June 7, 1946 - April 14, 2019
It is with heartbroken but full hearts that the Hooper family announces the passing of our much loved Brian after a hard fought, year long battle with cancer at the age of 72. Brian departed this life on Sunday, April 14, surrounded by nothing but love and the comfort of people who adored him. Brian was born in Saskatoon, SK, and relocated to Burnaby, BC as a teenager. He was a long time resident of 100 Mile House, moving there in 1975 with his wife, Maryrae, also lost to cancer in 2008, and their children, Sherri and Reg. Brian enjoyed working with the public at the LCBC store, retiring after 30 years of service. There, he honed his favourite saying, "if everyone in this world were the same, it would be a pretty boring place." He loved his little town, and all of the people he met along the way. Brian was very community-minded, and active in many volunteer groups and events during these years. He enjoyed playing, mentoring, refereeing, and umpiring both men's fastball and rec hockey. His other pastimes included camping, boating, waterskiing, hunting, and golfing. The light of Brian's life were his children and grandchildren, and was steadfast in his support of all of their sports and hobbies. He could often be found in the bleachers cheering them on.
In 2009, Brian met Marie, and after a whirlwind courtship, they agreed that life was short, and they wanted to take it on together. They married the next year, and began to do just that. Though their time together was short they both believed that destiny had a hand in bringing them together at the right time in the right place for the right reasons. They enjoyed travelling, and decided to put snowbird roots down in Palm Springs. There, they were embraced by a large community of amazing friends, and enjoyed life to the fullest under the desert skies. Brian enjoyed playing horseshoes with his buds, and also discovered a passion for the arts. He was happy alternating his time between loved ones and family in 100 Mile House, and friends and community in California.
Brian will be missed and lovingly remembered by his beloved wife, Marie, his adored daughters, Sherri (Jim), Jenny (Steven), and Gillian(Japhe) and daughter in law Angie, his son, Reg, and his treasured grandchildren, Hillary, Kurtis, Mitchell, Tanner, Jackson, Ryler, Emerson, Taylor, Liam, Owen, and Riley as well as his sister Patricia, brothers Ken(Bev) and Ron, and many other loving friends and family.
A gathering to celebrate Brian's life will be held at a later date this summer. Thank you to all the friends and family who provided unwavering love and support through the past year. A special thank you to the amazing team of caregivers at the Abbotsford Palliative Crisis unit and the oncology doctors and nurses at the BCCA Abbotsford for fighting along side him until the end.