BRYAN HUSKA

Condolences & Memories (15 entries)

• I remember Bryan introducing himself as Bryan with a ‘y’ because his mother thought Brian with an ‘I’ looked too much like brain. I met Bryan when he first moved to vancouver. I will never forget his beautiful soul and bright blue eyes. It’s been over 10 year since I’ve spoken to Bryan and only found out recently of his passing. Over the years I have thought of him often but never took the extra step to reach out- life got busy or it wasn’t the right time- all excuses. Bryan was one of the kindest people I have ever met and deserved the absolute best in life. I had my own ups and downs in life, and in some way, thought that if we had only met at different points in time how lucky I would have been to have had more time with him. Bryan was all the things- kind, humble, funny, smart, adventurous, patient and dependable. I know that everyone who was lucky enough to have known him liked him without a doubt. The last time we connected he was struggling with pain but like most people, I couldn’t understand it. Bryan was a very cerebral person who spent a lot of time thinking and self reflecting and I can’t imagine the mental and emotional journey he had to take the last few years. I know time has passed but I want to send my condolences to Bryan’s family - I know people say time will heal the heart but I think we just miss them more. Bryan- until we meet again- you will be in my heart always. - Posted by: Anika Cai (Friend) on: Jan 02, 2021

• I am deeply saddened by the loss of Bryan in this world. We've been friends, on & off in Vancouver for many years since my very good friend David, Bryan's brother, introduced us. I was very glad he did. I also have been challenged by feeling a high level of chronic pain as well as PTSD for many years. David knew this and thought Bryan and I had a lot in common. We did and we talked a lot about what daily life was like living and trying to overcome an every moment of every day & night torture. The next day is even worse when you can’t get a good sleep. We related to each other and talking to each other helped both of us. Some moments and days are better or worse than others but we both agreed that it's incredibly difficult, and sometimes impossible, to have a "normal" life, handle "normal" daily functions as simple as eating properly, bathing, exercising ( we are both highly motivated and physically active people ), and maintaining any close personal relationship. Even by phone or e-mail. It’s exhausting. No matter how much we loved the family and friends around us and no matter how much we knew ( we/he absolutely knew ) that they loved us back... some days, weeks, months... we just couldn't do it. I'm here to tell everyone who loved Bryan that he knew it. Sometimes, it still just isn't enough to break through the seemingly endless suffering. Why? We talked about that and we both agreed that it's like having 100% of our energy and focus to use throughout the day. WHen you're in chronic pain, it takes a huge percentage of that finite % to just try to stay sane and deal with the pain. Even when people around us would never know we're in pain. We try our best to hide it because we don't want to be complainers. We don't want to make a big deal of it, we don't want to be the object of pity etc. Lot's of reasons. We don't want you to worry because there is little, if anything, anyone can do. HAving said that, there are treatments. Many kinds and both he and I have tried many. Some work better than others and some not at all. It's very hard to keep up hope. That is the most important thing. Extremely difficult to hold on to hope. I know that both our families tried very hard to help us get the help we needed. Sometimes, even that isn't enough. Why am I saying all of this? My goal is to shed some light on what it’s like to be Bryan. I don’t know what he did or did not tell any of his friends or family. Often/usually, we give up trying to explain to people what it’s like. Reasons above but also it’s that people that have never experienced a high level of chronic pain can never truly understand it. That was both Bryan’s & I opinion. At least it was when we discussed it a few years ago. We discussed suicide and both of us had thought about it. Bryan and I both have a very strong will that kept us going. But at a great cost. We hope you’ll never understand and at the same time we yearn for you to understand it/us. We’re just not able to be the same people we were before. Though we really try. Unfortunately, there are a lot of people like us in the world. Everyone has their own challenges. Some are more difficult than others. I miss Bryan. I’m very sad that he’s gone. I'm frustrated with myself for not doing more near the end. I talked with and exchanged a few e-mails with Bryan a few months ago trying to arrange a time for him to come visit me when he was in Vancouver, but the times just didn’t work out. I offer my most sincere apology to Bryan, David and their parents that I didn’t pick up the signs that he had reached a more serious stage. I would have made more of an effort. Hindsight is perfect though, not so much any of us in the present. You are missed Bryan and no one but you can really understand your final decision, but i’m happy that you’re no longer in pain. Be at peace Bryan. Your friend Scott - Posted by: Scott Young (friend) on: Jul 15, 2016

• Bryan was a wonderful friend to my daughter Chiara in junior high and high school. His love and support after Chiara's father passed away made a huge difference in her life and We will always appreciate it. I have several photographs from that time showing a happy, smiling Bryan and that is how I will remember him. My sincere condolences to his family. Denise Litardi (Chiara's Mum) - Posted by: Denise LItardi (Friend Chiara's Mum) on: Jun 12, 2016

• I remember Bryan to be such a wonderful friend to Sunita. He was always so polite whenever I was volunteering at the school and on field trips. He and Sunita looked so very cute at their Grade 9 grad. They were such dear friends throughout school. Bryan you'll be missed by many people. - Posted by: Sandra Sukhan (Sunita's Mom) on: Jun 11, 2016

• I knew Brian as a young man 1 year my senior in high school and a zest for life wouldn't begin to describe the feeling I got from Brian I am so shocked to hear this news I was cleaning out my garage the day before yesterday and I was flooded by memories of Brian the custom made smoking gloves and other endeavors to be the best at hanging out at the "back-doors" of Vincent Massey Collegiate. I literally have a things to do list with his name at the top... I Guess I can take looking Bryan Huska up off my list of things to do for now... I'm so sorry to hear you have lost this fight while so many of us gear up for yet another round... I'm sorry this world has so many teeth and claws mostly I'm sorry I didn't know another good friend was loosing this fight I hope you weren't alone. I'll see you somewhere down the line Brian... - Posted by: Fraser Cooke (High-school friend) on: Jun 10, 2016

• Bryan was a lovely guy, I worked with him for a couple of years with the CFIA. He certainly took his work very seriously and was quite matter-of-fact with his approach. I was fortunate enough to spend time outside of work with Bryan where we became friends and I experienced his fun-loving, sincere, gracious and sensitive nature. He was a beautiful guy. I am quite sad to heAR of his passing. My deepest deepest condolences to his family. You should be extremely proud of the wonderful young man that he was. - Posted by: Andreas (friend/colleague) on: Jun 10, 2016

• I wish to offer my deepest sympathies to Bryan's family and to all those who knew him. I worked with Bryan at CFIA and I was also fortunate enough to spend some time with him outside of the work environment. Bryan loved life and was a pleasure to work with. I looked forward to days that I shared a shift with him. Although he took his work seriously, he also knew how to have fun. You will be missed, my friend. - Posted by: Alex (friend) on: Jun 08, 2016

• My deepest sympathies to the Huska family and David on the loss of Bryan. I so remember Bryan's enthusiasm and "spunk" as early as his grade 4 years! I am pleased that he lived a good life exploring the world and found happiness in Vancouver, BC. Now that his spirit has been released, may he rest in peace. Many blessings as you honour his life. - Posted by: Mona-Lynne Ayotte (Teacher ) on: Jun 08, 2016

• My deepest condolences to the Huska family. Bryan was a well respected colleague at CFIA. I'll always have an image of Bryan with his Chinese Meditating Balls and the chimes when he twirled them his hand. Rest in peace, Bryan. I pray that you are now in a better place, free of pain and suffering. Godspeed. - Posted by: Cecile (Former Colleague) on: Jun 06, 2016

• Deepest sympathies to the family as well as every person who knew Bryan. Where others struggled, Bryan always succeeded. We all miss him. - Posted by: Marko (Friend) on: Jun 06, 2016

• I looked forward to opportunities to work with Bryan. He had a positive attitude, a mature perspective and a lot of life experience. He was a kind and gentle soul, had a love nature and animals and a respect of both. He was easy to get along with and fun to be around. I lost touch with him when he moved to Environment Canada and I was shocked and saddened to learn of his passing. I wish I had been aware of his difficulties and been able to try to assist him, however, some illnesses are so very difficult to manage. I grieve for the pain and struggles he must have experienced, for his family and friends and for a life lost too early. He had so much that was good in him and so much to teach others about life. May his memory not be forgotten; I can only hope others are successful in managing and coping with similar illnesses. - Posted by: Daniel (colleague) on: Jun 06, 2016

• To the family - I am so very sorry for your loss. I worked with Bryan for several years. He was a lot of fun to work with. He had an amazing amount of energy and was so smart! He made a huge impact on combating the illegal wildlife trade and we will do our best to carry that on. We will miss him dearly. - Posted by: Brenda Buchart () on: Jun 06, 2016

• So sorry to hear about this tragic loss, we're still in shock and sadness. We remember Bryan fondly from his days at CFIA. He was a friendly and knowledgeable colleague and we will miss him. Our deepest condolences to the family. Rest in Peace Bryan. Rick & Lynn - Posted by: Rick (Friends) on: Jun 05, 2016

• Darling Bryan, I remember your smile and how you lit up a room by your presence. I have fond memories of you, Marc, Jason and Jennifer, Stacey and Cam swimming in the pool doing the best cannon balls ever. You will be missed. - Posted by: Jan Lowe (friend) on: Jun 04, 2016

• Bryan fought the good fight! His zest for life and his fun loving spirit live on. Rest in peace dear heart...now your pain is gone. Our loving and heartfelt condolences to Richard, Marilyn, David and all the extended family. xxx ooo - Posted by: Ken and Linda BOUGHTON (Family friends) on: Jun 04, 2016