​BRIAN GREEN

In a “not-so-Brian fashion”, he passed quietly with family by his side on Thursday, April 4th, 2024 of a brief illness.

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Born May 25th, 1939 in Winnipeg, Brian will be lovingly remembered with fond memories of his sense of humour and gregarious nature.

 

From humble beginnings in Winnipeg’s Rooster Town, Brian achieved great things. He never lost his zest for life or belief that if you follow your dreams you will succeed.

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Brian’s work life was varied as he was always looking for new challenges and a better life for his family often working two jobs at a time or at remote work sites during times of low employment.  An electrician by trade Brian started his career with Winnipeg Hydro where he met his lifelong friend Ivan LeBlanc. He then worked for City of Winnipeg Signals Department and Electrical Maintenance Departments before joining the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers as a red seal construction electrician where he enjoyed a career spanning more than four decades. Brian always spoke affectionately of the comradery and antics of Brothers (co-workers) he had the pleasure to work with during this time. Never one to sit idle Brian continued to learn new skills right up to his retirement, successfully earning a fifth class Power engineer certificate, welding certificate and first class driver’s license.

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Although an Electrician by Trade Brian had the heart of an entrepreneur and was always looking to improve himself. He owned and operated a Taxi business with partner Roger Bohemier, started an electrical business with partner Al Knysh, owned and operated a small construction/renovation company and worked as restaurateur with son Craig. During his restaurant days Brian also did some design work building some of the first hot dog carts to hit the streets of Winnipeg in the 1980s.

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As a sports enthusiast Brian enjoyed numerous sports including, golf, hockey, curling, football and Blue Jays Baseball. Along with playing and watching sports Brian also coached baseball and hockey volunteering at local community clubs. He coached baseball in St. Vital with good friend Danny Yackoboski in the early ‘70s and later coached hockey at Crescentwood Community Center where the players affectionately nicknamed him ”Mean Joe”, a name that some players still call him to this day.

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Brian loved music, picking up the guitar at 40 and never putting it down, always encouraging family and friends to sing along whether they could keep a tune or not. He loved to attend local jam sessions and would also attend jam sessions while on holiday if the chance arose. Brian could also be found listening to local musicians at various bars and clubs throughout Winnipeg.

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Never one to shy away from a challenge Brian loved to play a good game of cards. He always looked forward to “Tuesday Championship Bridge” with friends Warren, Rudy, Frank, Larry and Mike. Cribbage tournament nights at the Norwood St. Boniface legion with his grandchildren and fellow legion members were a great source of entertainment.  In his younger years Brian also loved a good game of chess and would often show up late after a challenging night of chess with good friend Fred Kosmolak at Winnipeg’s Belgian Club.

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Always the storyteller, Brian kept memories of past relatives and friends alive by sharing their life stories with family and friends whenever the chance would arise. One of his favorite childhood memories was of his Uncle Jack Casey taking him along on family camping and fishing trips, a joy that was passed forward to Brian’s children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren.  On a more somber note, Brian kept memories of both family and friends lost to WW2 during his childhood alive through attendance of Remembrance Day services and sharing stories of loss with family.

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In family life Brian was predeceased by mother Agnes Gertrude Green (Omand), father John Bernard McGrath, special mentors Uncle Gordon & Auntie Jean Omand  and sadly, grandson Dom Pellettieri.

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Brian is survived by his wife Barb, and their children -  Don and Heather, Chris and Sue, Eva, Craig and Laurie, and Nelda.

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Brian is also survived by grandchildren Chloe, Andee, Nate, Hannah, Zac, Asha, Fernando, Aaron, Alycia, Melissa, Emerson, Marcia, Angel and 18 great- grandchildren all of whom he loved and took great enjoyment in their accomplishments and misadventures.

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In life Brian was always a force to be reckoned with and will be fondly remembered by family and friends for his” larger- than -life” personality, excellent sense of humour, and ability to entertain and liven up a room with a good story or joke.

 

Brian loved to acknowledge and celebrate birthdays!  Not one for formal gatherings, he requested we hold a Party to celebrate his leaving. All who knew Brian are invited to drop by to tell  a story or two at a celebration of Brian’s life being held on his 85th birthday at 2:00 p.m. Saturday May 25th, 2024 at Kenaston Village Condominium Club House 516 Kenaston Blvd at Grant Avenue.

 

Refreshments will be provided.  Visit us at www.brianwashere.com or email Barb at brbmgrn@gmail.com to RSVP.

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Never to be forgotten may you rest in peace.

 

Shine on you crazy diamond.