Brian Leonard Pettit

      “Anything is possible.” That is what Brian Leonard Pettit believed about life. He was a creative man, a perpetual inventor, who seemed to be able to find a solution for any difficulty confronting him. He had faith in his ability to find those solutions. Brian thoroughly enjoyed understanding how things worked. He possessed an inquisitive, confident, and rational nature matched with a versatile and agile mind. Brian was a person who believed that he could achieve whatever he set out to do.

      Brian was born on March 8, 1950 at Royal Alexandra Hospital in Edmonton, Alberta. His parents were Doris and Len Pettit. Brian was raised in Southeast Edmonton on an acreage and then in the city itself. He showed his ingenuity even as a child. When he was confronted with a problem, Brian could develop an imaginative solution, and he derived satisfaction from knowing he had that ability.

      This same talent for finding solutions had a positive bearing on Brian's family relationships. Brian was raised with two siblings. He had an older sister Cheryl and a younger brother Marvin. When a difficult situation or dilemma arose within the family, Brian was always there to help figure out a solution for making things work.

      As a young boy, Brian could be found building and inventing new and different things. He was curious, resourceful and interested in anything original. Brian took part in hockey and baseball. He was a boyscout in his younger years. In his spare time he liked collecting baseball and hockey cards. Brian's memorable achievements included playing in a provincial little league championship in Langely, BC which they won.

      Endowed with an appetite for knowing how his world worked, Brian enjoyed school, especially when the learning experience involved dissecting and probing the unknown. Brian was adept at scrutinizing different possibilities and designing innovative solutions. He graduated from Bonnie Doon High School in 1968. He enjoyed some courses more than others, having favorite classes and teachers. His favorite class in high school was math.

      Brian was socially resourceful, an expressive person who was willing to try new things. These qualities drew a lively circle of friends around him. Always interested in his friends' activities and interests, Brian was uncritical of his acquaintances. He was sought after by people who recognized that he was generous with his time and energy, and these same friends found Brian to be very stimulating company. Brian's humor and curiosity were contagious for those around him. While growing up, some of his best friends were Bobby Hedrick, Brian Leader and Dwain Stone. Later in life, he became friends with Wayne McIntosh, Lyle Ryder, Wayne Davis, Wayne Patterson, Dick Jacobs John Whaley , Robin Caldwell and a host of others he met along the way. He also was great friends with his business associates Lyle Huston, Joe Graumann and Doug Downie whom he forged everlasting friendships.

      On June 24, 1977 Brian exchanged wedding vows with Doris Paraniuk at McDougal United Church of Edmonton, Alberta. Brian was adept at devising original and creative ways to enhance and improve the marriage partnership. Brian was seldom a critical person, but rather the one who was able to bring out the best in others. Brian was an entertaining conversationalist who was quick to respond to his spouse's needs. He was a vibrant personality and he enjoyed verbally sparring with Doris. In fact, those who knew him often remarked that Brian loved to argue for argument's sake. He was very perceptive in recognizing others' feelings, especially regarding Doris's.

      Brian's remarkable talent for being inventive influenced his relationship with his children. He would create original, clever and fun games for his kids and had a knack for finding ways to make everyday events, even chores, enjoyable to them. Brian was blessed with Three children, Daughter Melissa and twin sons Lane and Lee. Someone who was quick to laugh, Brian found it easy to spend lots of time with his children, but he was never overbearing or guilty of pushing himself on them.

      As a born inventor, Brian was definitely in his element in his work place. He could easily create new and innovative systems, and incorporate those changes to bring a fresh approach to any work situation. Brian was a focused worker with a strong drive for achievement. He could assess all of the options before him and, using his analytical skills, could comfortably find answers that no one else had even considered. His personal initiative inspired those around him. Brian was always good at getting a project started and then, at the appropriate time, handing it on to a colleague. His primary occupation was General Manager for Barrett Marketing Corporation. He was employed for 23 years for Barrett Marketing Corporation formerly being Huston Leisure Products Ltd. He also worked for PCO Pest Control where he won many top salesman awards during his employment there. Brian excelled in all sales no matter which company he worked for. Brian always made an effort to be a team player, doing what needed was necessary in order to get the job done.

      Brian's passion for finding a better way to do things was often an end in itself for him. In fact, that interest by itself became something of a hobby for this perpetual problem solver. Since Brian was always searching for new and unusual activities, he developed many interests and leisure pursuits. Some of the things he became an “expert” in might come as a surprise to those who knew him, but most friends and family understood that Brian simply couldn't be limited to just a few activities or ideas. His favorite pursuits were maintaining the gardens and yard at his beloved cabin in Hope, BC. He was constantly pruning the plants and shrubs and keeping them looking lush. Many people driving by the property would stop and gaze at the beautiful landscaping that Brian designed. Brian and his wife Doris would also go rock collecting in the various mountainous regions around Hope and then he would clear coat them to a gorgeous sheen. He also enjoyed golfing but never did take the game too seriously so pursued the game for pure enjoyment with friends.

      Brian's calm demeanor and eternally positive outlook served him well in sports. In high school, Brian played hockey in the rep division. Recreational sports included mens slopitch ball and golf. Brian was also something of a sports fan and enjoyed following his favorite events whenever he got the opportunity. Tops on his list were watching his favorite team the Saskatchewan Roughriders football team and the Edmonton Oilers hockey team.

      Brian's talents were well suited for being actively involved in professional and community organizations, something he did throughout his life. He enjoyed being involved and was willing to jump in and help out in most any situation. Brian could bring a breath of fresh air to any organization, simply by introducing his novel ideas and problem solving strategies. Brian never really had time to devout to clubs. He was very involved in his kids activities always driving his daughter to different events and his boys to hockey tournaments. The children kept him very busy and because he travelled extensively with his job it left him; little time for organizations. Brian and Doris volunteered for canvassing for different charities such as the Heart and Stroke, Cancer Society, Kidney Foundation and others as they came along.

      Faith and religion were important to Brian. He was a member of the Avalon United Church.

      With all of his talents, his ingenuity, his solutions and inventiveness, it is no surprise that Brian received public recognition for his competence. With the drive and ability to meet any challenge, Brian accumulated a long list of achievements throughout his life. Some of his most prestigious awards included Growth Initiatives Summit Awards issued to him by Barrett Diversified, as well as outstanding service and dedication awards by the same company.

      Having the opportunity to visit and explore a new place always intrigued Brian. Traveling and going away on vacations offered yet another opportunity for Brian to expand his ever-growing inventory of knowledge. Favorite vacations included a free trip to Jamaica that he won in a sales contest, Honolulu, Maui, Cabo San Lucas, Ixtapa, Manzanillo, Phoenix, Chicago and all the places he went to for business conferences. Memories and friendships were made at each and every vacation that Brian and Doris took.

      Brian was a lover of animals and cherished his pets. One of Brian's favorites was his dog Spot . When he was older he took in a beautiful blue russian cat that was dropped off at his place of business and named him Smoky. Brian shared his pet with his family and Smoky lived with us for about thirteen years.

     Sadly Brian passed away before his dream of retiring at the age of 60.

      Brian passed away on September 19, 2008 at Langley Hospice at the Maplewood Manor, Langley, BC. Brian fought a brave but extremely short battle with lung cancer. He never had a chance to undergo any treatment due to the aggressiveness of the disease. Brian is survived by his loving wife and best friend Doris, daughter Melissa, sons Lane and Lee, his mother Doris A. Pettit, his sister Cheryl and half sister Doris, and brother Marvin, as well as numerous relatives and friends. He was predeceased by his father Len Pettit in 1980. Services were held at the Sharon United Church, Langley, BC. Brian was laid to rest at the Langley Lawn Cemetary on 208 Street and 44 Avenue, in Langley, BC.

      During his lifetime, nothing appeared impossible to Brian. He met the words “it can't be done” with the enthusiastic challenge of a “wanna bet” attitude. Brian was able to recognize the possibilities a new idea held, even when those around him could not. For Brian, the traditional way of doing things fell short of his expectations, especially if there were original and untested methods for handling a challenge. For Brian Leonard Pettit, the fun of living his life could be found in the challenge.