We Remember
PARFENIUK, Brian
February 18, 1962 — September 20, 2025
Brian Parfeniuk, a man whose hands were as full of activity as his heart was full of love, passed peacefully on September 20, 2025, at Kelowna General Hospital, surrounded by care and kindness, at the age of 63.
Born and raised in Castlegar, BC, Brian’s church and faith was the centrepiece of his life and he had a deep appreciation for the wonders of God’s creation. He was a devoted member of Our Lady Queen of Peace Church, travelling hours each Sunday to be in the presence of his Lord and his chosen community.
A natural with strings, Brian picked up his first guitar at age five and later mastered the fiddle, banjo, and mandolin; a window into his patience, creativity, and love of music. Nights often found him gazing at the stars through his telescope, pondering the universe, or planning the next fishing or hunting adventure with a twinkle in his eye. Brian also had a love for vegetable gardening, taking pride in tending to his plants and watching them thrive under his care.
Brian’s kindness, generosity, and infectious sense of humour struck everyone fortunate enough to share a tune or a story with him, leaving laughter in their heart
He is lovingly remembered by his daughter, Meaghan; his mother, Ruth; his brother Chris; and his cherished spiritual family at Our Lady Queen of Peace Church. He was predeceased by his father, Walter; his brother Dean; and his grandparents Peter and Magdalena Shewchuk, and Fred and Anastasia Parfeniuk.
A Funeral Mass, with Father Dominic Boulet presiding, will be held on Monday, September 29, 2025, at 10:00 AM (PDT), at Our Lady Queen of Peace Church, 3012 37 St, Vernon, BC. Interment will follow at Pleasant Valley Cemetery, 4311 Pleasant Valley Rd, Vernon, BC, at 12:00 PM.
In the midst of sorrow, we rejoice in the gift of Brian’s life: a life full of laughter, music, faith, and love. May he rest in eternal peace, embraced by the Lord he so faithfully served.
If you wish to send a condolence, post photos, or share a memory, please scroll down the page to the area call “Condolences”.
Service
Monday, September 29, 2025, at 10:00 AM (PDT)
Location
Our Lady Queen of Peace Church


Brian was taken from us far too soon. He brought lots of laughter at morning coffee. I will miss his wit . Rest gently my friend . Mike
We sure will miss brother Brian
Brian will be missed by very many people. He was a really great and unique guy.
Condolences to you all. We are so sorry to hear of the loss of dear Brian. Thoughts and prayers go out for you all. I remember seeing Brian often from 1971 to 1973, as I stayed at grandma and grandpa Shewchuk’s home 4 days a week, while taking my nursing course at Selkirk College. He was one of my little cousins, being 10:years younger than me.. He kindly came to see us in Cranbrook in the late 70s. Years ago we saw him playing very beautiful music at the Cathedral in Nelson. Rest In Peace, cousin Brian.
Sorry and surprised to hear of the passing of my dear cousin Brian. I have many great memories from our childhood and a few from when we were adults. Brian was very musically talented and I always thought that he would be my famous Rock Star cousin. But the Rock Star lifestyle didn’t interest him as his musical interests were varied. Brian’s other interests were also diverse. Space travel, world history, astronomy, fishing, etc. you name it I always looked forward to our visits to find out what I was going to learn about his latest interests. I wish I would have got together with Brian in the last few years to catch up but once again life is short. Condolences to Auntie Ruth, daughter Meaghan, brother Chris and family, Sandy and family and all other friends and relatives.
Love from Cousin Davin
Brian was a great friend and great musician. We will all miss him very much and think about him often.