BRIAN JOHN WESLEY PARKER

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BRIAN JOHN WESLEY PARKER

September 23, 1931 – January 14, 2025

Brian is lovingly remembered by his wife of 70 years, Anne, their two daughters, Linda (Robert) and Laurel (Todd); grandchildren, Shane and Quinn; sister-in-law, Janet, and many nieces and nephews. Brian was predeceased by son, Michael, brother and sisters-in-law, Lorne and Gwen; niece, Sharon Parker; brother-in-law, Gary Bartleman.

The story begins with Brian’s 1955 marriage to Anne Stevenson from Morris MB when the school teacher and farmer settle on the Parker homestead in Sanford.

Brian exhibited a thirst for knowledge from a young boy to senior and his accomplishments were many: Bachelor of Science in Agriculture (U. of M.), grain and hog farmer (SanPark Farms), Entrepreneur - Prairie Pride Enterprises (sale and distribution of livestock equipment) and co-founder of Westland Plastics (plastic manufacturing/rotational moulding), and in ‘retirement years’ - Rainaway Products (exclusive CDN distributor) and real estate agent (Vancouver/ Sunshine Coast). In the early years hog farming, he was notably one of 4 farms chosen by Manitoba Pool Elevators to raise hybrid breeding sows to supply blood for the development of the Salk Vaccine (SARS epidemic). This led to his development of training programs for raising hybrid hogs which he led in both Canada and the Philippines. Over the decades he served on countless boards and committees.

When tragedy struck in 1978 with the passing of son Michael, Brian & Anne found the strength to create new joy with each other, daughters, son-in-laws and grandchildren whenever and wherever it could be found. They embraced city life from 1980-1988, purchased their cottage in Sioux Narrows, ON in 1984, and their home in West Vancouver in 1988, family and friends being welcome visitors at each location. Vancouver expanded their love for travel by joining HomeLink for home exchanges, world-wide. In the warmer months, they enjoyed 40 years of lake life filled with angling, reno projects, golf tournaments, vegetable/flower gardens, BBQ’s and Happy Hours. Mom and Dad cherished their “lake friends” and were active members of the community.

Brian had a zest for life, his greatest joy derived from his vast inner circle, love of nature and countless interests including gardening, music, cottage, travel, fishing, bridge, billiards, curling, and was an avid Winnipeg Jets hockey fan. He was a man of Integrity, and a man of his word. He had a genuine interest in people and with every person he met, from plumber to pastor to politician, he had a natural ability to pull out their story and become their friend.

When Anne’s health began to decline in 2008, Dad’s unwavering support and care for her became his final legacy, bringing them back to Winnipeg to be with family, where he remained at home until his final days. Special thanks to the in-home care and support provided by Anabele Caras, Jenn Mallari and team and to the RN community supports.

Dad was our father, friend, and moral compass. He steered a steady ship, we were fortunate to be his passengers, and he is now in a safe and peaceful harbor.

As per Brian’s wishes there will be no formal service. A Celebration of Life will be held in the spring.

Tributes: www.thomsoninthepark.com

BRIAN JOHN WESLEY PARKER

1931 - 2025

We are sadden to announce the peaceful passing of Brian on January 14, 2025 at the St. Boniface Hospital.

A longer obituary to follow.

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Jan 18, 2025, Jan 25, 2025