Forever a Bright Supernova
It is with heavy hearts that we say goodbye to Brian Byrnes O’Hearn, on February 9, 2021. “The Mighty Warrior” as he liked to call himself, passed away peacefully with his family by his side at the Kootenay Boundary Regional Hospital.
Our dad was born in Toronto, Ontario on July 7, 1944 to Douglas and Mary (Byrnes) O’Hearn. He spent his childhood holidaying at Mississauga Lake with his family. In 1955 they moved across the country to North Vancouver.
At the age of 17 he met our mom, Barbara (Mallett) of North Vancouver. They were married and had their first child Bridgett in 1965.
Dad found work at BC ferries in Horseshoe Bay. He loved to share stories of his time spent sailing on the big ships.
Venturing to seek sunny skies in the Okanagan they moved and had their second child, Douglas in 1969.
After spending a couple of years in the Okanagan, Dad’s wandering spirt took his family to Lethbridge, Alberta where his family became complete in 1971 with the birth of their third child, Darcee.
Our dad had an adventurous spirit and was a real “go-getter” who wore many hats. One of his famous quotes he prided himself saying was that he lived life with “Never a dull moment.”
He was a Milk Man and called his business, “Brian’s Milk and Bread” and he also owned and operated his own movie theatre and hobby shop in Ashcroft called the “Sands Theatre.” He loved talking about his time spent in Fernie at Forting Coal driving Wabco trucks.
Our dad moved our family to Trail in 1977 where he found employment at Cominco. He challenged the engineering tests and earned his steam ticket. He retired when he turned 65 in 2009, having worked a little over three decades.
One of his many proud accomplishments was in 1990 when he helped Doug start up “Challenger Auto Detailing”. A big thank you to our dad for giving his son such a wonderful legacy.
It was such a great treat when Bridgett and her family visited from Sweden. He loved all his 6 grandchildren dearly. He especially enjoyed watching his granddaughter Jill fly down the ice with her hockey stick in hand, pony tail flying from beneath her helmet flapping in the wind behind her. He picked up the kids from school, took them to hockey, soccer, baseball, but his favourite thing to do was the movie nights! Of course he would never be caught without a pocket full of candy ready to offer them a piece whenever he saw them. We could never ask for a better grandpa. He was awesome!
He also enjoyed motorbiking and cross country skiing with mom when they were in their 40’s and 50’s, later trading in his dirt bike for a street bike. He loved being on the road with his biking buddies cruising the Kootenays, stopping for lunch, and being the center of attention wherever he travelled. He always ended his day with a cool glass of chocolate milk. “The perfect end to a perfect day”, he would say.
He was a permanent fixture after retirement at the Trail Aquatic Center. He and his best friend Robert Hamlin (Hammie) enjoyed many days soaking in the pools along with all his “pool buddies” he used to call them. When he stepped through the doors onto the pool deck he would shout, “Behold, I am here!”
He loved his life and family. They were everything to him just as he was to them. He could fill up a room with his energy. His smile will be sorely missed as he took a piece of everyone’s heart with him.
Dad had many health issues. He always joked, “Nothing can get me!” But in the end, his body grew weary and could no longer fight his last battle, pneumonia.
Through the challenging times of COVID, the doctors and nurses did their best to comfort us. We would like to give a special thank you to nurse Angie from emergency. The two angels in nurse’s clothing, Chris and Megan from ICU. The “love” and support you gave our dad and our family will never be forgotten. The world is a better place because of your kindness! Also a thank you to Leanne from Social Services, who was a great comfort to my mom and the rest of our family. Thank you to Dr. Mountain, Dr. Peachell, nurses and hospital staff.
Our dad leaves behind Barbara, his wife of 57 years, children; Bridgett (Ulf) O’Hearn-Larsson, Doug O’Hearn, and Darcee (Douglas Stone) O’Hearn, grandkids; Christopher, Jennifer, Samantha, Alexander, Jill, and Charlie, sisters Rose Willis and Cathy (Ernie) Schleppe, many sisters-in-law and brothers-in-law, many nieces and nephews and one great-niece, Mina. Thank you to friends and neighbors who have sent their love and support.
A Celebration of Brian’s life will be held once Covid restrictions lift. Al Grywacheski of Alternatives Funeral and Cremation Services™ has been entrusted with arrangements.
You are invited to leave a personal message of condolence.
Nos plus sincères sympathies à la famille et aux amis de Brian Byrnes O’Hearn February 9th 2021..
Décès pour la Ville: Trail, Province: Colombie britanique