Brian Emerson Dietrich

Brian was a husband, a dad, a beloved “Bompa”, a past alderman (councillor) of the Town of Qualicum Beach, a long-time BC Hydro employee, a volunteer firefighter with the Qualicum Beach Fire Department, a fierce protector of the environment, a champion of important causes, a lover of animals big and small, king of the “dad” jokes, and so many other things.

Brian was born in Kimberly, BC and raised in Trail. Life eventually brought him to Victoria where he met his wife Susan, bought their first home, and started their family. The family moved to Qualicum Beach in 1977 where they grew roots and stayed for many years. Brian and Susan designed and had a house built on Hawthorne Drive in Qualicum which they were both very proud of and where their family created many happy memories. They also had a home in Nanaimo for years where Brian loved to host his family for BBQs and playtime with the grandkids.

His “home” and where he spent his happiest years was Qualicum Beach. He referred to it as “paradise”. Many there will remember his contributions to the community which included being on the committee that spearheaded the Qualicum Beach Train Station Restoration Project. He also ran a small janitorial business called T&K Janitorial (named after his daughters), and had his own environmental consulting business, Envisions Environmental. Brian spent much of his life pouring his heart and soul into the town he loved and volunteering whenever possible. Brian’s heart never left Qualicum Beach.

Brian’s daughters will cherish memories of growing up in the fire hall, “helping” with his janitorial business, dressing up with him to be in the Family Day Parade, and trying to stifle the sound of his fire pager under pillows when it went off in the middle of the night.

Brian is survived by his wife of 55 years, Susan (Cunningham), his daughters, Tanya (Larry) Dean and Karyn (Greg) McConnell, and his beloved grandchildren Maya, Logan, Esme and Fable. He was preceded in death by his parents, Joseph “Percy” and Madeline Dietrich, and his sister Marlene Smyth.

Brian’s retirement years were solely dedicated to building beautiful gardens with Susan where his grandchildren could play, volunteering at the North Island Wildlife Recovery Centre, hosting BBQ’s with “the best” steaks you’ve ever tasted, and of course feeding the birds and bunnies. We will keep looking after them for you Dad.

The last few years were difficult but the battle came to a peaceful end on October 7th in the Palliative Care Unit at Nanaimo Regional General Hospital. We thank the staff there for making his final days full of love, comfort, and compassion and for supporting his family during such a difficult time.

Brian/Dad/Bompa, we will love and miss you forever but you will never be forgotten. We will honour you in every way we can.

If anyone is so inclined, a donation to the North Island Wildlife Recovery Centre in his name would have meant a great deal to him. A family gathering will take place in Qualicum Beach at a later date.

Forever in our hearts.