Brian Noonan passed away peacefully at Victoria General Hospital at the age of 86 with loving family present. He is survived by Margie, his wife of 62 years; daughters Linda (Dean), Jo-Anne (Gord), Kathy (Marc) and Shelagh, and 15 grandchildren and 6 great-grandchildren.
Brian was born in Regina, Saskatchewan, where he attended Campion College. After receiving his BA at St. Dunstan’s University in Charlottetown, he received an LLB from Dalhousie University, Halifax in 1964 where he served as President of the Law Students Society. He practiced law in Brooks, Alberta, and Kelowna and Summerland, BC. In his later years he was a family mediator, and chaired Federal Government Disability Review Tribunals. He was an early proponent and practitioner of alternate dispute resolution as his preferred method to the adversarial approach. Brian was a peacemaker.
Brian was always involved in community affairs including the Brooks Kinsmen Club, and Summerland Rotary Club, for which he was a much-trusted host and organizer in the student exchange program. He served on the Brooks Town Council, Brooks Chamber of Commerce, Summerland Chamber of Commerce and Holy Child Catholic Church Parish Council. He was named Summerland Man of the Year in 1988. He was very proud of his over 40 years plus of sobriety which he credited greatly to his involvement in AA. Brian helped many people with their addictions through the years, including many fellow lawyers.
His greatest love and priority in life was his family which he always put first. He was very much a “people” person but he also dearly loved dogs. Singing in choirs, cycling, and sailing were also his passions, as well as football and basketball during his university years.
The family wishes to express special thanks to Dr. Clinton-Baker and the caring staff at Broadmead Care on Chatterton Way, Lodge A2, where he resided since August 2023, and for the compassionate care he received from Dr. Cloé Solanki, Dr. Adam Thomas and the wonderful nurses and health care workers in the Trauma Ward at VGH.
A Memorial Mass will be held on Saturday, April 20, 2024 at 10:30am at Sacred Heart Parish, 4040 Nelthorpe St, Victoria, BC with Fr. Dean Henderson officiating and Fr. Jan Grotkowski concelebrating. The mass will be live-streamed at https://youtube.com/live/Qe-pYeN8GAg
In lieu of flowers, if friends so desire, donations may be made to the BC SPCA, 3150 Napier Ln, Victoria, BC V8T 4V5 or to a charity of your choice. Condolences may be offered to the family below.
McCall Gardens
www.mccallgardens.com
24 Responses
I met Brian at St. Dunstan’s in 1958 I was in grade 11 living in the Dorm with 30 other kids however my older brother Gerry was in his Junior year. Lived in Memorial Hall and played football and basketball with Brian who resided in the same residence. I frequently visited my brother( as often as I could get out of the Dorm) and was often brought into their conversations. As so many have said in their comments about Brian’s character, it was evident a way back then. He was kind and caring to a young high school kid and I have wonderful memories of my being with Brian. My sincere sympathy to Brian’s family.
Dear Margie and family, I was so sorry to hear of Brian’s passing. I loved to sing with him. I am in Victoria and was just chatting with Sr. Marina who informs me that you are still involved in D&P. You were both so involved in church and community. Wishing you peace and comfort.
Dear Margie and family, I’m so very sorry to hear of your loss. I appreciated the wonderful words shared by Kathy at the service yesterday. I have such wonderful memories of time caring for the girls and dogs, especially in Purcell Place (loved that house). Playing in the back yard, off to music lessons in Rosemary… I still think of you all whenever I’m in the neighbourhood. Praying that memories of happier days help you all though this difficult time
Warm hugs to all Debbie
I will forever be grateful for the year I lived with Brian and Margie in Summerland, they have a big part in who I am today. Myself, Hulda, Anna Maria and Svana Bjorg send our love and condolences from Iceland.