Richard Brian Warke

February 6, 1928 – May 30, 2011

Our beloved husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, brother, uncle and friend, Brian, passed away at St. Joseph’s Hospital, surrounded by family. He was predeceased by his parents and brothers, Bill and Ken.

Born in Blairmore, Alberta, he spent his younger years in Alberta and B.C., and then joined the army at seventeen years of age. After the war, he joined the RCAF, where he served with distinction for twenty-six years. Retiring from the Air force but no the work world, Brian was briefly employed with ICBC before taking over the Driver Training Program for the City of Vancouver for fifteen years.

Retiring for good, he and his wife, Lilian, moved to Courtenay where he pursued his passions for fishing and woodworking. Brian enjoyed nothing better than spending time with family and friends, hosting dinners and playing card and dice games.

Brian met the love of his life, Lilian (nee Stonemen), in Portage la Prairie, Manitoba, Married for nearly sixty-three years, their Service life led to moves all over Canada and Europe with four children in tow.

Brian is survived by his loving wife, Lilian, sons Rick, Gerry, Dale (Robin Smith), and daughter Susan (Herman); his beloved grand-daughters Megan, Liana, Sarah, Morgan (Christ), Kathy, Candace and Rebecca; and great-grandsons Roman and Benjamin. He is also survived by his sisters Marjorie and Kathy (Grant), sister-in-law Betty (Duane) and Jacquie, and numerous nieces, nephews and cousins.

A private gathering of family and friends will be held to celebrate his life. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Heart and Stroke Foundation.

Our families heartfelt thanks goes to the Emergency and ICU staffs and doctors at St. Joseph’s for the exceptional care Briand and his family received.