Denis Joseph Briand

Denis was born and raised in Ponteix Saskatchewan where he lived with his parents and Uncle Pete. He rambunctiously enjoyed playing with friends in his small hometown.

Denis left school at a young age, but maintained a lifelong love of learning and advanced his education independently as an adult. While in his twenties, Denis and his parents moved to the Lethbridge area where he worked in drywalling, but he kept ties to Saskatchewan. He met his wife of 52 years, Rose-Marie (Auger), through friendship with her brothers. After marrying in 1973, they made Swift Current their home until last December, when they moved to Saskatoon to be close to their daughter Melodie, her partner Mike, and the four-pawed grandkids.

While in Swift Current, Denis had continued to drywall, and then worked with the Saskatchewan Wheat Pool until the mid eighties. Tired of working outdoors in the harsh winters, he went on to work nearly 25 years in Environmental Services-Housekeeping at Swift Current Union Hospital, which later became Cypress Regional Hospital. Over those years he worked diligently, and while he took his work seriously, he also made time for laughter and many practical jokes. He left a lasting impression; while recovering in hospital from colon cancer surgery three years ago, many staff checked in on him, sharing memories of how well he did his work and the fun that was also had.

Over the years, Denis also volunteered in a number of ways for the Roman Catholic Community, including as a Knights of Columbus. He had a lifelong devotion to his faith, and also to his wife, daughter, and both his and his wife's parents and siblings, caring for them and enjoying time together. In retirement, this love of being with people included time spent with friends and acquaintances, often at Springs Garden Restaurant after walking in the mall.

Denis is survived by his wife Rose-Marie, daughter Melodie(Mike Fliegel), his siblings in-law Henriette Bourlon, Claude and Trudy Auger, Irene Auger, and Claire Broley, and many loving nieces and nephews. He is pre-deceased by his parents Francois and Cecile Briand, his siblings Rose(in infancy), Frank, Armand, and Lucille Briand, his parents in-law Alcide and Rose-Alma Auger, and siblings in-law Marcel Bourlon, Emile and Bernadette Gauthier, Denis Auger, and Allan Broley.

As per Denis’s wishes, there will be no formal funeral service. A graveside service will be held at a future date. Donations in Denis’s memory may be made to St. Paul’s Hospital Foundation Saskatoon, Palliative Care Unit, in appreciation for the care he received.