Brian Robert Wayne McDonald

We are sad to announce the sudden passing of our beloved father Brian. He leaves behind his children Carlie and Kyle (their mother Olive), his mother Rejeana, brother Greg (Heather) and sister Pam (Andy). Also many nieces and nephews: Dayna, Maeve, Brendan, Zach , Ben, Manon (Kent) Blake, Colin (Courtney) Jack, Jenna and is predeceased by his father Wayne. Also mourning his passing are Thorunn Johannson, Jo-Anne Johannson (Don Burnside) and many other family members and numerous friends.

Brian will be remembered for his loving, stubborn, silly and larger than life personality. He was a major sport enthusiast; especially for hockey and football. Other passions included classic cars, music, camping, and travel. His spontaneous adventures allowed him to meet many friends along the way and create amazing memories.

Brian was born in Victoria, BC and moved to Winnipeg at an early age. He met his best friend Barry Russell playing in the back lane on Campbell St. in River Heights when he was a young boy. Brian excelled in sports at an early age and was inducted into The Manitoba Sports Hall of Fame when he was 12 for pitching a no hit baseball game. This was only the beginning… He was the skip in curling which his Dad introduced him to at the Pembina Curling Club in his teens. He won the main event trophy in the annual Manitoba Junior Men’s Curling Bonspiel with Garth Campbell, Fred and Dan Cleutinx.

Brian was extremely proud of his Scottish heritage .. he often said “If it ain’t Scottish it’s crap”. He loved the Dickson family especially when they played the bag pipes at many family events and Grey Cups. Special thank you to Scott for his never ending support.

Brian was also the quarterback in football and was nominated as the lone quarterback named in 1977 Winnipeg Football league Harry Hood Award. Brian played for the Grant Park Pirates in high school then later for St Vital Mustangs making many lifelong friends… Kenny Jack, Jim Ringer, Rick Lawrynik and Dan Paukovic.

Brian was well known for his passion of hockey. He was the goalie for the River Heights Cardinals where he met lifetime friends Scott Oliver, Paddy McAbe, Randy Ledyard, Grant Ledyard just to name a few! Brian proved he could be a tough goaltender often having stellar games throughout many seasons.

Brian also played ball hockey with an incredible group of guys: His brother Greg, Brent Mackie, Jeff Podwysocki, Tony Rollo, Bob Hall, Tim Heminger, Tom Wildeman, Glenn Hall (predeceased) . They were a fun loving team and represented Manitoba in the National championships in Ottawa. His friendship went far beyond playing sports and they made lasting memories throughout many years together.

Brian was a football and hockey recruiter for University of Minnesota Crookston for 16 years, travelling throughout Manitoba to find the best talent for the university. He was so proud of his two rings for National USA Championship Hockey with Scott Oliver as head coach. Brian loved all of his sport friends however he was also amazing friends in a Tim Horton coffee group: Alex Cudney, LeRoy Fox, Mike Blomberg, David Bestland, Ben Giesbrecht, Albert Sigfusson, Gord Bruneau, Dusty Millar and Rusty Ruud (predeceased). Brian would have coffee almost everyday with this group and they shared many happy conversations.

Two very special friends were Bob Gyles and Dave Rubel who Brian met through Kyle’s hockey team.

All of Brian’s life, he was the driving force behind a lot of spirit and commanded respect for his ability to bond with others. He was always there to share stories and make people smile.

Brian married his high school sweetheart, Olive in 1982 and they shared many good times over 38 years together. The most important part of Brian’s life were his two children Carlie and Kyle. He was a devoted father and loved his children with all his heart. They shared many camping trips to Rushing River and various spots throughout Manitoba.

Brian enjoyed his life making friends wherever he went and he loved people. He was a milkman with his Dad and brother and had many happy customers because of his cheerful personality. Brian was very loved by our neighborhood children as he would always give them an ice cream treat!

Lastly, Brian had a passion for cars and spent many nights at Pony Coral showing his 1957 Pontiac and his 1964 Falcon both with matching trailers. He became great friends with Greg Sciberras and Tim Shorten, Ryan and Shane who kept his vehicles in great shape!

Over the past few years, Brian travelled often to enjoy many music concerts and sports events.

There is so much more we could write about Brian…and other friends we could mention. Know that you are all thought of with gratitude.

“He said life is made for you to live

The best love is the love that you give

There'll be times when you want to hold on

but you gotta let go”- Kenny Chesney

In memory of Brian, donations gratefully accepted to Heart and Stroke Foundation.

A Celebration of life will be held in 2021 due to the current situation and so many friends who would want to attend yet we have limited capacity. A private family service will be held in the days ahead.

We ask everyone to please revisit this site for the date of his celebration of life which we plan to post as early as possible to help with travel arrangements for those out of town. Please stay safe.

Brian loved music and parties so we plan to honor him with all his friends who can attend next year.

WE love you Brian and you will forever remain in our hearts.