Ryan Brako
RYAN JOSEPH BRAKO
July 26, 1951 – April 15, 2024
With heavy hearts, we announce the peaceful passing of Ryan Joseph Brako (of Winnipeg, MB), a beloved soul whose presence graced the lives of many. Ryan departed from this world on April 15, 2024, surrounded by the warmth of his cherished friends and family, leaving behind a legacy of love and enduring memories.
Born on July 26, 1951, in Winnipeg, Manitoba, Ryan was the eldest child of Joseph and Signe Brako (nee Halvarson). From his earliest days, Ryan exuded a quiet strength and stoic demeanor, embodying reliability and dependability for his family and friends alike. Graduating with an honours degree of Bachelor of Science in Zoology from the University of Manitoba in 1973 and Bachelor of Education in 1976, Ryan had a love for everything related to nature and he shared this passion with his students and those around him. He could name every organism we would point out to him, and would even know the Latin origin name of the organism. Ryan was a teacher in the Transcona and later Transcona-Springfield School Division for 30 years, educating students in science, outdoor education, and math.
Ryan is survived by his wife Barb, two children Tanis (Sam) and Derik, two grandchildren Avery and Luc, sisters Joanne (Dave), Ron (Janet), Sherilyn (Cam), mother-in-law Beverly Routley and many aunts, uncles, cousins, brothers and sisters-in-law, nieces and nephews. Ryan is pre-deceased by his father Joe, mother Signe, and father-in-law Keith Routley.
Ryan and Barb met in 1971 in Grand Beach, MB, and married in 1972 in Winnipeg, MB at the young age of 21. They pursued their university educations together, traveled to Europe, bought their first home in Winnipeg and cottage on Lake of the Woods, and started each of their teaching careers before their first child was born in 1979. Married for over 51 years, Ryan and Barb are a true testament of lifelong partners, raising their children in a loving home and providing a unique environment where they spent all of July and August at the cottage. Travel was an early bond between Ryan and Barb that they shared with their children taking turns every other Christmas break to drive to Weslaco, Texas to visit Barb’s snowbird parents, and to Edmonton, AB to visit Ryan’s sisters. One summer Ryan and Barb took a rare two-week hiatus from the cottage and took the kids to the Rocky Mountains, exploring Banff, Canmore, Jasper, the glaciers, and Drumheller.
Ryan had an active lifestyle, curling during his teens and into adulthood, teaching outdoor education that involved taking student groups on multi-day hiking expeditions, portaging in the Whiteshell, spending time at his parents' cottage on Wallace Lake, his in-laws on Clearwater Bay and later his cottage on Leisure Island, he was in his element in the outdoors. Ryan also enjoyed time with family and friends, celebrating Christmas, Easter, Thanksgiving, and on outings with the famous “theatre group” monthly to the Manitoba Theatre Centre. After his retirement, Ryan and Barb also became snowbirds, spending winters in Fort Myers Beach, Florida, and more recently in Los Ayala, Mexico, and summers at the cottage. Ryan and Barb even returned to Europe in 2019, a dream realized that they had since they visited in their 20s.
Though Ryan's earthly journey has come to an end, his spirit lives on in the hearts of those who were fortunate enough to know him. His legacy of love, laughter, and boundless curiosity will continue to inspire all who were touched by his gentle presence.
In this time of mourning, may we find solace in the knowledge that Ryan lived a life rich in love and adventure, leaving behind a tapestry of memories that will be cherished for generations to come. Rest peacefully, dear Ryan, knowing that your legacy of kindness and generosity will endure eternally.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Heart and Stroke Foundation: Heart and Stroke Foundation of Canada | Home .
A private celebration of life will be held. At the request of Ryan Brako, no service will be held.
Ryan’s family kindly requests that all of his friends and relatives take a few minutes to honour his memory by sharing photos, memories, and stories, using the comment section on this page.
ETHICAL DEATH CARE
Cremation & Life Celebrations
530 St. Mary Avenue - Winnipeg
204-421-5501 - www.ethicaldeathcare.com
Memories, Stories and Condolences
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So sorry for your loss. Mr Brako was my bio 200 teacher 1982. Morning of exam I became I'll. My mom wouldn't let me go to school and called in. At 11am I called and spoke with Ryan and asked if I could still write. Told him I felt better. I lied. I got there. Sat down. Wrote my name and had to leave. Later that nite I was in the hospital having my appendix removed. He still gave me a passing grade. One of the best teachers I had ever!
Cousin Barb
Margot and I (David) are so sorry to hear of your loss. We only met Ryan a few time but felt his warmth . Our hearts go out to you in this most difficult time.
David and Margot Smith
In the obituary we forgot to put that Ryan and I went on 3 different cruises from Florida and a bus tour to New Orleans with our park. We loved to travel!
Barb
Barb we were so sorry to hear about Ryan’s sudden passing. Our heart goes out to you and your family. So many years have passed since you and I taught together, and Paul and Ryan as well. Remember those staff parties. The obituary depicts so well the special husband,father Ryan was. Thinking of you. God Bless. Marie and Paul Buisson
Pete and I wish to extend our sincere condolences to you and your family. We enjoyed the Christmas parties you invited us to even though we are not Canadians. Prayers are with you at this sad time. Nancy and Pete Gibson
Ryan & I send our deepest condolences to you & your family, on the passing of Ryan. ❤️
Love Ryan & Mona Bartmanovich
I am so sorry for your loss Barb. My deepest sympathies go to you and your whole family.
I appreciated reading the tribute and getting to know more about Ryan and the special person he was.
You are in my thoughts and prayers. See you soon.
Joanne
Barb and family, I was so sorry to hear of Ryan's sudden passing. All the wonderful memories you have enjoyed together represents a life well lived. Ryan's gentle nature, love of nature and of travel shines brightly. It has been lovely to see all the tributes and pictures your family and friends have sent in. Thinking of you, sending you hugs and see you soon.
Judy Kyliuk
What an amazing life, lived to the fullest and rich with family and friends. So sorry for your loss and wishing you strength in the days ahead..
Kathy and Don
Our family was so sad to hear of Ryan's passing. We will miss seeing him on the dock at the lake, waving at the kids when we drove by in the boat. Our hearts go out to the entire Brako family.
Mark, Esme, Hazel and Fletcher
Barb, so many wonderful memories to keep close. I will always have a smile on my face whenever I think of Ryan. You and your family are in our thoughts and prayers. Please let us know if there is anything we can do… Wendy and Jim
Eric and I were so sorry to hear about Ryan’s death. He was such an enjoyable person to be with. He was so kind and easy going.
What a beautiful tribute to Ryan’s life the obituary is, he had so many accomplishments we were unaware of.
Our prayers are with you and your family for comfort and consolation.
Fondly, Louise and Eric.
Robert and I were with Ryan and Barb in Mexico for three months and left a few days before his health gave up on him. We still are in shock to have lost a dear friend!
Louise & Robert ❤️
Barry and I were so sad to read of Ryan's death. It doesn't seem like so many years ago that we spent the summer working on the La Martre River in NWT! We remember the fun times we had together when the kids were little and your trip to Edmonton to visit us. Ryan was always so gentle, kind and welcoming with a great, quiet sense of humour. Please accept our deepest condolences Barb, Tanis and Derik. Love, Barry and Sandy Briscoe
Barb, Tanis, Avery, Luc, and family,
We are so very sorry for your loss. We have wonderful memories from the many weekends you so generously hosted us at your cabin. Ryan was always so thoughtful, knowledgeable and kind. Sending you all love and hugs,
Cheryl, Tree and Jayden