Brian Sims Avis

He was born on February 1, 1930 in Fort Frances, ON to Walter and Elizabeth Avis. He grew up in Fort Frances. He met the love of his life, Mona Beck, and they were married on June 21, 1958. They moved to Winnipeg so he could attend the University of Manitoba. He was the first member of his family to attend University and was very proud to obtain his Engineering Degree. He joined Shell Canada and worked across Canada during his career. Northwestern Ontario always called to him and he came back during many vacations and summers. After retiring, he and Mona returned, settling up the lakes.

Brian was a mentor, a business man, carpenter to kids and adults, bread maker and master cinnamon bun maker. He took on many roles – chief spider checker, chauffeur driver to 5 kids, math tutor, prankster, fisherman and friend. He enjoyed spending time with his friends at the Rocky Inlet Country Club, singing in the church choir and the Fort Frances Cantata.

He was a beloved husband to Mona for over 64 years; best dad ever to Kenneth Avis, Debra Avis Wilson (Jeff), Heather Avis-Ittermann (Darrell), Pam Avis (Bob Swing) and Jennifer Avis; cherished grandfather of Kelly Ittermann, Matt Swing, Zach Swing, Sam Swing, Nate Swing, Nicole Sandford and Connor Wilson. He will be greatly missed by his brothers-in-law Ted and Colleen Beck, Tom and Sherry Beck, and Ray Beck as well as numerous nieces and nephews.

As Brian left this world he was greeted by his parents Walter and Elizabeth; sisters Annie Mathews and Winona Tierney and brothers Syd, Allan, Percy and Walter.

Cremation has taken place and due to COVID 19 Restrictions a private family service was held on Tuesday March 1, 2022 at Green Funeral Home in Fort Frances, ON.

The honourary pallbearers were his dear friends Doug Medhurst, Allan Robertson and Bob Green. He joined Doug Gillmor, Ivan Asplund and Albert Bernardi for one last round.

If friends so desire donations in Brian’s memory may be made in to Riverside Health Care Foundation for the LaVerendrye Hospital, 110 Victoria Avenue, Fort Frances, ON, P9A 2B7 or www.riversidefoundation.ca.

The Family would like to thank you for all your kindness to Brian.