liked to head south for at least a few weeks every winter with this past winter’s trip in Costa Rica, where the monkeys made Brian laugh.

Most importantly, Brian was a very kind, friendly, considerate and patient man who would do anything for his family and others. Brian had a very nice way with people; he loved to laugh and joke around and was always fun to be with. Brian was a humble, caring and loving family man. He was loved immensely and will be dearly missed. Brian will be forever loved and in our hearts.

A Celebration of Life will be held on Thursday, June 27, at 4:00 p.m. in the Grand Salon at the Victoria Inn, Brandon (doors opening at 3:30 p.m. with coffee/tea available.) A reception and time of fellowship with the family will follow immediately after the service. Casual dress.

In lieu of flowers, and if so desired, memorial donations may be made to the Assiniboine Community College (ACC) Foundation (which will be directed to the School of Trades) where a Scholarship has been created in memory of Brian. Donations will be gratefully accepted by going to the direct link to The Brian Rocan Memorial Scholarship Fund https://tinyurl.com/bdeuwne2 or through mail at 1035-1st St. North, Brandon, R7A 2Y1, or call the Foundation at 204-725-8700 ext. 6686, or a charity of your choice. Arrangements are with Ethical Death Care, MB.

BRIAN MICHAEL ROCAN

July 16, 1958 - June 6, 2024

It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of our dearly loved husband, father, Afi (grandfather), brother and uncle. Although unexpected, Brian passed away peacefully at the BRHC on June 6 surrounded by his family and so much love. Brian will be deeply missed and forever in the hearts of his wife Carol (McInnis) of 40 years, children Danielle (Dallas) and Adam as well as the apple of his eye, his sweet granddaughter, Scarlett. Brian also leaves to mourn his siblings: Diane, Gerry (Mary Anne), Debbie (Al).
A Celebration of Life will be held on Thursday, June 27, at 4:00 p.m. at the Grand Salon in the Victoria Inn, Brandon. A reception and time of fellowship with the family will follow immediately after the service. Casual dress.
In lieu of flowers, and if so desired, memorial donations may be made to the ACC Foundation (which will be directed to the School of Trades) where a Scholarship is being created in memory of Brian. Mailing address is 1430 Victoria Ave E, Brandon, R7A 2A9, or call 204-725-7239 ext 8700, or a charity of your choice. Longer obituary to follow. Arrangements are with Ethical Death Care, MB.

Publish Date: Jun 15, 2024

BRIAN MICHAEL ROCAN

July 16, 1958 - June 6, 2024

It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of our dearly loved husband, father, Afi (grandfather), brother and uncle. Although unexpected, Brian passed away peacefully at the BRHC on June 6 surrounded by his family and so much love. Brian will be deeply missed and forever in the hearts of his wife Carol (McInnis) of 40 years, children Danielle (Dallas) and Adam as well as the apple of his eye, his sweet granddaughter, Scarlett. Brian also leaves to mourn his siblings: Diane, Gerry (Mary Anne), Debbie (Al).
A Celebration of Life will be held on Thursday, June 27, at 4:00 p.m. at the Grand Salon in the Victoria Inn, Brandon. A reception and time of fellowship with the family will follow immediately after the service. Casual dress.
In lieu of flowers, and if so desired, memorial donations may be made to the ACC Foundation (which will be directed to the School of Trades) where a Scholarship is being created in memory of Brian. Mailing address is 1430 Victoria Ave E, Brandon, R7A 2A9, or call 204-725-7239 ext 8700, or a charity of your choice. Longer obituary to follow. Arrangements are with Ethical Death Care, MB.

Publish Date: Jun 13, 2024

As published in Brandon Sun on Jun 13, 2024, Jun 15, 2024, Jun 22, 2024