Obituary
AST, Reverend Brian
A remarkable man is gone, dying unexpectedly on February 25, 2020. Brian loved deeply, knew joy and grief, was courageous, curious and wise. A deeply spiritual person, he lived his faith every day, seeing the good in everyone. He was committed to a life of service with a genuine interest in people and helping those in need. Brian followed the adage, “be certain that you do not die without doing something wonderful for humanity.” Brian and Lou’s home was warm and inviting, full of laughter, good food and spirited conversation. With his generosity, honesty and humour, he was able to make people feel comfortable in any situation. Brian loved nature and the Saskatchewan landscape, taking comfort in the prairie sky, and playfully traveling the back roads from the Big Muddy to the Churchill River. He loved folk and roots music, camping, canoeing, hiking, craft beer, books, friends, and his church and community. He was especially proud of and devoted to his grandchildren. Born in 1951, Brian grew up in Fillmore, Saskatchewan, living and working in Regina, Toronto, Coronach and Saskatoon. His work was as diverse as his friendships, from surveyor, to locomotive engineer, to assistant power plant operator. Mid-career, he answered God’s call, and after 10 years of part-time school and full-time work, he earned a Masters of Divinity from St Andrew’s College. Retired from his United Church ministry, having served in Stoughton, Delisle/Vanscoy and at St. Thomas Wesley in Saskatoon, he was an “irreverent reverend” with a twinkle in his eye, but little patience for pretention or hypocrisy. His was an honest, frank and fiery voice for compassion, social justice, and helping to make life better for all people. Brian leaves his wife and beloved partner of 46 years Mary Lou, his treasured children Heather Carruthers (Nathan), Joel Liast (Melanie), Keith Ast (Jillian), and his adored grandchildren Anna and Niall Carruthers and Alora Liast. He will be dearly missed by sisters and brothers Dianne Mondry, Rick Ast (Gillian McCreary), Donna Kuntz (Robert), Judy Worden (Terry Malloy), Skip Watson, and many nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends. He is predeceased by his parents and sister-in-law Connie Watson. A Celebration of Brian’s Life will be held at Grace West Minister United Church on Friday March 6th, 2020 at 2:00 p.m. Reverend Brian Walton to officiate. The Interment will be held at later date. In lieu of flowers, please donate to a charity of your choice. Arrangements in care of David Schurr – Mourning Glory Funeral Services (306) 978-5200.
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Our most sincere sympathies to the family and friends of Brian Ast February 25 2020..
Mourning Glory Funeral Services
Death notice for the town of: Saskatoon, Province: Saskatchewan