Sep 18, 1942 - May 16, 2018
We are sad to announce the passing of our loving husband, dad, father-in-law, grandpa, brother, uncle, cousin, and friend - Brian Glanfield. Although his passing took his loved ones by surprise, Brian had been living with Multiple Myeloma (bone marrow cancer) for over 2 years, which had caused him considerable pain & discomfort.
He died after a short stay at the Salmon Arm Hospital, on Wednesday, May the 16th, at age 75. Brian is survived by his wife, Joan, children, Allison (Guy) and Jody (Moy), grandsons Kiernan and Adam, sibling Oliver (Marjorie), and numerous nephews and nieces. He was predeceased by his mom and dad, and siblings Lucy, Ruth, Peggy, and Fred.
Brian was born September 18th, 1942 in Rimbey, Alberta to Fredrick and Anne Glanfield of Hoadley, Alberta. He was the baby of 6 children and orphaned at the young age of 12 years when his mom died. From that time, he was raised by his oldest brother, Fred, who had a farm.
Dad had an adventurous life, cheerfully connecting with others on his journeys. He met mom (Joan Upton) in the fall of 1963 while attending the University of Alberta in Edmonton. Together they chose to teach in Birmingham, England, for 2 years, and to travel in Europe. Next came 3 years teaching in Holman Island, Northwest Territories, an adventure dad never forgot. He especially enjoyed bringing his students from the arctic on a field trip to his brother's family farm. He loved using Inuit words and teaching string games to his kids and students.
Much of a year was spent on the Florida keys so he could have more time with his first child, Allison, followed by teaching in the Peace River country for 6 years, and finally settling in the Enderby area, to be closer to his aging in-laws, and where Brian taught at A.L Fortune, Enderby, Sicamous Elementary, and Grindrod Elementary.
Brian was a man of many passions, first and foremost was his deep love for his wife and family, extended family, and friends, and his caring commitment to his school students. He had a strong sense of fairness and justice, which led him to be involved a little bit with politics, and his United Church, with a focus on caring for the earth, refugees, and the food bank. He loved books and literature and playing with words, recycling, nature and living off the land, gardening, canoeing, camping, hiking, cross country skiing, volunteering in his community, and travelling. During his lifetime Brian managed to visit every province and territory of Canada, except for Nunavut, most of the American States, England, Scotland, Wales, France, Germany, Switzerland, Italy, Spain, Portugal, Greece, Turkey, Holland, Bulgaria, Syria, Jordan, Egypt, Colombia, Peru, Australia, and New Zealand!!
A celebration of Brian's life will be held at St. Andrew's United Church, (1106 Belvedere St. Enderby), on Saturday, May 26th at 2 pm, followed by a reception and lunch at the Enderby Seniors Centre, 1101 George Ave, i.e. the highway.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Brian's name to St. Andrew's United, (1106 Belvedere St., Enderby, V0E 1V0), MacKenzie Camp.ca, Multiple Myeloma.ca, or the Alzheimer's Association of Canada.
Expressions of sympathy may be forwarded to the family at www.MyAlternatives.ca.
Alternatives Funeral Home