We Remember
McAULEY, Brian
October 30, 1953 — July 17, 2019
The family of Brian McAuley are heartbroken to announce his passing on July 17th, 2019.
A Celebration of Life will be held on Friday, July 26th at 4:00 p.m. at the Springfield Funeral Home in Kelowna.
Born October 30, 1953 in Lennox Castle, Scotland to George and Jean McAuley, Brian was the first-born child and was soon joined by a brother and six sisters. The McAuley’s were an extremely close family and continue to be to this day. After leaving school, Brian began a five-year apprenticeship to become a Fitter. This accomplishment allowed him to travel all over Britain where he worked on nuclear submarines, power plants and distilleries.
The spring of 1970 would forever change the course of Brian’s life when he met the love of his life, Liz, at a Scout Dance in Glasgow, Scotland. Four years later they married and soon set off for Australia.
Brian worked as a maintenance engineer at Charlie Gardiner Hospital in Perth, the largest hospital in the southern hemisphere.
It was soon time for Brian to enter the most rewarding part of his life – parenthood. Their first child, Kristine, was born in 1977 in Australia. A few months later they continued their journey and immigrated to Kelowna, BC where their second daughter, Robyn, joined their wee family in 1978 and was followed by their son, Brian Graham, in 1983.
Brian worked at Brenda Mine in Peachland, BC for six years as a Millwright. He then began his 35-year career at the City of Kelowna as the foreman at the Wastewater Treatment Facility. While working for the city, Brian was also an instructor at UBC Kelowna for 13 years, where he taught in the Water Quality Program.
Brian was an active and influential member of the communities where he lived. He was an amateur football player in Scotland, semi-professional footballer in Australia, dabbled in ice hockey and was a current member of the Brandt’s Creek Old Boys Soccer club. He coached youth sports in Kelowna since 1978, including his children and grandchildren’s teams.
With interests wide and varied, Brian’s favorite endeavors including supporting Celtic Football Club, Kelowna Rockets, and travel. He explored many regions of the world, but three places were ‘home’ to him – Scotland, Kelowna and Southern California.
The births of Brian’s two amazing grandchildren, Camden and Tiernan Cassan were the brightest lights in his life. He was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, son, brother and friend to countless people.
Brian is survived by his wife Liz McAuley; daughters Kristine McAuley and Robyn Cassan; son Graham McAuley; son-in-law Brooke Cassan; grandchildren Camden and Tiernan Cassan; brother Gerry McAuley and his daughters Lorraine and Lindsay; 6 sisters Margaret McAuley and her partner Michael, Marie (David) Wylie and their children David & Steven, Alison (Titch) Douglas and their daughter Gail, Jean (Joe) Meiklejohn and their children Michelle, Joseph, & Gerry, Christine (Kenneth) Gillon and their children Megan, and Fiona (Robert) McMaster and their son Scott; and countless friends.
The family wants to extend its deepest gratitude to all the family, friends, coworkers and community of Kelowna for their sympathies, love and support.
If you wish to send a condolence, post photos or share a memory, please scroll down the page to the area called “Condolences”.
THIS SERVICE WILL BE LIVE STREAMED FRIDAY JULY 26 AT 4PM
Service
Friday, July 26, 2019 at 4:00 pm
Location
Springfield Funeral Home
Dear Robyn,
Marc, Camille and I offer you and your family our deepest sympathies at this very difficult time.
Liz and family, Our deepest sympathy to you at this very difficult time.. we are thinking of you and will remember Brian with fondest memories of the times at the soccer field..He always had a smile, and made everyone else smile along with him..He truly will be missed.
We were shocked and saddened when we heard of Brian’s passing. We had so many memorable times on and off the soccer pitch. Brian was always one of those guys you were always happy to run into. Brian will be sadly missed but never forgotten.
Condolences from the Heagle family
Dear Liz & family, we are so shocked to hear of Brian’s passing. We just saw you both last week & you were so excited talking about taking your grandchildren to Disneyland. Our hearts break for you Liz. You & your family are in our thoughts at this very difficult time.. Brian will always be with you, tucked away in that special place in your heart.
Sandra & Randy Zahara I will miss that big Scottish hug he always gave every time I bumped into him.
We are so very sorry to hear this sad news. We both work for the city and were so happy for Brian to retire. Our deepest sympathies.
Val and Todd Petillion
Deepest sympathies to the whole family. I have such fond memories of babysitting Brian’s children and the fun we had in our little Westbank neighbor. He was a great man with an amazing sense of humour. Thoughts are with you all ❤️
My wife Sandra and I just saw Brian and Liz at Costco just over a week ago, and they both looked great, it is hard to believe that he is gone. Brian was the kind of guy who, the minute you saw him, he would bring a smile to your face. His humour, friendliness, sincerity and touch of mischievousness ensured that every encounter was both entertaining and memorable. Brian’s enthusiasm was contagious and he was one of the best story and joke tellers I have ever met. We are going to miss you dearly Brian. Liz, our prayers and our thoughts are with you and your family. You and Brian have always had a special place in our hearts, and you always will. With our deepest sympathies, and love, Randy and Sandra.
Condolences to the entire McAuley Family. Brian was a friend, mentor and teacher to many. God Bless.
Dear Family,
I’m so sorry for your loss.
We never got to meet, but I met Kristine while she was studying in the Netherlands. Such a beautiful person could only come from beautiful parents.
Wishing you all strength to deal with this heartbreak.
Dear Liz and kids.. I cannot imagine the loss and pain you are going through. My heart and love go out to you all during this difficult time. Brian was a true treasure. His death and your loss have affected so many of us here at City Hall. My deepest sympathies to all of you. Heather
Oh, Robyn, I’m so very sorry for your loss. My condolences to you and your family. Debora
Can’t believe I am writing this about my big brother!! Brian you taught me more than you will ever know and that is something I will carry with me forever, you where like a walking encycloppedea with all your knowledge!! You also made me laugh with all your banter as we say in Glasgow and what a laugh you had. I will miss our chats on the phone and all our silly conversations about everything and anything.
Lastly my beautiful sister in law Liz to whom my brother worshipped, what a strong wonderful woman you are and Brian was very very proud of you and will always be with you making sure you are ok.
Fiona xxxxx
To liz and family I am shocked at the passing of Brian he was a lovely guy. Who I remember having lots of laughs with when I was young. And beautiful liz who gave me your beautiful wedding dress for my wedding in 1981. My heart breaks for you. Sending you lots of love and prayers xxx
Liz, I am profoundly saddened for you. What a huge shock and I can’t even begin to imagine what you are going through. In all my years working for the City, I could not have asked to meet a kinder more genuine person. His positive nature, humour, warmth, compassion and consideration for others was infectious and evident in everything he did. He lit up the room when he walked in and my whole day became better just chatting him up. We are all richer for having the opportunity to work with and to get to know Brian. He will certainly be missed but the groundwork he’s set in place will be the legacy of his hard work and dedication!! I try to remember this little quote when I’m really missing my dad, I hope it helps you too. “Those we love don’t go away, they walk beside us every day.” – Unknown
Sincerely, Irene Wangler
Dear Liz, Robyn, Kristine, Graham and families,
Our family is so very sorry to hear of the passing of Brian and would like to extend our most sincere and heartfelt condolences at this difficult time. Brian was a warm, kind, funny and generous man who will be greatly missed and fondly remembered.
I have many happy childhood memories of Brian as my soccer coach; teaching us to work hard but to still have fun, trying to get us to be a team players yet encouraging us to think independently, and of course promising Blizzards for anyone who managed to score a goal with a header! Through it all what I remember most was Brian’s running, jumping, and passionate cheering – instilling in us the love and pride in the game he so clearly felt. Thank you for the life lessons, Coach and for the love of the beautiful game.
Sending much love, peace and sympathy, Megan Anderson and family
Liz and Family,
I was so saddened to hear about Brians passing. I have only the fondest memories of Brian and the fun loving teasing he would send my way whenever he saw me and the “stories” he’d tell my dad afterwards. My thoughts are with you all.. May your wonderful memories keep you strong during this difficult time. He will be truly missed.
Love Shirley Watt
Very sad to hear of Brian’s passing. I had the good fortune to play men’s soccer with Brian and he struck me as one of the most positive and most principled of guys, someone who always had the right words to lift and inspire a team. He was also a tough competitor, a guy you wanted on your team! I have always enjoyed running into him around Kelowna ever since, sad to know I will not be running into him again. He was a real character, massive smile for everyone he saw, very tough loss. My condolences to his family. James and Gabriela Paterson
Dear Liz and all the family I can’t say how shocked and sad I am at the news of Brian’s passing. We worked together for almost 20 years and he always kept life and work interesting. He was so dedicated to keeping everything is good working order at the treatment plant. He will be missed by everyone who knew him. I’m adding a picture of Brian in his element – with some of the crew showing off the head bands I knitted for them when I retired.
Words cannot express the deep loss we are all feeling today. Brian was a kind hearted, warm, generous, and jovial spirit. Brian, Liz, and family were one of the first people to invite us in 27 yrs ago when we first moved to kelowna. They did and have made us feel welcome. His smile and laughter were infectious and you couldn’t help but join in. His gift to gab always had you on your toes never knowing what wise crack or practical joke he was playing on you.
Not much of a drinker, a beer here, a glass of wine there but he loved a wee dram. This made him the designated driver most of time and one night coming home from Tony and Marlyn’s he tried to avoid the road checks by taking the back roads. We drove right into one with the officer asking have you been drinking and typical Brian said “ no but the others are gooned.”
He asked us to help him with his grass, you know make it green and lush. Two weeks later he says wow that fertilizer is great but I am cutting a lot. Kelvin even put a welcome to Wembley sign on the lawn to which Brian said
Hamden park son. The neighbour gave the jig up telling Brian that those landscapers were coming by frequently to fertilize the lawn. He kept looking for the little pellets after that. The next time we turned up at his place he gave kelvin a kick in the backside and said no more fertilizer you. The only time we got a practical joke on him.
Soccer was always fun, the jokester of the team. He even taught me how short people get the net down by using the corner flags.
These a just a few of the things we will miss about Brian but most importantly we will miss his charm, friendship, and brotherhood.
We send our sincere and deepest sympathy to all of you at this time. A great husband, father, grandfather, brother, and friend gone too soon. Rest In Peace son
Annie and Kelvin
Weil Brian you have gone on ahead thats sad for us .Smile ,laugh ,hug repeat it was a joy to be friend to you and yours. I could always count on a wee bit of mischief when you were around ,I will carry that on for you 😆 A good man gone too soon .Love to friends and family at this tough time .Keep on smiling it makes them wonder what you been up too . OCK MAN you will be missed..(((((((hugs))))) Liz
Ron Hockey
Condolences to the McAuley family. Brian was an extremely popular co-worker here and I truly enjoyed my interactions with him. He will be missed dearly – we have lost another great one. He made a lot of people smile here and I really admired his humour.
Our condolences to Brian’s family. I have known Brian since our kids started primary school and the first years in soccer. Brian was a bright energetic person who always had the time of day for you. We haven’t spent a lot of time together for many years but even recently, when we run into him, it was like the time of separation vanished. May you enjoy the next part of your journey, Brian, your company was enjoyed by all who met you.
Dear Liz, Robyn, Kristine, Graham and families,
Our family is so very sorry to hear of the passing of Brian and would like to extend our most sincere and heartfelt condolences at this difficult time. Brian was a warm, kind, funny and generous man who will be greatly missed and fondly remembered.
I have many happy childhood memories of Brian as my soccer coach; teaching us to work hard but to still have fun, trying to get us to be a team players yet encouraging us to think independently, and of course promising Blizzards for anyone who managed to score a goal with a header! Through it all what I remember most was Brian’s running, jumping, and passionate cheering – instilling in us the love and pride in the game he so clearly felt. Thank you for the life lessons, Coach and for sharing your love of the beautiful game.
Sending much love, peace and sympathy, Megan Anderson and family
We are so shocked and very sorry to hear of Brian’s sudden passing. Please accept our sincere sympathy at his passing. Maybe I will get to see you if I come to Kelowna to visit Terralyn sometime. Take care and thinking of you at this sad time.
Liz and family, we are thinking about you at this difficult time. We always enjoyed our visits with you and Brain.
Hi, you probably don’t know me. Back in the mid 1990’s I was a co-op student at the KPCC. I worked hard on my first Co-op. I evidently impressed him since I’ll remember vividly saying after I completed a make work task, and I quote “I thought it would take you 3 weeks not two days,” And another time he introduced me being his boss someday. At the time I laughed. But it stuck with me. Today I am Chief Operator at McLoughlin Point WWTP, Victoria’s famously under construction sewage treatment plant. He was just a great human, and one who made sure everyone was heard and respected. Things that I saw that I want to create at McLoughlin. He taught me people are people, and though you need to get things done, and yeah, he could let that be known LOL that you could make a functional workplace fun.
I’d like you to know that he influenced me and a project that’s making the national news. In a good way. I thank him forever for that. I’m sorry for such a great loss, especially in his early retirement.
And for the record, the plant is fed 50% by the Macaulay Pumping Station, so maybe I’ll try to get our Collections guys to let me sneak in a tribute to Brian. Just saying… 🙂
Liz,
We haven’t seen you & Brian for sometime… I am
so saddened to hear of his passing. I have read the many condolences and share in the feelings expressed . He has been loved and respected by ….what an amazing legacy… He brought light and fun into the lives of everyone privileged to make his acquaintance ❤️🙏🏻
Fraser & Lynda Knauf
My deepest sympathies to the entire McAuley family, I’m still in shock I won’t see Brian around again. Brian’s clever humour will be missed by many, he was a great co-worker which was evident in the turnout at his retirement party and the comments on here. No matter what kind of day I was having, running into Brian always put a smile on my face. I really enjoyed our football banter about whose team stood a better chance of winning their respective league. Tours around the treatment plant will never be the same, you are and will forever be a true gem. Rest easy, my friend.
I first met Brian when he was our maintenance instructor for the water quality technology program. He was an amazing instructor and such a breath of fresh air because he was funny and taught us practical solutions from the real world! He would answer any questions honestly and taught us so much. I think he got a kick out of me that I had such a hard time understanding him – a lot of his jokes sailed right over my head! I was fortunate to work with him at the City where he was always a bright light and so caring! He loved his family and always had a huge smile when he talked of Liz, their kids and grandkids. An amazing man gone way too young. My sincere condolences to Brian’s family.
We are truly devastated at the news of Brian’s passing! We are sending all our love and sincere condolences to all of you. Cherished memories will keep you going in the future days, months and years as I’m sure you have so many xx love to you allxxx
From all the Caldwell’s in Scotland xxx
Liz,
My deepest condolences to you and yours. Brian never failed to make me laugh. He will be missed
We were so very, very sorry to hear the sad news of Brian’s passing. Our thoughts are with you all.
Dear Liz and family.
I just can’t believe my dear friend and soccer colleague passed away. I will never forget the first time we played soccer together for the Willow Inn and we both carried on playing together with other teams too. Brian was the best teammate I have ever played with in all these years.. I will miss Brian so much and will miss his greeting when he sees me and yells out my name…. “JoZee how the heck are you?. He was charismatic, funny and warrior on the pitch. Liz I will be thinking of you and the family. My deepest and sincere condolences. It was an honor to have known Scotland’s finest gentlemen.
Sincerely Joe Zucchi
My sincere condolences to the McAuley family. I first met Brian as a mature student in the Water Quality Tech program in Kelowna, After graduation, we remained in touch over the years, and after returning to manage the City of Vernon WWTP, we met often in meetings between the cities of Vernon and Kelowna. HIs spirit and wit came through even when confronting challenges, and his passion for our industry and those around him won’t soon be forgotten….RIP, my friend…
Liz and family, Brian was such a joy at hockey. He will be missed.
You are all in our thoughts and prayers
I am so sorry for your loss, Brian was my professor at UBC Kelowna and he was the best. We built a big copper towel rack together. My favorite memory was during a class outing to a pump station and we all ended up at a bar, heheheheheheh it was a hot summer day and none of us wanted to go back to school. After I graduated I would see him from time to time (usually shopping at Walmart) and he was always trying to help me get a full time job and he did. It was because of him that a supervisor at MetroVancouver called me and offered me a job. He had told that supervisor to hire me and 17 years later I’m still happily employed by MV. I will miss him very much and always think of him with a smile and my heart.
Dear Liz and Family,
The D’Arcy Clan in Scotland send you our deepest condolences on hearing of Brian’s sudden death. Those of us who had the great pleasure of visiting your lovely home in Kelowna have beautiful memories of our time spent with you and Brian. You were truly wonderful hosts, with plenty of ‘Banter’ coming from Brian. Know that our heartfelt thoughts are with you all.
From Jim and I – Nan & Jim, Jacqui & Tam, Kevin & Maria, Brothers Jim & Charles and Families
Liz we were skocked and saddened to hear your news. Both Brian and yourself made our holiday when we visited with Cass. We will always remember our day by the lake and setting the world to right as the sun went down. Brian made us feel so welcome and generously opened your house to us. Liz we send our love to you and all your lovely family.
Dear Liz and family,
I am so sorry to hear of Brian’s passing. I recently had the pleasure of meeting you when I bumped in to you and Brian out for lunch at Pearson’s deli. I’m still fairly new to the city, but had the opportunity to work with Brian and witness him in his element at the Wastewater Treatment Plant on many an occasion. I got to introduce my son to him when he did the tour at the WWTP for “bring your kids to work day” this past September. My son still talks about what a great experience it was and how engaging and funny Brian was. His enthusiasm, story telling and humour was far reaching and will continue to live on through all the people he touched. He will truly be missed. Our deepest sympathies from my family to yours.
Brian will be fondly remembered for all the laughs, instruction and kindness he provided to me and everyone who knew him. How I loved to hear his Scottish accent and listen to his stories! The best tour I’ve ever had, surprisingly, was at the Waste Water Treatment plant with Brian leading the way and warning us about the horrors that awaited us. I learned a lot and laughed a lot from Brian. We will miss him so much, but you know he’s having a grand time in heaven, probably playing football and cracking jokes. My sincere condolences to his family and friends.
My deepest condolences to Liz and family. I have only just heard of Brian’s sudden passing. He was a man of great wit and character. Each year Brian and I would give a tour of the Wastewater Treatment Plant to my engineering students. They loved Brian’s playful banter and many said it was one of the highlights of their semester. I have so many fond memories of Brian. I will miss him terribly. Rest in peace my old friend.
My condolences to Brian’s family. I’ve known Brian both on and off of the soccer pitch and through work at the city. He was a true gentleman at work and at play who had that rare quality of making you smile whether by telling a joke or just by his way of saying things. His zest for life was contagious and it always put you in a good mood just by being around him. He will be sorely missed. The world lost another good one. Our sincere sympathy goes out to the McAuley family from Dennis and Linda Zahara.
I so shocked and deeply saddened of my Uncle Brian’s untimely passing. I’ll miss his big voice, mad jokes and many words of wisdom. He loved his family so much and was super proud of them all. I seen a different light brighten in his eyes when his grandkids came along, he was like a big wean all over again. Sending all my love hugs n kisses to my Auntie Liz, big cuz Kristine, big cuz Robyn n wee cus Graham
Dear Family – we are heartbroken and sad. Brian and you are part of OUR family. We all have to learn to live without him. Wir entbieten unsere tiefste Anteilnahme. Brian stand für Humor, Liebe, Familie, Treue und Loyalität. Er lebte für seine Familie. Wir werden nie vergessen, wie er Fabio aufgenommen hat und über ihn gewacht hat, als es ihm nicht gut ging. Wir sind in Gedanken bei Euch.
Liz and family,
We were saddened to learn last week of Brian’s death. He was so excited about retirement. Having worked with Brian for many years, he was a unique individual, often a centrepiece in a room full of colourful personalities at the WWTP. When we would take our girls to the Kelowna rockets games and they would always ask to see if “Uncle Brian” was there. That may have started from when he greeted them at the plant with a tour of the candy machine! He spoke of his family often with a sparkle in his eye and loved telling stories of the time spent with his grandchildren. Brian was charming, never short of an opinion and a wonderful story teller. Unfortunately we cannot attend the celebration on Friday as we are out of town. All our best to you Liz and your families.
Dear Liz and Family, I am so shocked to hear of the sad news of Brian, I still remember our first meeting with you both in 1981 in the grocery store in Westbank when we arrived from Scotland. You were such an adoreable loving couple. Sending condolences and love to you all, Brian will be surely missed.
I was fortunate enough to cross paths with Brian in his element at the Wastewater Treatment Plant and at our annual Christmas Party. He had a real zest for life and put a smile on everyone’s face. I will happily remember his vivid stories in fine scottish accent, his keen interest of others and his love for his family. He will be greatly missed.
My sincerest condolences to the McAuley family.
Such a shock to lose your guy. Always loved running into Brian with his easy smile and a twinkle in his eye. Thinking of all of you at this very painful time…Pat and Brian, Tricia and Alec
Sending you all such heartfelt condolences. I know your dad and husband was such a loved and cherished member of your family. Feeling blessed i got to feel a bit of his energy and passion growing up. I know from watching he was an amazing dad. Hope you feel much love surrounding you in this really, really devastating time. May you always feel him close to you. Love Tricia and Family – you are in our prayers.
It is with such heartache and sadness that we send our love, strength and comfort to you Liz and your dear family. With all our heart we will miss Brian, his laugh, amazing humor and especially kind and vibrant personality… Walk on, walk on, with hope in your heart and “You’ll Never Walk Alone”
I was shocked and saddened to hear of Brian’s sudden passing. Please know that I’m thinking of you all. I have lots of fun memories of Brian, mostly involving soccer. Our warmest thoughts are with you. Heather and David Cumming and family.
My sincerest condolences to the McAuley family. I was fortunate enough to cross paths with Brian several times over the years at the City. He always had a smile and we shared some great banter and laughs whenever we collided. His infectious good nature will be missed by all who crossed his path.
There are no words. We have been totally blessed to do life with you and Brian, Liz. Just as my parents were your role models, you and Brian are the role models that Dan and I look up to. We have loved all our vacations together, long talks, love, laughs and support all these decades. I am so thankful that our last words to each other were “I love you, cuz!” The memories are countless, the love endless. I’m proud to be here to honor your amazing life.
Liz and family, my deepest condolences on Brian’s passing. I had such a great conversation with him at his recent award ceremony here at the City, and all the fun he had conducting his renowned WWT tours, his wonderful sense of humour was always so appreciated. I know he will be dearly missed by so many.
My condolences to Brian’s family. I remember Brian fondly every time he gave us a tour and updates on the wastewater plant (Kelowna Fire Department -B shift Hazmat team) . He was a joy to be around! You will be missed.
My condolences to the entire McAuley family. I met Brian when I went on my first tour of the Kelowna Treatment plant while I was in the Water Quality program. It was mainly because of him that I decided to work in Wastewater. He later became my Maintenance Instructor and a mentor. There certainly was never a dull moment in that class. Brian was an amazing person who touched a lot of people and will be missed by many.
Dear Liz and family; we are very sorry to hear about Brian’s passing ! It was my honour to have played along side him in soccer for many years ! He will be greatly missed . Rod and Laurie Barton
So sorry to hear about your loss. My Heart felt condolences to Liz and family
Had the privilege of knowing Brian for many years and sharing the football pitch for some of them. I cannot imagine the loss, and I send my condolences. I do have a final memory of Brian that I wanted to share though, it was the last time I was able to talk to him at Rock the Lake last year and the way he enthused about his kids and his grandkids. It was always a pleasure to run into him and chat, and yes, those chats were never short; but there was always laughter. Unfortunately once I hung up my boots it was a lot less frequent. It was a beautiful service yesterday, I am so happy to have been able to attend. I will continue to strive to look at “the bright side of life”
Anyone who knew Brian is feeling a loss as if he were a family member. The shock and pain are real, and the shared memories are testament to this one of a kind friend. Our story began with our daughters (Kristine and Andrea) together in Grade 1 at Glenmore Elementary, and for 35 years our families have been intertwined. Pictures of birthday parties, sleepovers, and summer holidays show Scott and Graham growing up. Years ago, always up for a challenge, Brian tried out our new treadmill on high speed and after he was ejected was nicknamed “Fly’n Brian”. And last year when Brian and Liz visited us in Arizona, we showed them Tortilla Flat, the last surviving stagecoach stop along the Apache Trail. Couldn’t find Brian, and there he was on tiptoe peering between boards trying to take pictures of their Waste Water Management site! His devotion to his family was filled with love, and after the pain subsides, that love will still be there. Thinking of you all.
Liz and Family – I was truly saddened to hear of Brian’s passing. I always enjoyed seeing you and Brian at the soccer field or throughout Kelowna. Everyone who knew Brian was always greeted with a kind word. He was a gentleman, who brought a smile to all who knew him. He will be missed!
Anyone who knew Brian is feeling a loss as if he were a family member. The shock and pain are real, and the shared memories are testament to this one of a kind friend. Our story began with our daughters (Kristine and Andrea) together in Grade 1 at Glenmore Elementary, and for 35 years our families have been intertwined. Pictures of birthday parties, sleepovers, and summer holidays show Scott and Graham growing up. Years ago, always up for a challenge, Brian tried out our new treadmill on high speed and was then nicknamed “Fly’n Brian” as he was ejected. And last year when Brian and Liz visited us in Arizona, we showed them Tortilla Flat, the last surviving stagecoach stop along the Apache Trail. Couldn’t find Brian, and there he was on tiptoe peering between boards trying to take pictures of the Waste Water Management site! One of a kind! His devotion to his family was always filled with love, and after the pain subsides, that love will still be there. Hugs from Penny and Greg and family
I only found out this afternoon about this sad piece of news. I’m shocked. This fellow Brian was my buddy in the business of wastewater treatment. I met him at the Kelowna plant years ago – he was never shy to fire a zinger my way, and he had no problem when I fired one back at him. Always good for a laugh. Personality up the ying-yang. Delightful fellow. Someone I called my friend.
Brian, peace be with you and your family — thanks for the fond memories!
Missing you, always. 🥰🌈🌻 ever grateful you’re mine. #seeyouinthesky
It’s almost 2 years since Brian’s passing and I just found out yesterday May 9, 2021. Brian and I met on numerous occassions for business relating to Brian’s supervision of co-op student enrolled in the water engineering technology co-operative education program at Okanagan College (not UBC as was stated in the obituary). A tear is shed and a blanket of sadness has enveloped me knowing about his departure. Wow, Brian was a stature of solid character knowing who he was and never shy to let his inside voice out. A man grounded on high sense of values and principles yet resilient in holding them firmly within the fabric of humour! I salute you Brian for your courage and strength to be a man who embraces your virtues for what you know to be true for you. We need more Brian McAuleys’ in this world.
Full moon season, two whole years since you left this space. Your laugh, hugs & steady presence is missed but your heart & courage are in the Smalls and I, forever. We’re celebrating with an outdoor concert with friends. Love you, Daddy-o. 🌈🌻