Brent Pahl

1959-2020

After the sun had set over the prairies, on Friday, July 24, Brent slipped peacefully away, wrapped in the loving arms of Karen, Will, and Abebayehu. Brent was born in Atikokan, ON and grew up in Thunder Bay. He obtained his BSc in Chemistry from the University of Winnipeg, and lived there through his late 30s. In 1997, Brent met the love of his life, Karen Robinson, and they were married in 1999. They had three children, Olivia (2001), Will (2002), and were so happy to bring Abebayehu home from Ethiopia in 2007. Brent was a proud employee of Husky Energy (Pounder Emulsions/Husky Asphalt) for just a month short of 35 years. He started out as a Lab Tech in Winnipeg, became a Plant Operator, and finally the Plant Manager. He was excited to be transferred to Saskatoon in 2012, where he became their Health, Safety, and Environment Coordinator. Brent loved nature, especially exploring around water, often stopping to watch birds, sniff wildflowers, or to quietly slip a treasure into his pocket, which he would give to Karen to add to her (massive) nature collection. He loved Autumn the most, soaking up its glorious colours and marvelling at the changing light that marked the beginning of cooler days. Brent was a writer and a great story teller. He was a keen observer of people, and made notes about funny things he experienced or heard in daily life - you never knew if you'd end up in one of his stories! He helped co-edit Zygote Magazine in Winnipeg with his friend Tom, wrote several short stories, and proudly self-published his first book “The Toughest Gardener in the West” on Amazon in 2018. His second book will be published before too long. Brent was a handy man - it seemed that he could do anything. He built a pond for the library at Beausejour Early Years School, built raised beds and a compost bin for River Heights School in Saskatoon, chopped down 50 foot pines for the neighbours, built the "Taj MaPahl" in our backyard, and made rope swings and a mammoth tree house for the kids. If you mentioned it to Brent, he would gladly make a plan and build it. Brent will, above all, be most remembered for his gentle spirit, his kindness, and his humour. Since his passing, family, friends, and co-workers have shared funny stories, mentioned his calm and confident approach to problem solving, spoken about the way he put everyone at ease, and just his goodness. We were so lucky to have been loved by him and to love him. Brent was predeceased by our sweet Olivia (2001), and his dad, Don Pahl. He leaves to remember his beautiful life, Karen, and their children Will and Abebayehu. Brent is survived by his mother Auriel Wallace, and carrying on with the hilarious Pahl stories are his sisters Sheree (Dave), Laurie (Tom), and his brother Brad (Janelle), as well as his nephews Paul, Thomas, Tyler, and Rick, and his nieces Cheryl and Lisa, and their children. He is lovingly remembered and will be sadly missed by the Robinson family. A cremation and private family service has taken place. If you wish, please plant a lilac in Brent's memory. Donations may be made to Empty Arms Perinatal Loss Support Services (emptyarmspls.com/) or to the Canadian Cancer Society (prostatecancer.ca). Besides his unmet goals of teaching a writing course and living to 95, Brent had a great life. Bye for now my love, Brent, Dad, Dada, Daddio, Brentie, Brenty, Brennie, Bowtie, Brento, Uncle, Gruncle Brent, Unk the Skunk. You are so loved and missed. A Private Family Service will be held. Arrangements in care of Ashley Knash – Mourning Glory Funeral Services (306) 978-5200.