Brian James Sharp

On July 19th we said farewell to our beloved Brian James Sharp. After a brief battle with a rare form of blood cancer, Brian passed peacefully with his loving wife Jan and children by his side. Brian was a wonderful father to Lisa (Jamie), Carolyn (Tim), Kathryn (John), Kevin (Jennifer) and Kirsten. He was predeceased by his son Jason. Otherwise known as ‘Grumps’ Brian was very proud of his five grandchildren: Andrew, Robert, Jamie, Deanna and William, and had a close relationship with his brother Allan (Joyce).

Brian was born on January 10th, 1940 in Edmonton, Alberta to parents Emma and James Sharp. He attended the University of Alberta where he studied Engineering, but after being sent into the field in the unforgiving north he marched back home and switched his focus to Commerce. After graduation he started a career in merchandising at Eatons where he met his beautiful wife, with whom he launched a chain of ladies clothing stores, as well as building his own wholesale fashion agency.

Anyone who knew Brian will remember that he would often be seen laughing with a drink in hand, dressing fashionably and adventurously, but always in good taste. His son once sent all of his friends a picture of his dad in a classy shirt and summer green jeans with the caption “75 years old!” His joie de vivre was infectious and he never stopped being interested in so many different things. He loved to watch hockey and his exuberant commentary could be heard around the neighbourhood. He was an avid curler and golfer and most recently took up lawn bowling (which was no surprise due to his highly social nature). He was always known as the life of the party and earlier this year danced until the music stopped in the wee hours, keeping up with all the youngsters at a wedding hosted at his home.

Brian and Jan travelled the globe and he documented their adventures with many artistic photographs. They were known as the ‘the ultimate couple’...you did not think of one without the other. He loved his yearly trips to Hawaii and weekends in Whistler with the family.

At work Brian was described as someone who was always smiling and laughing. His customers loved his gregarious nature, and he was recently described by one of his associates as a ‘lifelong mentor, colleague, brother, father and friend’. He worked hard, but always made sure to have fun. Brian never lost his quirky sense of humour and even when in the hospital recently joked with his favourite phrase: ‘I’m going to Leduc!’ Well Brian, safe travels and we’ll see you there someday!

Due to Covid no service will be held, but the family plans to celebrate in true Brian style with a big party when it is safe to do so. In lieu of flowers please consider a donation in Brian’s name to Spinal Cord Injury BC, a charity close to Brian and his family’s hearts.