Bryan Richard Ledingham

Beloved husband of Gladette, loving father of Lori (Fred), Lisa (Ivan), and Tara (Marc), caring grandfather of Madison (Jeff), Jackson (Adri), Henry, Justine, Josh, and Georgia, and ecstatic great-grandfather of Wilkie. He was older brother of Blaine (Beryl) and a friend of so many.

Born September 7, 1933 in Colgate, Saskatchewan, he died at 89 years of age at North Shore Hospice surrounded by his loving family.

Dad was born in a tiny farmhouse and raised in Regina in an authentic prairie family, one that valued family over all else. Summers were spent at the family cottage on Lake Katepwa enjoying boating and waterskiing.

Things changed when the stunningly beautiful Gladette Swainson entered the picture, immediately capturing Dad's heart. They married in 1958 and began a love match that lasted over 65 years.

Always a businessman at heart, Dad pursued a Bachelor of Commerce, graduating from the University of Saskatchewan. But a single year spent at UBC during his university days in Vancouver stayed with him.

Bryan and Gladette had their three daughters while living in Regina, where Dad ran Regina Motor Products, a successful General Motors dealership started by his father Bill.

The lure of the West Coast proved persuasive however. A summer trip to Vancouver in 1970 sealed the deal and the family pulled up stakes and headed to West Vancouver. It was one of many adventurous moves that Dad made over his lifetime.

From 1970 to his retirement in 1996, Dad worked as a developer and realtor. But Dad was also a talented home designer. In another life, he would have been a successful and innovative architect - a builder of beautiful, liveable homes. The six houses that he designed and built for his family are a testament to his love of architecture and design - he knew just how to create a home.

Retirement found Bryan and Gladette spending winters in Palm Desert and summers in Roberts Creek. Golf, gardening and spending time with friends and family featured prominently. Throughout their long and happy marriage, Dad and Mom were profoundly social, entertaining constantly, and always making new friends, even into their '70s and ‘80s.

Everywhere Dad worked and lived, he made constructive contributions. He was a builder of communities as well as houses. The South Saskatchewan Hospital Centre, the Canadian Club, West Vancouver United Church, Hollyburn Country Club, the West Vancouver Chamber of Commerce, and Sechelt Hospital Foundation are just a few of the organizations that benefited from Dad's quiet, steady commitment to making the world a better place.

Bryan had an inquiring mind and thought deeply about things. He had strong prairie roots yet was modern and progressive, excited by new innovations and the future in general. Dad was also a builder of relationships and his keen interest in people was infectious. He loved making connections, aligning goals and had a wonderful sense of humour. More than anything, Bryan was a gentleman. He was genuine, kind, charming, and completely devoted to his wife Gladette and his family. He was a good man. He will be missed.

A service to celebrate Bryan’s life was held at West Vancouver United Church on October 11. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Dad’s name to the Canadian Cancer Society, Sechelt Hospital Foundation, or a charity of your choice.