This is the place. The site that was used to find information and updates on Brian... and to leave comments and messages. (Post your comment as 'anonymous' and write your name if you don't have a blogging account.) Thanks to those who left kind messages. If you'd like to help Joanne and the kids out financially, see the box on the left.
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88 comments:
Hey, you are still beautiful man! Wait 'til I have to read something and have to put glasses on...lol! see you in a few days...I love ya brah....Al..xo
This is a picture of the man that paid me in whiskey to go dumpster diving for his long lost garbage bag full of clothes. And you know what? I'd do it again in a heartbeat. Love ya. S
You're looking a lot like you did when you were born - you're a beauty baby - I loved you so much then and I love you so much now - I love you, admire you, respect you, honour you, and I'm so proud I'm your mom.
Welcome back home to SSI, Brian and Joanne. The weather gods replaced the rain and wind storms for sunshine and warmth just for you, I bet. Hope you are enjoying your revamped house, and the loveliness of being home with family and friends. :)
Clare
Hi Brian.
I'm not so much in the mood to say something clever or witty;profound or maybe particularly all that helpful. For that I might be sorry save for the fact that I would so rather be able to do something, anything, that could really help. What I so much want to do is to hold on to you. That's all. Just hold on to you. To hold on to the man that I admire. To hold on to the man that I wish I knew better. To hold on to that smile, that quietness, that resolve, that strength, that talent, that mystery. That man that I envy. You. That Brian Everest that has built a life for himself, his family, his friends and those who may never, ever know the depth of your touch and your influence. No, I suppose I really don't have anything to say except that I love you, Brian Everest.
This morning there was a heavy fog over the whole town, tops of trees poked thru here and there, like granola poking thru a bowl of milk. The sound of traffic is softened. Across the street the frost covers the grass and decorates the big pine tree creating an artificial looking one. The fog lifts, the town emerges,a roof is frosted to a pastel color instead of the vibrant orange. There is so much I would like to tell you...how I admire your generosity and courage, the grace with which you are making this journey, the skill of your craft, your resolve to be the very best you can be, quiet humour, your beautiful smile, your great love of your family and the care you are taking to guide them. The list goes on. What it really comes down to is that I love you. the cinnamon bun aunt, Bea
I've been working on that look since my 30's :) I'm sure you've got some good toques to keep you warm.
You're glowing from within Brian.
Smile's still crooked! That's reassuring.
xoxoxLisa
Hi Brian and joanne,,,,,Katya here, Craig and I have been reading your blogs, crying, hoping, praying, laughing right along with you and all the other fine folks loving your family. I want you to know how much we all think of you, and how I am pulling as many strings with God as possible, She's a tough old Gal, but I am trying! Please let us know if there is any thing we can help you with, at all, any time. We love you all so much, our arms wrap you guys up continually. Big River Loves, Katya
Hi, Val called me last night to tell me that you had a blog. It is a gift to see your grace and strength as a family. Lots of beautiful memories of you together in Kaslo. Sending much love from Victoria. Carolyn.
Brian, could you ever have imagined that you are this beautiful and this gracious?
I hope that you and Joanne and your children are enjoying this family time together, back in your home.
In a parallel universe, you and Joanne were at my 50th birthday party on Saturday night, where you were included in the grace by Shelley S Miles, and where I sang "Gracias a la Vida" to a wildly enthusiastic (and possibly drunk) group of friends. The song goes (in English): Thanks to life, it has given me so much. Each verse is dedicated to an aspect of our being and why it is precious - our listening, our heart, our feet, our tears and our laughter. It is your song and my song and the song of everyone. (I sing the Joan Baez version, but couldn't get it to play on You Tube.)
I wish all of you many precious moments together.
You are such a beautiful, beautiful, gracious, lovely man, Brian Everest.
Love Ruth
You're just as beautiful now as you have always been. I remember when we talked when I was in Kaslo and you were in Nelson. The sound of your voice was comforting to me on the phone. Your beauty radiates from within too. We are all so fortunate to have shared time with you no matter how long ago it was or how much distance is between us.
You rock Brian!
Love
Barb
Just read all your blogs from your friends and family. I cant add anything, it has all been said many times and as you know I am not good with words. You will always be in my heart, I just need to look at the hand you carved me. I love you so much, you are a wonderful person and have a wonderful wife and family. Aunt Norma
WHEN I HIT 'MY FAVORITES' AND CLICKED YOUR BLOG, I DIDNT SEE "YOU NOW". I DONT SEE PHYSICAL TRAITS.....I SEEN THAT BEAUTIFUL SOUL.....THE SOUL THAT I ADMIRE AND THE SOUL THAT INSPIRES ME TO BE MORE AND MORE LIKE YOU....STRONG, COURAGEOUS, AND ABSOLUTE PILLAR OF STRENGTH.
You are an amazing and beautiful soul, Brian Everest. Thank you. Rasma
Brian is at the Lady Minto Hospital on Salt Spring in the beautiful palliative care apartment. His bed is beside a huge window looking onto a ground-floor garden with a little fountain.Joanne is beside him drinking in his beauty and he is peaceful.
Lynn SSI
Brian, dear you. You'll always be Brain. Romping, roaming, deeply hilarious, curious, sly you. I care for you so dearly on your journey. Love S
Hello from us again.
We continue to send our most heartfelt thoughts to you both. We're happy that you are able to be physically closer together as a family and that you are all on that beautiful island together.
All of our love to you, Brian and Joanne and, of course, to your lovely children.
Rob
Here is my story of Brian and how I got to know Brian, and how he came to be in my heart.
Nelson’s a small place, and I always kind of knew Brian and his family. But in 2004 I really got to know Brian, or at least a really important part of who he is. I had crashed in a lot of ways over the past couple of years, and I was living in a bit of a dodgy situation while I tried to regroup. For a while I was sharing a nice house in downtown Nelson with more people than it would hold, and didn’t find myself in a position to be too selective.
The house had lovely heritage doors, and one rough night someone punched out a door. I certainly didn’t have the resources to deal with this easily. I knew Brian did fine woodwork and I asked him if I could pay him something to fix the shattered door. Over a number of days in the early summer Brian came by in what passed as his ‘spare time’ and rebuilt the door splinter by splinter, with the care and love of an archaeologist. At the end it was perfect. Of course Brian wouldn’t take any money from me.
As well as having the good fortune to find a master craftsman to fix my door, I experienced being held steady by a gentle, intelligent, and generous man, at a pretty difficult period of my life. I’ll be grateful for the rest of my life.
Bill Moore
Lynn SSI, thank you for keeping all of us in the loop, so that we know exactly where to direct our powerful thoughts of comfort. More big hugs, Brian and Joanne. xxLisa
Hello beautiful family. My heart is full of love for the amazing example you are setting for all of us. Your grace and wisdom are flying off the page as I read your blogs and although I weep with sorrow for your pain I send crooked smiles back to you for the knowledge that in the bigger picture of our amazing universe all is well.
Love an angels.......... Rineke
Thanks for spending time with me on SSI, Charlie and Todd. This is the time now to tell stories of Brian, to reminisce, laugh, cry and just take time to be silent...to really hear each other and hold this time precious.
I do not know Brian as well as many of you do, but am connected in several ways, through O'Hara, Charlie and Lynn. I feel previleged to be part of this circle, yet work to be mindful in respecting family and the core, raw emotions Brian's situation arouses.
Friends and family are travelling to and from Salt Spring now to visit Brian -- safe journey to you all.
Clare SSI
Our love and prayers go out to you Joanne, Brian and family. Thanks Lynn for letting us know what is happening. God bless you all.
Brian & Dodi
I am feeling shy to write in the face of what you are facing now ...what can words do?
but I am compelled to say what I feel nevertheless..... I KNOW the world is a better place because of Brian Everest. His family is the most beautifull I have ever met and when I look at the new photo of Brian I see someone who has transcended. It seems you exist already in two worlds. with grace. grace and more grace. and the true dignity of the soul.
I know a part of his soul is carried in his wife and children and will continue to glow there no matter what. Though, this transition comes with feelings and experiences I cant imagine... I feel without a doubt it will be beautifull, freeing, and blessed.
my love is with you all, right now, especially Joanne who I always hold in my heart as a mentor, mother and friend.
so inspired by all the people who have written also here..... what a beautifull, truthfull, concious, community has sprung from this. what a gift.
kara
Hi all I was talking to Neese today and we thought how great it would be for all you lovers out there to tell a story of Brian (thank you for yours Bill and Ruth!).Brian,as you experience him today or in the past and we can collect them together to keep. Also if anyone would like to write we can read him a letter,e-mail me or Canada Post it.
They are 5 minutes away from home and the kids can go up anytime. We brought some movies for them last night and they were looking forward to snuggling down together.
Today they are fighting an infection and Brian has asked that Mike continue to read him the book,The Golden Spruce.Joanne said he wants to know what happens at the end.We said something yesterday about friends not taking any offense if he couldn't see someone and he said he didn't have a fence to take.Love Lynn
One afternoon Brian decided he would take the dirt bike to explore the mountain about a mile up the road from our house. We warned him that is would be dark soon and supper was almost ready but away he went, no hat or scarf. We waited for him to get back before sitting down to supper but when he didn't come we assumed he would be along shortly and tucked into our meal. It gets dark quickly once the sun is hidden by the hills so by the time we had eaten it was dark and we were getting worried so we set out to find Brian. We jumped into the Bronco and headed up to the mountain, parked leaving the lights on and proceeded to call until we were hoarse, at which time we started tooting the horn. No Brian, no little bike light scooting down the mountainside, no responding call. A bit frantic by this time, we returned to the house and related our story to Uncle Marv, he said to "wait a while" but we were still very uneasy. At around 10:00 o'clock we got a call from someone we didn't know saying that he had been stopped by a young fellow who asked him to phone us and tell us he was OK. He was cold but would be home on the bike soon. The bike had no headlite anymore but he would be alright. We jumped into the Bronco and went to pick him up. Brian had gotten lost in his wanderings, he saw wild turkeys, old unused logging roads, a quarry of some kind and found a fallen in log cabin, which he took the time to sketch, and by this time it was getting dark and he was turned around. He kept riding until he saw the lights of Vernon and then made his way to the nearest road. We were so relieved to have him home and safe! I can't remember for sure but I don't think he took anymore forays onto the mountain. The cinnamon bun aunt...
Hi Brian
We made it home safe, on good roads -all the way.
Ever since I saw you in Vancouver I have an animal mascot for you. ..the bald eagle (hey even more appropriate now) This happened because of the song by Chris Tomlin that Brian L. played for me over the phone while I was there. A song he felt was so strongly for you. Part of it comes from a verse in Isaiah ~rising up on wings like eagles....
Anyway...yesterday we started the 2nd leg of our journey home, leaving early from Cache Creek. In 4 different places between there and Prince George we saw an eagle. Each time my heart was filled with hope and love and I held close my latest treasures...seeing and soaking in you and Joanne ~ Hannah, Coleman, Loius,and Sef ~ Cosmos ~ Lynn and Mike...your ambiance, aroma and spirit. I was also reminded of the things we talked about ...and I wanted to thank you again for always watching out for me , always protecting me.
The last 4 hour stretch seemed longest as the road reached forth for my destination - home- but also toward my furthest place from you. Midway on that portion I started to slip ...and I longed to slump my way into some sad place and hunker down for a while. But there in the most unimaginable place in the middle of the Pine Pass, miles and miles from anywhere... TWO mature, hugely impressive bald eagles..each on its own bare tree- looking out beyond the immediate landscape. So perfect.
You and Joanne.
A gift from God...reminding me...Faith, Hope , Love.......
I rarely see an eagle .. I have never seen 6 in one day!
In all that was one for each of you.
Thanks Bri for watching out for me ... I'm home safe. I'm praying for you and sending those angels back your way.
I love you so very very much.
terri-lou
There are so many things to say about Brian that I would never be able to say them all. He came to visit us In Victoria, and stayed for awhile. A time we all thoroughly enjoyed until the day he hopped on his bicycle and left us. He is one of the few people who can appreciate my sense of humor, even when I don't intend it to be that way. He introduced us to the "love of his life" Joanne, that tiny little person who loved him so much then and still does. We shared a turkey dinner with Charlie and Brian and Joanne when she was carrying Hanna. We laughed and enjoyed ourselves, like family should. His daughter, beautiful daughter, Hanna shares the same birthday as my grandson, Graeme, June 10th. I could go on and on,but, words cannot express the way I feel and will always feel about Brian. I love you, admire you and your family in this trying time. For all the Everest children I feel the same way, always will. Aunt Norma
Thank you for the beautiful blog, the pictures and stories from when to now...the strength and love that you share with all. I barely know you, yet I am filled with love, gratitude and deep peace.
Namaste.... Rajani xo
Hi beautiful fellow! To know you is to love you, everything about you is unique, special. I only wish we had spent more time together, shared more during the past many years, but life is like that, we each build our own lives by being who we are. I hold those precious times close, appreciate them then put them back into memory storage for future use. Love and admiration always, the cinnamon bun aunt...
Hey you. Thinking of you today. Hearts together. S
A short Brian story....
Thank-you Lynn for telling me about Brian making bread this past spring. I remembered it this morning because I ended up with Whip cream instead of half and half and Jack and I set about shaking the cream in a jar to make butter instead of letting it sour. The butter reminded me of your bread story and also of making butter a long time ago....
Brian could work magic with butter and brown sugar and oatmeal and a hot oven. Fast! Mom and Jim wouldn't be gone long and wwaaaalaaa!!!!!!!!!
Wild Oatmeal Surprise!!!!!!!!! Maybe someone had done it before him but in my mind it was ...~magic~... and it was all Brian. Then we would sit on the counter and eat it straight from the pan (less dishes) and I would listen to Brian and Charlie tell stories...sometimes he would put straw in his teeth and act hillbilly and make us double over from laughing so hard...or we would listen to the Bill Cosby records ...(Again!!) and laugh our heads off even though the jokes were so replayed and old. I loved to see them laugh and joke and talk and I loved to feel a part of it all...even if it was as the little sister who followed them around. It was my chance to slip in, sideways and belong. (and eat...it was soo yummy)
Just like he has taken a piece of firewood and made it a work of art he could resourcefully sculpt a sense of belonging from oatmeal. Amazing guy.
Ask him for the recipe.........I haven't been able to replicate it....
because it wasn't the butter,sugar or oatmeal that made it great..............
love you so much Bri
terri-lou
Butterscotch Oat Squares
"Crispy, chewy - like candy"
1/2 cup butter, melted
1 cup brown sugar (firmly packed)
1/2 teaspoon vanilla
1 teaspoon baking powder
2 cups Robin Hood Oats
Combine butter and sugar, baking powder and oats in mixing bowl. Add butter and vanilla. Blend thoroughly. Spread thinly in ungreased square or obling cake tins. For this amount of mixture, 2 tins (8x8x2 inches) or equivalent are required.
Bake ar 375 degrees F. for 8 to 10 minutes or until golden brown. Remove from oven. Allow to stand for 5 minutes. While still warm cut in squares or bars with sharp knife. Loosen outside edges. Allow to cool thoroughly, then remove squares or bars from tins. This is from Grandma Everest's old Robin Hood cookbook, which Brian used more than a few times - I can tell from the stains and dough marks on the page!
Some of you out there may not know that Brian also was good with a sewing machine. He used an old machine that I passed on to him many years ago and made curtains for some of the rooms in their house in Nelson, a carpenter apron, mended some jeans - and those are just a few things I remember. A few weeks back we reminisced about this, Brian & I - he had to throw out the old machine, but he said he had picked another one at a flea market. The night before we left Vancouver (2 1/2 weeks ago) we were talking about his sewing talent at the apartment - Hannah remembers his sewing.
Brian is an excellent artist - I have a watercolor and some sketches from school days.
Wood carving was his gift and something he continued with.
He has many talents - possibly some we aren't aware of yet.
Wonderful reminiscing here.
Love you Bri.........
Mom
Joanne and Brian's home at Fletcher Falls,where Shelley married them, with the roar of the creek the constant background sound was my jumping to place as I made my way out west to be closer to them.I stayed with them for over half a year with my dear 10 year old son Joe.Hannah was just one and was bright and funny and the two cousins bonded. Joe also got quite attached to Brian who is a guy's guy if he is needed to be. His quiet way and sense of humour spoke directly to Joe and fed him in so many ways.Having that space to come to was a kind and generous act on the Everests part.
When we moved to SSI there was a well worn path down #3 highway to see the Everests whenever we could. I remember taking the bus and turning up on a Christmas AM. All the roads were covered with 2 feet of snow with a beautiful morning hush. I knocked on the door at 6am and Brian answered the door with a wide grin and offered me a cup of coffee.He has felt like a brother for the last 20 years.
Then they moved to SSI and we got to see each other all the time. Brian played the best April fools gags on Mike including hiding a walkie takie behind some books on Michael's bedside table. At 5 am we heard,"Michael this is God" and it took quite a few minutes to figure what was going on.Then another time he hid a stuffed raccoon toy at the little door that Mike opened every morning to let the chickens out. It looked quite real in the morning light and Mike was a bit startled.
Brian is the kind of person who walks as slow as the child he is walking with.He has a grace and rhythm that makes us feel good about ourselves and makes the thought of not seeing him hard to swallow.Good thing love goes on and on and on.
Hi Bri; Woke up thinking of you, lots of frost covering everything, the cats decided not to go out this morning...they know something we haven't found out yet. I was remembering when you took the Bronco out to brush up on your driving skills and we took a tour of Salmon Arm. Haven't been down those roads since, the Four Corners, Canoe school road, you drove, we visited, you got your driver's license alright. Thinking of you with love my dear, the cinnamon bun aunt
I have always been in love with Brian's spirit.
Last week during a visit in his hospital room he turns to me during breakfast and says, "Geez Tod, you look pretty good for being in palliative care!"
And then, "I was really hoping your offer to be my stem cell donor would have worked out. I was looking forward to being able to play the flugelhorn."
The guy is sharp, but gentle. So much ease with words, in the face of difficult times.
I love you, Brian Everest.
Hi Bri,
Just want to say thank you for the beautiful visit and the wonderful gift.....you brought all of us together....I love you so much.
Love
Wendy
Brian and Joanne,
To the man in the beautiful red shoes. Thank you for your smile and your wonderful, wacky humour that brightened every day at "The Lodge." God only knows it wasn't the food!
So, as we are now eternal "Lodge Mates", let me be the first to congratulate you on being chosen the once and future "Grand Poobah" (Think Fred Flintstone). Secret handshakes and an ever-so-fashionable fez all the way, buddy.
Our thoughts and most ardent prayers go out to you, Joanne, and your lovely children...a couple of whom I had the pleasure of getting to know.
Peace to you.
Mitch (Sub-Prior to the G.P.) and Jennifer
Remembering that summer evening when Jake and I came over for dinner. Joanne, Hannah and I sat outside and Brian brought us plates of the most delicious food that he had just prepared. And wine, and then tea and cake - we just sat and relaxed, and he graciously and happily served us and made us feel like queens, meanwhile taking care of the little boys inside. He orchestrated the most lovely, peaceful, and civilized meal for us. It was Mothers' Day in July, thanks to Brian. And for no special reason - just because.
Thinking of you all, and remembering so many good times. With much love, as always -
Barbara
Just wanting to let you all know that we continue to send thoughts your way.
I was thinking, today, about the time I asked Brian if he would consider building a server station for the cafe we once owned. I was a little sheepish about asking him as I knew how busy he was with work. I didn't expect him to do the job for us but thought I'd give it a go anyway. He, of course, said yes. What did I think he would say? I mean, really! He came over and eyeballed the situation while listening to what our needs were. (I think he actually knew what we needed before we did but, because he's Brian, he let us natter on.) He went away and said he's come up with something. I knew he was going to work some real Brian magic. About 2 weeks later he called and asked if he could come by the cafe and try the station on for size. I couldn't wait! It was going to be like Christmas. The appointed hour came and there was Brian with the most fantastic server station imaginable. He salvaged,from Mike, some old wood roofing shingles that had the moss still attached for the little sloped roof of the structure and used more weathered,salvaged wood for the rest. What he came up with was not only functional to the max but mimicked perfectly the little building that housed the cafe. The care and attention to all of the small details was truly phenomenal. The handles, the latches, the hinges, everything, was done with thought and skill. It was such a metaphor for who Brian is. That he would do it in the first place was so gracious. I wasn't surprised so much as delighted, sort of like a little kid on Christmas morning, at the fantasy that he infused into what could have been a pretty mundane object. It made me wonder what it would be like to have a father like Brian.
I wish I could go back and take even just a little piece of that work away with me. Selfish, I know, and probably not possible but I guess I can, and will, think about the joy and appreciation I had then and will always have for what he created for us.
What a guy! And, what a friend.
Thanks Brian. Thanks so much
Hey Brian! Just want you to know that not a day goes by but what you are in my thoughts. Walked by the river yesterday, very foggy and damp, thought of you during my wanderings, the flock of swans, two white and three grey cygnets, one of the white ones was very watchful, cruising slowly while I walked by. A lone bald eagle was perched on the topmost of a cottonwood tree, shopping for his next meal in the river...I thought of you and the wonderful carving you do. I remember once suggesting that you should take up illustrating, the stories could have tweaked your imagination and something simply magical would have been the result...however, we each have our own paths and must make our own choices. Your spirit has inspired many and continues to do just that. How lucky we are to have you in our lives, love always, the cinnamon bun aunt.
Blessings and loving, warm greetings to Brian, Joanne and family from the winter wonderland of Nelson. Snow is carpeting the town today - soft quiet kisses falling from the sky, blanketing us in white coziness. Skiiers are overjoyed, and the change of season has arrived. I think of you every day and frequently. I send a special blessing every time I pass your old house, where we shared a yummy and heartfelt dinner together a few years back. I love you so much! I hope that the wondrous circle of love, prayers and energy continue to bless you in a soft and powerful cocoon of love.
with love, Ruth
I am really enjoying these lovely/ funny/ heart-warming stories! Thanks everyone for sharing them. I would love to see some photos - new and old -- of Brian, his family, friends, etc. if you can figure out the technology. :)
Clare, SSI
I can remember getting a phone from call Brian late one evening 25 years or so ago.(give or take!)
Brian was living in Castlegar or Nelson with a room mate named Trooper(?) and the call was to ask how to skin/field dress a deer. I tried my best to explain this over the phone, and I don't think I ever found out if this was "before" or "after" the deer had been bagged...but I'm sure the job turned out fine...maybe some beer involved there! lol...
Lots of memories of hiking to the "beaver pond" hunting and fishing....making a few pair of home made snowshoes out of plywood, tire tubes and rope(worked great 'til the snow got too sticky!)
Dwight's idea I think...good one!
Lots of other mischief on the farm...!! Anyways Brian,thinking of you and your Family...lots of love to you all....
AL
I think of you and your family every day. The eagles are here too, salmon spawning at Goldstream. Just wanted to let you know I am here and praying for you every day. Love you, Aunt Norma
Hi Brian, Joanne and crew,
I read your blog every morning before work and really enjoy it. You are always in my thoughts. It's funny the things that bring back memories. The other night I was cooking some hamburger and remembered when the Everest family lived next door to the Beckleys in Rainbow. Your Mom was working and had asked Wendy to get some dinner started. I was over there hanging out with Wendy and trying to help when Ivor Beckley walked in and saw the raw hamburger we were dealing with. He asked if he could have a bite and we thought he was joking. Just at the time when he took a piece and was putting it in his mouth you came out of the hallway into the kitchen. I can remember the horrified look of disbelief on your face when you saw Ivor actually eat the hamburger and seem to enjoy it then ask for another piece. Wendy and I laughed our faces off and you escorted Ivor outside because we didn't want to give him more - it was for dinner.
Take care and remember you are loved by so many.
Love you
Barb
Brian taught me to shade grapes and to draw faces and to add light effects to pencil drawings. He showed me how to make a paper stomp and how I could breath on my fingers and use them to make the pencil shading smooth out and blend ...soft and gentle. I apply alot of those same things he taught me to my painting and drawing today. I learned alot too just from watching him and being around him. Just being with him recently wasn't any different.....He and Joanne and his family are good examples for us to glean from .........
Learning techniques of drawing from someone like him feels like a metaphor for this ( his,their life example) ... I still have so much to learn.
love and prayers
terri-lou
First memory of Brian would be in Erskin a tub i a swamp wondering what would happen if we pulled the plug out and the finding out what would happen.
Walking on thin ice in Rainbow, rubber boots full coming home freezing to make hot chocolate. Being chased by Brian around the trailer in Rainbow and cutting my hand, Brian running to the neighbors to get help...me screaming Brian reassuring me that I would not bleed to death if I just did not take the towel off.
Making snowshoes (that Brian invented) out of plywood and rubber inner tubes and sneaking pork chops out of the freezer to trudge into the woods to light our own fire and cook them...I think they were the most delicious tasting pork chops I ever tasted.
Fishing at the beaver pond with stick line hook worm and catching prize Rainbow trout, wrapped in tinfoil with butter, onions later taking the beaver dam apart amazed with the force of water, doubly amazed that the next day it was all put back together.
Reading my first Playboy rag, snuck from Brian's drawer with a handful of seeds that grew into magic.
Brian taking my from Rainbow back to Horse Lake on the bus upset that he had no choice in the matter.
Letters from Brian with $20.00 bills in them from his dishwashing job. $20.00 dollar bill unheard of. Always looking out for me, walking home in Tappen, throwing rocks telling stories. Brian keeping me outta to much trouble with M+J. Bought me an electronic kit that I later bugged the house with. Brian always protecting with his level head.
Back up North working, dreaming of the mountains he told me of...and the girls he so descriptively assured me were there. Brian had made that dream a reality.
Traveling in Jamaica, getting a light off a fire dancers chest Brian received a standing ovation from the audience. Drinking special tea, and then wondering why every palm tree looked like a character out of Dr. Suess.
Diving under water caves wondering why they were getting so small not realizing the tide was coming in. Brian coming back to help me after my first attempts to swim out did not succeed.
Cliff jumping at Rocks Lake, wiping out Motor Bikes because we had never driven on the left hand side off the road before. Swimming for miles in the ocean not once worried about sharks...Brian just ahead of me always waiting at the next parasail raft. Sailing on the windest day of the month going with the wind until Jamaica looked like an island, then the conversation of I thought you told me you knew how to sail...as I said I went sailing before but somebody else did the sailing. No life jackedt, boat flipping, swell rising, Brian figuring out how to tack back to shore, kilometers from the rental point.
Then to the mountains Lake O'Hara. Brian standing on the boat dock with a wave of his hand and a shit eating grin on his face "Welcome to my back yard". He introduced me to his buddies that would forever change my life; Grassi, Wiwaxy, Victoria, Huber, Lefroy, Hungabee, Bidle, Shaffer, O'dery, Cathedral. O'Hara wasn't just a back country lodge it was a way of life and Brian shared it with me. His secret spot I remember the first couple of weeks there staff just started showing up as I was spliting wood at the end of the day. Brian in passing said "Beers in the Sauna after work" I readily agreed. At 5:00 I had my 6 pack towel on and ripped open the sauna door, there was Brian with that grin on his face and several completely nude women. I just about fainted could not go in and started to high tail it back to staff cabin. Only to be tackeled in the snow by two of the ladies and dragged back into the sauna. I had to keep my towel on..well that time anyways.
Brian was always shinning up at O'Hara always kept the staff in stitches and was the hacky sack king. Nic and Tony shows were a hit on Saturday nights. That summer I was not full time staff. Brian gave me his prized posession...His Bike!
Panyas, sleeping bag, tent, thermorest, and some great advice. "Always sleep with your alarm clock in your touque, that way you will never lose it and you will never be late". He also gave me his bank card so I had access to cash. I spent the summer cycling around the mountains exploring and climbing. That was the best summer I ever had. I traveled to Mexico with Brian that fall for a couple months. I remember one time snorkeling in southern mexico, I was about 250 meters out into the ocean, always looking back so I could see Brian, he would wave, I would wave and all of a sudden alot of people were waving. So I headed back to shore. Brian met me at the beach and said "Charlie did you see an underwater cement wall about 75 meters out?" I said I was wondering what that was for. Brian said two words as he turned and walked away "Sharks, stupid".
People that Brian introduced me to at O'Hara I still love to this day. It's a special place and I will never forget the years I worked there and the people I met.
Threw out the years Brian and myself always maintained a close relationship.
I remember one year Cam + Brian came out to visit me at a Heli Ski lodge I was working at. Brian came into the kitchen and said "have you seen Jumar?" (I had a bernese mountain dog) I said not in a while. Brian told me to come check something out. There outside at the edge of the Heli pad was Jumar. He had mounted one of the lodge pigs and was trying his best to get lucky. What a sight we all laughed till we had tears running down our cheeks.
I could go on and on about friends, love, laughter, excitment all times spent with my big brother Brian.
Even a couple of weeks ago trying on wigs in the cancer lodge, to the goofy hats we were wearing in Vancouver.
We were always cracking ourselves up.
Brian will live on threw Joanne and his children, his wood work and every soul he has every touched. His laughter will fill my ears, his smile will fill my eyes and his love will fill my heart forever.
I love you Big Brother Brian, always have always will.
I look forward to kicking the crap outta some mountains with you again, maybe this time you will let me lead.
Charlie
Brian came out to see us one year and stayed with us for awhile. He got a job and we enjoyed having him with us, like having another son.
One evening we were all watching TV when Brian came home from work, he was late but I never worried about him. He came in the door, scratched up and staggering. He had gone out with the guys after work for a little while. After trying to master sitting on a chair he decided he needed to go to bed but, before he went into the bedroom he deposited on the coffee table cards. There were cards in every pocket he had on him.
He went into the bedroom, we heard him bumping and banging around in there, I said to Steve, you better go see what is going on, he said its ok Mom he is just getting into bed.
I tried to make decks out of the cards after, there wasnt a whole deck in the lot, where they came from I never asked.
Brian, you are such a dear. I love you so much.
Aunt Norma
Brian, My very first day I worked at Lake O'Hara I was assigned to you and Colin Arlidge to help take down storm windows. You struck me as the epitome of the mountain man, gorgeous, strong, with that devil may care smile. I kept hearing what I thought were helicopters and I couldn't understand why Colin kept running out to the path to look up at the mountains. You finally told me that what we were hearing were actually avalanches. I remember your incredible twinkle as you simultaneously teased me for my city girl ignorance and joined my awe at the power of the mountains. You will always be Lake O'Hara for me Brian. Full of magic and mischief but totally solid. I treasure those memories. My love to you and Joanne. Hey Charlie, love to you too buddy.
Rose
Dear Brian Joanne and family I think a piece of your scarf has blown in the wind here. Carve out life as best you can. Every breath, smile and sigh, a fragrance mingling with our own spirits - a celebration - a Christ- mass. Blessings all - Shelley and Dan.
Brian, I dont know if you read these Blogs but I have to ask you something.
Do you remember "The Whole Earth Catalogue" ? What a wonderful book and I know you enjoyed it as much as we did. I still have two of them, Kari is keeping them for me.
Do you still have yours?
Love, Aunt Norma
Hey guys, thinking of you, as always. Just remembered the crazy walk where Seb and Hannah and George and I thought of every reason to praise pie. Made me laugh. Made me cry. Yer kids don't know the correct words for any nursery rhyme. I knew they wouldn't. xxxxxxx sue
Hey guys, thinking of you, as always. Just remembered the crazy walk where Seb and Hannah and George and I thought of every reason to praise pie. Made me laugh. Made me cry. Yer kids don't know the correct words for any nursery rhyme. I knew they wouldn't. xxxxxxx sue
I can't remember the exact first time Brian had talked to me about doing this but I do remember thinking he had lost the plot altogether....wierdo.
We would lay on our backs with just the tips heads touching, my big fat one and his slender smart one (not)
Anyways we would do this sometimes for a hour or so. Some how it would put me in a very deep mediative state. We did this as adults in differant areas of our travels.
I always hoped some of Brians skill and smarts would rub off on me. I am not sure if that ever happened but I do know I always felt better after our little head touching, soul searching episode ended.
In Mexico we did not have pots and pans to cook with so we cut the tops of off beer cans and would use them for mini pots and pans.
I remember Brian made his secert sauce that he invented in Jamacia one time. You could put that secert sauce on anything and it would transform old stale pasta into a gourmet meal, a hot dog into a mouth watering sub, a pork chop into a.....pretty damn good piece of meat.
I later found out that it was beer and ketchup with a little galic powder thrown in....ahhhh big brother you crack me up.
Charlie
I would like to try that recipe, but I'm having trouble finding galic powder...do I have to go to Ireland for that? ha
Yeah my spelling is something else...same with the words I left out....I use to spell Brian,Brain...he still bugs me about that.
Dear Brian; You are an amazing, beautiful, gracious man. You never stop teaching and encouraging others to stretch, to reach for something higher, much higher, to see beauty in all things, in all people, to find laughter and pleasure where others cannot. I love you, Aunt Bea
Brian and Joanne, the circle of your love is wider than you know. Every day I am in conversation with friends who love you and share this circle of love. It is cold and clear here in Nelson. Yesterday the power was out in most of town and once it got dark, the stars were the brightest lights. They seemed so close, they spoke to me, illuminating my path down the mountain. Isn't that as it should be?
I love you.
Ruth & constellations of friends.
Not a day goes by without frequent thoughts of you, Brian, Joanne, Hannah, Coleman, Louis, and Sef.
I am always saying the same thing here - and sending the same love. Barbara
Hello Brian, Joanne, Lynn and Mike. (with apologies to some readers for the personal nature of this addition to the blog)
I wanted to tell you that we just returned home from the most beautiful of concerts. You all will remember, I'm sure, the glorious Ave Maria performed by that most exquisite group of male singers, Chanticleer. Do you still have the cd, Lynn? No doubt you do. We were in St. Ignatious Church tonight. We being the four of us. (We got Keziah back today and I am SO happy!) She stepped off the plane and quite literally walked, with us, into the church and into the sounds that these remarkably gifted men make. Oh, that we could all have been there with you four. I thought about you throughout the performance. It was magical as they sang that same, contemplative, heartbreakingly beautiful Ave Maria. It rose up and took us with it. I brought you along with me as I bathed in the purity of the sound. As you may know I am a distinctly secular kind of guy and choose to glorify "god" in my own very private way, but this godliness was unwavering and unmistakable. It was for all of us to share with whomever we cared and so I did with you all tonight. I can't tell you how happy it made me feel and that I felt, perhaps selfishly, that I could bring you all a bit nearer to us through this glorious music. I suppose it's the language I understand best and therefore it helps me to stay in touch with you. I hope, above all hope, that you all might feel the love that surrounded us tonight and to feel the love that we send to you. Such difficult days for you all. I am so, so sorry. I want you to feel the love we convey. My wish is that you do.
We send our love.
Rob, Barbara, Keziah and Jake.
Hey Brian; Looking out the window this morning to see fresh snow blanketing our town, turning it into a pencil drawing, reminded me of the beauty you create with pencil and paper. The hills across the valley are mere ghosts, emerging from the storm momentarily then disappearing again. Walking home from work on Friday I heard Christmas carols so walked faster, trying to figure our where the celebration was. At first I thought it was our neighbour, she sometimes sings to her little ones. On reaching our driveway I realized I was mistaken. After further investigation I realized it was our other neighbour, Romeo, who always plays his music loud and I confess I am not always in the mood for Johnny Cash but that evening the carols were just right. Helping me get into the Christmas spirit for a while anyway...Romeo is old, alone, quite deaf and keeps us up to date on the goings on in our neighbourhood. He has the spirit. Thinking of you always, Bless you and yours Brian, you are such a lovely guy, sending buckets of love to you all, Aunt Bea X0X
Last night when I woke up thinking of you I was lulled back to sleep remembering being on the other side of that curtain in 100Mh. It was dark on my side and you and Charlie were on the boys side. The big light wasn't on but you must have had a flashlight because you were reading to us. Where the Red Fern Grows. I felt like I was there, felt like I loved hound dogs too.
I think Charlie cried.
I love you guys.
: ) Hi Chaz - don't hit.
Just so we don't get too hung up on sainthood though...I also remember being on the handlebars of your bike riding to Horse Lake. The road wasnt paved all the way and when trucks went by you would pretend to be blinded,swerving all over and freaking me out by telling me I had to direct you ."Terri-lou....I can't see! I can't see!"
You also changed the channel when I was watching Benji (at the most intense part- the crying part) Then when you changed back we couldnt get it in clear ...no matter how we stomped our feet at the tv and jiggled the rabbit ears.
Ok ......back to sainthood..........
I also seem to remember -although not clearly because of the trama- being walked out on a plank on Skiddies (?SP ?is that right) bridge and told I couldn't come back. There started to be a lineup of people whom I didnt know and I felt trapped. Sooooooo
I jumped! ...but I couldn't swim...(Apparently humiliation is worse than jumping to your death)
I don't remember if you had been at the top but do remember you being in the water saying "you did it!" and me.....so glad to see you. I still remember the flailing and gulping.
.....love you so much Brian.
PS It was a great book and you did the voices so well.
ok I cried too..
Hi everyone - and Merry Christmas to all of you.
Just been out and shovelled the snow to my car, started it and let it warm up til I was done. Never thought I would have to do that again living in Victoria but I am.
It is starting to rain now so hopefully some of it will go.
Love all of you - am thinking of you.
Aunt Norma
Wow Terri-Lou
What a fantastic memory...all those black light posters, and when Brian would put the black light bulb in and transport us all to another world.
Whomever had control of the light bulb was king.
Love you
Charlie
Hey...I remember swimming at Skiddy's bridge...it was the old bridge across Bridge Creek at the end of Horse Lake... I would give you guys a ride there after pitchin' hay bales all day at the Diamond "G" ranch for Dick Guertson...you guys would pile into my black Ford car with the side pipes...Brian had a great pair of black flippers for snorkelling...the perfect way to cool off on a hot summer day! I also remember helping a spitting and sputtering little girl back to the old brige after jumping in!...Brian, do remember when we hit that deer in that same car....driving back from Kamloops one time? Stopping at every ditch with water to fill the rad... (no insurance or registration either!)I also remember us tobogganing down an old logging road...we would see who could go the furthest standing up on the toboggan...this was way before snowboarding was popular! Anyhow..Best Christmas wishes to you and your family Brian....and to everyone else too! Love Al
Lovely,vivid memories you guys! Snowy here, thinking of you and remembering too, baking cookies and squares, a time for memories. Thinking of you all with love - wishing each one of you a very special festive season.
Love, Aunt Bea
Hi Joanne and Brian, Lynn and Mike,
It's Christmas Eve and I am thinking of you all. We are snow -bound on Bowen and the whole Lower Mainland is shut down. It seems to me that all that really matters is love, family and friends and keeping all of those relationships in the light. The rest just drifts away with the snow and the wind. Sending you all my love and Christmas blessings.
xoxoxo
Lorraine
So happy to have talked a little last night, and to think of you all together in your house right now. Merry Christmas dear Everests. with much much love to you all - Barbara
Hey guys, happy ho ho. Got an update from Cam, and I'm glad to hear that Jo is strong and Christmassssy today. It's cold and snowy here. I just got back from the Trout Lake gig and it was so wonderful being round people who laugh and struggle and bicker and love and call themselves family. Hope the yule is full of love and laughs. Thinking big thoughts for you. xxx sue
Terrific having a few words with you, Joanne, the other night. It was lovely. A big hug to all of you and our best, best thoughts continue go out to you all.
Rob
Hi Everests and Jo Jo, thinking of you as the snow piles up here. Hopefully 2009 brings love and peace to all. xxx Sue
Hi Brian...was downstairs yesterday playing marbles with Clayton...he is quite a comedian at times and some of the things he says and does made me think of a few dumb things we did when we were little...I remember living in Edmonton and in the back yard there was an old car we used to play in for hours...you would climb up on the steering wheel...you could 'cause you were the smallest and part because the old steering wheels were HUGE!! We would take turns swinging the steering wheel back and forth with you hanging on for dear life...laughing and screaming!! Then we would take turns playing with the emergency brake...it made a cool sound when we set and then released it...(know where this is going eh?) I remember one day Mom loaded us up in the "REAL" car to go shopping or whatever...we were parked in front of the store and of course the parking stalls were on a hill...Mom ran in for just a few secs and left us kids in the car. In a flash Brian you were on the steering wheel and the fun game began, all of us taking our turn swinging you back and forth...then it was time to make the cool emergency brake sound and the car had long since been bumped into neutral. The brake was released but nobody made the "cool" sound to reset it and the car started to roll backwards, down the hill and across a couple lanes of traffic...not sure what the after effects were but nobody got killed...and I'm sure that didn't make Mom too happy and caused some early grey hairs!!! One of many mishaps to come! (Who was it that jumped off the garage roof in Erskine with Moms umbrella???) Another good one was playing with gasoline filled squirt guns around the garbage burning barrel (was lots of fun at the time...but kids, don't try this at home!!) Anyways brah...hope you are having a good day and that this brings a smile to your face! Love to all of you over there...Al, Marla and family..
Hi Brian, We have had another snowfall making it all clean and fresh again. Got thinking about summer at Fintry and you boys scaring bats at night. You would arm yourselves with pieces of 2X4's and flashlights and go bat hunting. I never knew how successful these nightly forays were. Do you remember eating too many cherries ? Charlie didn't come out of the tent for breakfast the next morning and it was diagnosed as "the hairy diaherra". Of course he recovered by afternoon and frolicking in the lake resumed but he was not himself for a while. Were you there the night of the skunks ? Did you ever climb up to the swinging bridge and bottomless pool ? I have just recently been advised that the scratch pancakes I made were laughingly called "gut busters" but hey, we had fun. Wonderful summers, great memories.
Love always, Aunt Bea
Thinking of you both everyday. Much love, Jennifer and Mitch
And if I go, while you're still here..know that I live on, vibrating to a different measure-behind a thin veil you cannot see through. You will not see me, so you must have faith. I wait for the time when we can soar together again, both aware of each other. Until then, live your life to its fullest. And when you need me, just whisper my name, in your heart, I will be there.
This is a beautiful thought....and for those who have had dear ones pass, we know it to be the truth.
Thank you to whoever contributed this.
Hi Brian, Joanne and family,
I have not seen you in many years but when I have thought of you it is with much warmth. I was saddened to hear about Brian's health from Rosie (O'Hara 1990ish)
Brain you may not remember this but during the late fall of 1990 when we were up at O'Hara you showed me an act of great kindness. It was the end of the season and there was just a skeletal staff left working on closing the lodge. I had the flu and was lying in bed feeling sorry for myself and you came in with a beautiful rose that you had made. The flower was made from cedar and the stem from copper. It is one the most beautiful roses I have ever seen. But what was more beautiful was the kindess and compassion you gave me with the rose.
So in my thoughts I am sending you dozens of cedar roses.
Much love
Valary and family
Brian's kindness, compassion, generosity and grace know no boundaries and are returned to him many, many times over. It's Karma! Love always, Aunt Bea
Peace to you all.
Clare
Big love to you all. Thinking about you so much. Sue
Keziah just called. We now know of Brian's passing. We mourn as a family for your family and can't possibly put into words how much we care for you and how much we love you all. This is a time for us to remember Brian and to revel in those memories. We huddled together on the phone, us in San Francisco and Keziah on Salt Spring, talking, crying, laughing and loving, in our own very special ways, a very special person. We want to be with you all and so we are. We are wrapped around you, along with so many others, and perhaps we can carry you, along with Brian's great spirit, to a truly good place where you shall all reside together.
We continue to love you.
Rob
My love goes out to all of you...Brian has left a lasting, beautiful mark on so many people. What a lovely soul...and his family carries that forever.
kaia
Brian's passing brought me to reflect on this man whom I watched grow from boy to man. He touched all those he met and I mourn him and the loss to your family. He will always be with us in you and your family, in the ocean breezes that caress us, in the trees, in birds flight and butterfly wings, in all that surrounds us. The lessons he brought to us are varied and lasting. Live each day to its fullest,know that you are truly cherished, each one in a very special way. Love always, Aunt Bea
Brian died on my son Jasper's 11th b-day- a bitter-sweet day. The next day I toured up to Evening Ridge above Whitewater and cried tears of love,sadness and inspiration for Joanne and her family as I looked over the mt. ridges. The inspiration is alive within me as I think of your beauty, strength and courage through all you have been through and all you will go through.
I will carry bird seeds on my next ski and find a spot where the birds will be thinking they died and went to heaven and this is in the spirit of Bri.
M
Please know that my thoughts of love and caring are with you and your family Joanne. I also wanted to let Al, Dwight, Wendy, Charlie and Terri-Lou know that I have had them in my thoughts and prayers for quite some time now and I care so much. Aunt Louise and Jim I send my love to you as well. I talked with Grandm Roll on the night of Brian's passing and as always she had some words of wisdom that touched me deeply and helped me get through the rest of the week.
The last time I talked to Brian I was visiting friends in Meadow Creek and wanted to try and "touch bases" bases with him as they lived in Nelson at the time. I left a message with Joanne and Brian called me back later that day. I never got to see him but we had a visit on the phone and I can remember the sound of his voice - so warm and comforting. We had a nice visit and when the conversation was ending even after all those years of having no contact we let each other know that there was that love there. This is comforting to me and I will always remember that special voice.
Peace be with all of you. Brian is all around us and will be fondly remembered always.
Barb
Hi Joanne,
I am thinking of you every day over here on Bowen. Sending you and your family love and many prayers of comfort and healing,
xoxoxo
Lorraine
What kind of postings is this? can any one tell me what is the topic on this site? or what is this blog about?
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