Brian Stephen Doucette
1956-2020
After a lengthy and hard-fought battle against
cancer, Brian passed away peacefully surrounded by his close family
and friends on 23 March, 2020 at the age of 63.
Brian was predeceased by his mother, Glenna and is
survived by his father, Edward (Rexton, NB), wife Paulette (Halifax,
NS), son Kyle and fiancé Amy (Halifax, NS), daughter Kayla
and partner Luke (Lake Louise, AB), sister Connie and husband Peter
(Vancouver, BC), brother Tom and wife Lynn (Calgary, AB) and brother
Peter and wife Alma (Winnipeg, MN). Brian
was also predeceased by uncles Sonny (Clarke) and Dale (Clarke) all of
Cobourg, ON, and survived by his loving aunt Marilyn (Quemby) and
uncles Gary (Clarke) and Gregory (Clarke), and many other cousins,
nieces and nephews.
Brian joined the Canadian Forces in 1977 and spent 23
years supporting various military aircraft as an avionics technician
in several different and diverse capacities. In 1992,
Brian was commissioned from the ranks as an aerospace engineering
officer, later specializing in operational flight test
activities. While
posted to Cold Lake, AB in 1999, Brian showed his true character by
risking his own life when he rescued a total stranger by pulling him
out of a burning car. He would later receive the Governor
General’s Medal of Bravery for his actions. In 2000, Brian
retired from the CF and moved his family back to the Maritimes where
he began work as a defence contractor in support of the CP140 Aurora,
which he continued to do so until engaged in his battle against
diffuse B-cell lymphoma starting in October
2019.
Brian lived his life by the golden rule and strived
to do the right thing in all circumstances.
He had many interests and hobbies most of which were
family oriented. They
included camping (from canvass tent to toy hauler), hiking, canoeing,
kayaking, sailing Wishfull Wind, travelling, gourmet cooking,
beachcombing, astronomy, bicycling, motorcycling, Choi Kwang Do,
playing guitar with friends and many more.
In a quote from one of Brian’s favourite movies,
« The worst part about cancer isn’t what it does to you, but what
it does to the people you love. » Brian wanted to say that no
truer words were ever said. Above
all else, Brian cherished his family and friends and could not ever
thank them enough for the love and support they provided to him over
the years and in his time of most need. Brian would often say
« hold on to love, appreciate the time we have, and take care of
each other ». Paulette
was his true best friend and soul mate and he dedicated his life to
her and to their children. Brian
could not have been more proud of his son Kyle, a CF Naval Officer,
and of his daughter Kayla who is dedicated to the beauty, adventure,
and preservation of the Canadian Rockies. Brian
also took great pride in his life-long close and personal
relationships with his sister Connie and brothers Tom and Peter and
their extended families, despite the challenges of living from
coast-to-coast most of their adult
lives.
A heart felt thank you to all the QEII 8A hematology
and MDU doctors, nurses, CTAs and staff who provided exceptional and
compassionate care to Brian throughout his battle with
cancer. He respected every one of you for
what you do and how professionally you do it for all
patients. You are
each his hero.
Prior to his cancer diagnosis, Brian was committed to
donating blood and platelets, having given more than 100 donations.
Having witnessed firsthand the volume of blood products used in a
cancer ward daily, Brian sincerely requests that all consider donating
whole blood or platelets on a regular basis at a Canadian Blood
Services Donation Clinic near you.
Additionally, in lieu of flowers, donations can be
made in memory of Brian to the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society of
Canada at www.llscanada.org/
A private service to take place at a family gathering
in New Brunswick in August 2020.
Online condolences may be sent to www.thompsonsfuneralhome.com
19562020
Nos plus sincères sympathies à la famille et aux amis de Brian Stephen Doucette 19562020..
Décès pour la Ville: Richibucto, Province: Nouveau-Brunswick