BRIAN TERRENCE PETKAU

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BRIAN TERRENCE PETKAU March 18, 1952 - August 29, 2016 As the trees outside Brian's hospital window advanced prematurely into a new season, so he moved from this life to the next, peacefully but prematurely, at the Boundary Trails Health Centre near Morden. When Brian was told he had a life-limiting' disease earlier in the year, his response was, "But it can also be life-enriching' and spiritually-enhancing'." Throughout his tests, treatments and pain, he determinedly proved this was possible. He used every opportunity to build friendships with new hospital roommates, connect with old friends while in Winnipeg for treatments, celebrate family events, or delve into the Psalms, music, and readings that he always wanted to explore. Until his illness, Brian worked with the Manitoba government as a counselor for people who faced mental, social or psychological challenges. He loved his work and, although urged several times to seek management positions, he never wanted to give up his face-to-face relationships with clients. He became a strong advocate for them on many levels. When he served on the boards of Eden Mental Health Services, Child and Family Services and Mennonite Central Committee (MCC), his goal was to give voice to those whose voice was not being heard. He was a passionate campaigner for justice. During the 1980s and 90s he worked hard for nuclear disarmament and non-violence. His two years as a volunteer with MCC in Washington, D.C. with the National Interreligious Service Board for Conscientious Objectors, followed by two years of seminary study in Elkhart, Indiana, laid a strong foundation for volunteer and professional work back in Manitoba: educating, raising awareness, writing letters and articles, and petitioning politicians to work for peace. He worked tirelessly on these issues while teaching at Elim Bible Institute in Altona (1981-1987) and continued when he moved to Carman in 1988 for his social work position. Several years ago, Brian chose to become a Benedictine Oblate. He greatly valued the study and practice of this discipline in his faith journey. His strong faith in God, his passion for peace and justice and his profound sense of gratitude characterized his entire life. He loved people of all ages and from all walks of life. He counted his many friendships among his most treasured gifts. He loved relating to young people and to engaging their questions. He was curious about everything and everybody. He was known for his quick wit and ready sense of humour and could so easily and naturally bring a room full of people to laughter. He made friends quickly and the relationships were lasting. Above all, Brian loved his family. For 40 years he was a loving, loyal companion to his dear wife, Evelyn Rempel Petkau. He was so proud of each of his children and their life partners: Johanna Petkau and Jimmy Bang, Tamara Petkau and Joel Kulik, Justin Petkau and Sylwia Sieminska. And nothing brought him more joy than his grandchildren, Maelle, Esme and Oslo Kulik and Bruno Petkau. How he wished to see them grow up! Brian will also be lovingly missed by his sister Arlene Petkau Petrie, brother Brent Petkau and his wife Suzanne Dueck, his mother-in-law, Helen Rempel, many nieces, nephews, in-laws and many, many friends. He was predeceased by his parents, David and Betty Petkau, brother Darrel, brother-in-law Bill Petrie, and father-in-law Arthur Rempel. We all will miss his unique ability to look deeper, question further, and see different perspectives and creative alternatives. We will remember his wonderful sense of humour and his keen desire to make the world a better place. In Brian's words "Thank you kindly," to Boundary Trails staff. "You have been so gracious" in the care you extended to him and our family. Brian, we love you dearly and will love you always. Funeral service on September 4 at 2:00 p.m. at Carman Mennonite Church with interment following at Greenwood Cemetery. Donations may be made to the Canadian Food Grains Bank or Mennonite Central Committee. Doyle's Funeral Chapel in care of arrangements. www.doylesfuneralchapel.com

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Sep 03, 2016