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BRYAN RIVERS
Born: Nov 29, 1948
Date of Passing: Jan 19, 2026
Send Flowers to the Family Offer Condolences or MemoryBRYAN RIVERS
Bryan Frank Sydney Rivers was born in Woolwich, England, on November 29, 1948, to his parents, Sydney Rivers and Paola Cravino. Growing up, childhood asthma often confined him to bed but books from an aunt nourished his love of reading and literature.
In 1970 he obtained a BA in English literature from the University of Wales. He emigrated to Canada in 1973, briefly attending the University of Windsor, then transferred to Ottawa where he studied at Carleton University. (In the interim, he had become fluent in French.) There, he met Pauline Lauzier, and they moved to Winnipeg, marrying in 1975. Three children, Emily, Andrew and Jeremy eventually complete their family. In 1993 he married Karin Reimer; three stepchildren: D’Arcy, Jay and Andrea Yurchuk extended the family.
From 1975 to 2011 he taught English literature at Collège St-Boniface, a 'rare Anglophone' in a Francophone setting. With a particular love for Shakespeare, Bryan taught Renaissance literature, and later, Victorian literature, recognizing the role of 19th century women authors. (Ratings from his students were high.) As part of his professorial obligations, he published his research into various literary genres in academic journals. In an early Collège interview, he stated, in French: "Life is a great research project. We must never lose this quality of curiosity". He never did.
But the centre of his life was Jesus Christ. While attending St. Aidan’s Anglican church, he recognized his call to the Anglican priesthood. Leaving the college for the church, he studied theology at St. John’s College, graduating in 2010. Assigned to St. Paul’s in Fort Garry, he was ordained the following year. In 2011, he and his wife Karin moved to Burnaby, BC, where he served as priest assistant at St. Alban’s.
Drawn to hospital chaplaincy, Bryan provided spiritual care for eight years as part-time Anglican chaplain at Vancouver General. He loved the challenge of pastoral care in that vast hospital. He loved the patients and staff, and they loved him. However, health problems began and multiplied, and he retired in 2024. Returning to Winnipeg with Karin, he struggled for his own health at CancerCare. His gentle demeanour and Christlike care and love for patients, visitors and staff revealed his pastor’s heart, even as a patient himself. Jesus was his role model, and in his words, "the ultimate spiritual care chaplain to us all; we simply try to follow His example…"
Bryan indeed followed Christ throughout his life. His gentleness, patience in listening, sense of humour and wisdom were his gifts to all who met him. Shakespeare’s Henry VI has two telling lines that reveal Bryan’s spirit: "God shall be my hope, my stay, my guide and lantern to my feet" and "Now, God be praised, that to believing souls / Gives light in darkness, comfort in despair". Bryan gave light and comfort to many by his tenacious faith in his Lord and Saviour.
He leaves to mourn his wife Karin, his children and stepchildren, and 11 grandchildren.
Cremation has taken place with a private family gathering. If you wish, donations in Bryan’s memory may be made to two of his favourite charities: SEVA and Doctors Without Borders.
A photo biography honouring Bryan’s life is accessible through the 'tributes' link below.
As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Jan 31, 2026
