Dear Karin,

I am so deeply sorry for your loss. Sharing a few words about Bryan.

Bryan lived his vocation as a good, faithful servant of Christ every single day. I received a text from a family member of a former patient last August. One example of Bryan’s healthcare chaplaincy ministry.

The following is the exact quote of the text, with only personal information omitted: “Hi Reverend Bryan! I’m not sure if you remember us, but you were with my family (the …) during my husband’s and lung transplant from beginning to end in 2019. He is doing better than ever. His lung function is amazing, and we are nearly 6 years away from that trying season! While we haven’t seen or spoken to you in years, you have remained in our hearts and prayers, and we are grateful every day that God blessed us with your support and presence on our journey. You have been in my heart and on my mind a lot as Chris’s brother has been diagnosed with the same rare autoimmune disease and ventilated and ECMO at UCLA hospital in California. The day he was moved to the ICU, the verse of the day was Isaiah 40:31, which you recited in prayer many times and brought us great comfort with. I thought of you immediately, and it filled my heart with joy and renewed my faith. Yet another God moment (heart emoji) I hope you are well, and you will remain in our prayers always.”

Personally speaking, Bryan was so much more than a colleague; he was a spiritual director, prayer partner, friend, and big brother. Professionally, Bryan took me under his wing upon learning of my Anglican background. His willingness to share his knowledge and experience was invaluable, preparing me to step into my role effectively when the need arose. His guidance has left a lasting impact on me and many others.

Espero que pronto encuentren La Paz por tan irreparable pérdida Andrew y Jeremy.

When I first came to Canada as a refugee and found my way to St. Alban’s Church, Rev Brian’s kindness, prayers, and support meant more to me than words can express. In a time of great uncertainty, his warmth and compassion brought me comfort and hope. I will always remember his gentle presence and caring heart. His love and faith truly touched my life, and his memory will remain with me always.

It was a privilege to know Bryan and a delight to work with him at St. Alban's. I’m so sad to hear of his passing. These words ring so true: “Bryan gave light and comfort to many by his tenacious faith in his Lord and Saviour.” Rest in peace, my friend, and rise in glory.

One memory that stands out to me was when Bryan+ and I would drive together to Sunday service and he told me that when he was a professor, before he got out of his car, he would pray "Lord, may I make someone's day today". So we would arrive at church, and sit in the car and pray. His prayers were beautiful. He lived for others. He truly continued Jesus work on earth. what a great man.

I usually saw Brian after our CPE groups ended on Tuesday evenings at Vancouver General Hospital (VGH). He was known for bringing chocolate into the classroom to encourage the interns. I ended up taking six terms of study at VGH, so I chattted with him many times about how he gave chocolate away and rarely left without accepting his invitation to take some for my trip home.

One evening, with his permission, I recorded a short audio clip where he told me about theobroma, which apparently is the latin meaning for chocolate and means "Food of the gods."

Later, I also took a few of his holding crosses, some of which I have given away, but in adition to keeping one in his memory, I will always remember the holiness of chocolate.

He was a bright life in my life. Endowed with a true pastor's heart he walked along side so many hurting people. I will miss him. See you on the other side my friend.

Bryan did so much for my wife Anne as she battled cancer. The spiritual guidance he gave her at this time gave her great comfort. It was her wish that when she died she wanted Bryan to preside over the service which he did. St. Albans will be forever grateful for the time he was with us.

Bryan is one of those special persons you meet in life that impacts you forever. I was blessed to know him through St. Alban’s Church in Burnaby. He was a kind and humble man with a great sense of humour whose sermons always made you think. He gave me an olive cross when I visited him in hospital and I carry it with me in my pocket all the time. My sincere condolences to Karin and family. May the peace of the Lord be with you Bryan.

J'ai appris avec une profonde tristesse le décès de Bryan, ancien collègue et ami du Collège universitaire de Saint-Boniface. Son humanisme, son écoute attentive et son profond dévouement envers les autres ont marqué toutes les personnes qui ont eu le privilège de le côtoyer. Repose en paix, cher Bryan.

Mes plus sincères condoléances à sa famille et à ses proches.

********************

I was deeply saddened to learn of the passing of Bryan, a dear colleague and friend from the Collège universitaire de Saint-Boniface. His humanism, attentive listening, and genuine dedication to others touched all who had the privilege of knowing him. Rest in peace, dear Bryan.

Uncle Brian was a truly remarkable man who touched so many lives with his kindness, humour, and generosity. I hope it brings comfort to know how admired he was, and how fondly he will always be remembered x

My condolences to Karin and family. I worked with Karin at DLC and remember attending their wedding. I wish you peace.

Bryan was a colleague of mine at the Université de Saint-Boniface. He was a kind, gentle soul, and had a wonderful sense of humour. He was popular with colleagues and students alike. I was very sorry to learn of his death.my deepest condolences to the family.

M.Rivers est quelqu'un qui a écrit des pages bieveillantes à mon sujet. Sa compréhension de mon oeuvre m'a beaucoup ému.

Phyllis, Finola and Ed

February 1, 2026

Bryan was a source of inspiration at the prayer group. It was a joy sharing and discussing the word of God with him. Prayer for others was always a priority to him. He will be grateful missed.

Our deepest condolences are extended to his wife family and loved ones.

bryan was a very lovely man and will always remember him may he rest in peace my thoughts are with his family and friends

Bryan was not only greatly liked but deeply loved by so many staff at Vancouver General Hospital and in particular by his colleagues in our Spiritual Care program. He had a unique charm and caring nature that was impossible to miss. I will personally treasure his memory and know this will be true for many other.s. It feels like part of him lives on in us. Hand held miniature crosses and chocolates were just symbols of his deeper love of all. Especially during these times of division we need more love warriors like him. Even when he was a patient being transported by ambulance he was sharing the message of Jesus in ways that did not offend but drew others in. I really do not know anyone quite like him . I would be remiss if I did not mention how much I miss our moments of mirthfull banter. He was a saint but far from sanctimonious .He ran the good race and completed the course - just a little earlier than we wanted.. Rest easy my friend- Rev. Doug Longstaffe - Regional Director of Spiritual Care

Karin

so sad to hear of Bryan's passing.

I enjoyed studying with Bryan through our two course - three years under the guidance of Rev Dr John Stafford at St Johns College

Always positive/ often with humor/ encouraging and attentive to others needing an ear.

Rest eternal grant unto Bryan O Lord and let light perpetual shine upon him

My prayers for all the family. Bryan was such a blessing to all he met...he was faithful in using his gift of pastor to our great benefit. I look forward to our reunion at the Resurrection.

Unfortunately I was never lucky enough to meet Brian but he sounded a wonderful man in so many ways,

God bless all his family & hope his loss can bring you everlasting wonderful memories of an amazing being.

I am so sorry to hear about Bryan's passing. I worked with him for years at Université de St-Boniface. He was a very kind man with a twinkle in his eye. Bryan cared about people and showed up when needed (and he knew when he was needed without having to be asked).. His generosity and kindness during difficulty times will never be forgotten. My condolences to the family and friends.

I met Bryan about 6 months ago at CancerCare. We had some wonderful conversations about living our lives with cancer and trusting Jesus on the journey. He was a quiet man but so encouraging. I will treasure the olive wood cross he gave to me. He ran the race well and is now home with his Lord.