WRIGHTSON, Brian Thomas

November 15, 1947 — July 10, 2024

After a brief stay in Hospice House, Brian passed away following a challenging battle with cancer, having achieved his final wish to see his young granddaughters in person once again.

Brian is survived by his wife Dawn; his daughter Jessica (Terry); his son Kevin (Jillian); two granddaughters (Ivy and Isla); and his brother Ian (Brenda).

Those who knew Brian would describe him as hardworking, considerate, and loyal. He often showed how much he cared through acts of service for his family and his community. Brian spent the majority of his career as a business instructor at NAIT, the University of Alberta, and the University of Lethbridge. In addition to his teaching career, Brian was an avid volunteer including as a ringette referee, eventually working his way up to Referee-in-Chief for the province of Alberta. He volunteered for the board of the Canadian Mental Health Association in Edmonton and donated his time and ample skill to Habitat for Humanity.

Upon retiring, Brian and Dawn relocated to Kelowna, quickly integrating into the local community. Brian started a home inspection business, joined the Sunrise Rotary Club and the Kelowna Running Club, and served as strata council president. Brian’s project management skills and fondness for a difficult project served him well as he undertook the organization of the first RibFest event on behalf of Rotary. Everyone knew that if Brian was in charge, the event would be meticulously organized.

Anyone who ever had a meal at the Wrightson household will know Brian loved to cook for a crowd and also loved to experiment. He was fond of finding a recipe online and then using it primarily as a guideline while he doctored it to his heart’s content.

But mostly people remember Brian as someone who loved a chat and was interested in their lives and their activities. During his journey through the medical system, he never lost his sense of humour, and many medical professionals commented that they enjoyed their conversations with him.

His children will remember that he never missed one of their sporting events – often watching them with a keen, critical eye – and how he would go to the ends of the earth to support them. Dad always had our backs.

In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to the charity of your choice, as Brian was involved in many wonderful organizations. Alternatively, we encourage you to perform an act of service for someone in your life. This was Brian’s favourite way to show he cared.

A Private Memorial Service will be held at a later date.

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