top of page

Brian Rocan

Image by Nick Andréka

BRIAN MICHAEL ROCAN

July 16, 1958 - June 6, 2024

It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of our dearly loved husband, father, Afi (grandfather), brother, brother-in-law, and uncle. Although unexpected, Brian passed away peacefully at the BRHC on June 6th surrounded by his family and so much love. 


Brian will be deeply missed and forever in the hearts of his wife Carol (McInnis) of 40 years, children Danielle (Dallas) and Adam as well as the apple of his eye, his sweet Granddaughter, Scarlett. Brian also leaves to mourn his siblings: Diane, Gerry (Mary Anne), Debbie (Al) and Carol’s: Melvin (Sofia), Joni, Gwen, Neil (Kim). Brian was very fond of all of his nieces and nephews-Jackie, Zoe, Thora, Signy, Inga, Kyle, Regan, Priscilla, Joel, Samantha, Kayla, Caitlin, and Bryn. He is also survived by his wonderful Grand nieces and nephews-Ava, Joey, Aleesha, Anna, Victor, Gunnlaugur, and Gyda.


Brian was born on July 16, 1958 in Reston, MB to Joseph and Therese (Terry) Rocan (nee Bellec). He grew up enjoying the great outdoors as he and his siblings explored the town and adjacent country side. Brian liked to wear his rubber boots so that he could be “amphibious” and walk through all the puddles. Riding his bike and playing with the other kids in town was the norm.

Brian moved to Brandon with his family in 1966. Many happy times were spent fishing with his Dad and the rest of the family. Playing soccer alongside his brother in the surrounding fields and riding his bike to his friends’ homes was part of the fun growing up in Brandon. At 16, Brian moved up to a motorcycle and had a love for cars. He graduated from Neelin High School in 1976. Brian was an athlete and enjoyed many sports. He played on both the volleyball and soccer teams at Neelin. Brian continued playing senior men’s soccer for around 20 years until his children started to play. He wanted to be available for his children and coached both Adam and Danielle for many years. 


Brian studied at Brandon University (BU) and that was where he met his future wife, Carol. Our first date was on our 21st Birthdays after Brian found out it was my birthday too and suggested that we celebrate together. This was how our love story began 45 years ago. We often had tennis dates and enjoyed going to many BU socials back then. Brian and Carol were married on August 23, 1984 and it would have been their 40th Anniversary this summer. In our early married life, we did a lot of camping in the beautiful Duck Mountains as well as at Lake Katherine in RMNP. We enjoyed hiking, canoeing, fishing as well as playing slo-pitch and volleyball together. Brian loved listening to music and we enjoyed many concerts and folk festivals. A highlight was our adventure to Europe where we celebrated our 30th birthdays in Spain sipping sangria. 


When our two children, Danielle and Adam were born, our focus was on family. Brian was a hands-on Dad and a favorite expression of his was, “Dirty diapers don’t scare me!” Brian loved reading and playing with the kids. Happy summers were spent at Ditch Lake with all the extended family at Grandma Terry’s cabin. Brian enjoyed driving the boat for his kids as well as for his nieces and nephews while they tubed or water skied. 


Brian taught the kids how to play soccer at an early age and then spent countless hours as a volunteer coach-first through the Brandon Youth Soccer League and then later as a travel team coach. We all enjoyed the many soccer trips as we had the opportunity to travel with the kids to games and tournaments all over Canada and the US. These and other family trips were always so much fun, with many wonderful memories over the years as a family to cherish. 

Brian was fond of animals and was constantly followed around by his dog, Finnegan. You could see them together on the walking paths or at their favorite spot, Tim Hortons--a coffee for Brian and a Timbit for Finn.


Brian was a very hardworking guy whether it was at home, at the cabin or at work; he always had a project going on. Although he studied at BU for a couple of years, he realized that he was made for the trades. Brian graduated from the Assiniboine Community College (ACC) in 1982 and became a successful Journeyman Instrumentation Technologist. He worked for the Simplot Fertilizer Company which later became Koch for 34 years before retiring in the spring of 2014. Brian then happily did some contract work for Koch through Blackbox and Shreem. During his career, Brian was honored to be on the Apprenticeship and Certification Board for the province of Manitoba. He was a well-respected employee who was always ready to help others and he was noted to be a mentor. Brian was a good problem solver and could fix pretty much everything. Many of Brian’s co-workers and sales associates became his lifelong friends.


It was during his working years that Brian developed his love for golf as he was fortunate to have the opportunity to participate in many golf tournaments. Brian enjoyed numerous golfing trips over the years. Highlights were walking the Old Course at St. Andrews in Scotland and standing on the Swilcan Bridge. He loved golfing in PEI with his brother and in the southern States with his friends. Brian introduced Danielle and Adam to golf and they enjoyed many rounds together. Brian also recently got back into curling and was an avid fan of the Canadian teams. He liked to head down south for at least a few weeks every winter with this past winter’s trip to Costa Rica, where the monkeys made us laugh.


Most importantly, Brian was a very kind, friendly, considerate, and patient person who would do anything for his family and others. Brian had a very nice way with people; he loved to laugh and joke around and was always fun to be with. Brian was a humble, caring and loving family man who was so proud of his children and Granddaughter. He was loved immensely and will be dearly missed. Brian will be forever loved and always in our hearts.


A Celebration of Life will be held on Thursday, June 27th, at 4:00pm (with doors opening at 3:30pm with coffee and tea available) at the Grand Salon in the Victoria Inn, Brandon. A reception and time of fellowship with the family will follow immediately after the service. Casual dress.


In lieu of flowers, and if so desired, memorial donations may be made to the Assiniboine Community College (ACC) Foundation (which will be directed to the School of Trades) where a Scholarship has been created in memory of Brian. Donations will be gratefully accepted by going to the direct link for the Brian Rocan Memorial Scholarship Fund or through mail to The Assiniboine Foundation at 1035-1st Street North, Brandon, R7A 2Y1, or by calling the Foundation at 204-725-8700 ext.6686, or a charity of your choice. 


Brian’s family kindly requests that all his family and friends take a few minutes to honour his memory by sharing stories, memories, and photos using the comment section on this page. Thank you. 

ETHICAL DEATH CARE

Cremation & Life Celebrations

530 St. Mary Avenue - Winnipeg

204-421-5501 - www.ethicaldeathcare.com

Memories, Stories and Condolences

 

Please share a story, photo, memory or condolence for the family by completing the form below and clicking "Post Comment"

Thank you for your comment!

20 Comments

Leave a Comment

↑ Both fields are required ↓

Upload Photo(s)

Denis & Pauline

June 27, 2024 at 12:26 PM

We were so saddened to hear of Brian's passing...he was so loved and had such a caring heart for others - a very kind hearted soulful man he was...a loving reflection 'above and beyond' of his treasured love for you Carol and Danielle (Dallas) & Adam and precious grand daughter Scarlett that he adored so very much... It's so very sad and heartbreaking for your family and Diane & Gerry & Debbie and their families going through this dearest loss... Wholeheartedly comforting thoughts are with you all and your families...and cherishing Brian forever close in our heart always💞

Carol McInnis Rocan-Brian's wife

June 27, 2024 at 12:14 PM

Hello friends and family, I would like to let you know that there is the possibility of Brian's Celebration of Life being livestreamed here today (Thursday, June 27) at 4pm Central time. If it doesn't work out, then a recording of the Service will be placed here after for anyone who might be interested.

Thank you to all of you for your very kind, caring, compassionate, and thoughtful messages. We have enjoyed reading them so very much and appreciate all your memories of him and the wonderful stories you have shared with us. We have loved your pictures too. Brian was fortunate to have had all of you in his life. Thank you from the bottom of my heart. With love,Carol & family

Reena Allappattu

June 27, 2024 at 10:06 AM

I met Brian at work in 2019 and at 1st meeting itself I recognized him as a humble and kind-hearted person. He became my mentor, and I’ll always remember him that way. His willingness to help, and unique way of explaining complex issues have left a lasting impression on me. Even his peculiar laugh still resonates in my memory. Brian will be dearly missed. May God’s peace and comfort be with all family members and hugs to Carol.

Lorette Pele Evans and Wayne Evans

June 26, 2024 at 6:32 PM

Our colendences to you Carol and the family. Brian's dedication in coaching and supporting the youth soccer has made a great impact to many individuals in the community. We had great memories cheering on the girls at the soccer tournaments.

Mike & Carolyn Forster

June 26, 2024 at 6:12 PM

Our hearts go out to you, Carol, Adam, Danielle, and all of your family. I'd liked Brian the instant I first met him while contracting at Simplot. Some people are enduringly friendly, generous, and kind, and Brian was one of them. We brightened every time we ran into Brian and Finnegan on the street, and I'll not forget the look in his eye when we spoke about Scarlett on one such stop not so long ago.

Siva Subramaniam

June 26, 2024 at 12:48 PM

My heartfelt condolences to Brian's family and loved ones.

Having had the privilege of working with him on nearly all projects, I can attest to his wealth of knowledge and his kind, friendly demeanor. His patience and calmness in stressful situations were truly admirable, making him a great role model both personally and professionally. He will be greatly missed by all who had the pleasure of knowing him.

My thoughts and prayers are with Brian's family. May his soul rest in peace, and may God provide strength and comfort to all during this challenging period.

Jignesh Patel

June 26, 2024 at 11:01 AM

My deepest condolences.

Brian was a selfless individual, always willing to help and easily approachable. His vast knowledge was as deep as the sea, yet he remained incredibly down to earth. He will be missed dearly by all who had the privilege of knowing him.

Wendy Margetts

June 24, 2024 at 8:47 PM

Carol, Adam, Danielle and Dallas, we were so very sorry to learn of Brian's passing. Brian was always very kind to everyone and he was a great soccer coach to Jenna and all of her teammates. I know you will all miss him terribly. He will be missed by many. We will keep you all in our thoughts and prayers.

Danny & Cathy Perkins. Gimli MB

June 22, 2024 at 6:09 PM

Brian was a great guy. He worked hard and played harder. He was a fierce competitor on the soccer field and went to battle every game. He always had my back. He played centre half and no one got away with a free pass. He was strong on the ball. I have so many great memories of Brian and Carol during my 10 years as his team mate. Go Falcons, Trifons and Victoria Inn. Cathy and I extend our most sincere condolences..Carol and family.

RIP Brian...You were the BEST at anything you did in life!

 

Mike Osudar

June 20, 2024 at 6:11 PM

My deepest condolences. Brian was an amazing talented individual. Having worked with Brian for many years he was always there to help anyone that needed it any time of the day or night. He will be missed but never forgotten.

Gail Martin

June 19, 2024 at 8:19 PM

Sending deepest condolences to all the Rocan family. Brian was a great guy always ready to chat. He will be missed by all. Keep those memories close.

Gail Martin

Maureen Gyselman

June 19, 2024 at 3:19 PM

Brian was always the 'hottie' in school (all the girls wanted him as a BF lol) , he was great at sports and always kind to the other kids regardless of how different they may have been. We had fun hanging out on occasion and dressing up for halloween :) I was totally in love with his mom Teri as well (we even worked together for a time) I am so deeply sorry for his loss and pray the family will get through this difficult time with love

Jason

June 17, 2024 at 8:20 PM

Very sorry for your loss. What a great man. I met Brian over 20 years ago while he was with Simplot/KOCH. For a rookie salesperson he was very intimidating to meet for the first time. Within 5 minutes of meeting with him his friendliness and quiet sense of humor made me feel welcomed and engaged. He always rewarded my visits with something and I really feel he did that to show his appreciation for showing support and providing sublte encouragement to me. I quickly saw Brian as a friend and colleague and enjoyed many golf games, wing nights at Kelsey's and visits with him over the years. He was great person and mentor. He will be deeply missed.

Wendy Fraser (EECOL Electric)

June 17, 2024 at 1:48 PM

So sorry to hear you have lost Brian - I work in the Electrical world in Brandon and Brian is a true legend in that world.

Brian and Carol are just the nicest people and very kind - two of the most important things in this whole world.

Carol and Family - Deepest Sympathy - you will miss him so much - we all will !

Wonderful picture of Brian!

Colette Pele

June 16, 2024 at 11:03 PM

So sorry for your loss .Carol and all families

years ago we lived in Souris ,Man. And went to visit Uncle Jos. Tante Thérèse and family in Reston sure had a good visit Now we are in Alberta northern not farm from Peace River so it is not easy to visit relatives. Thinking of you at this difficult time

A cousin Colette

Brian & Patti Bradfield

June 15, 2024 at 8:12 PM

Dearest Cousin Carol & Family

Although we never met your Brian, through your words over the years, we feel we knew him. Our hearts are heavy for your loss, but know he will be with you every hour of every day..

Bless Bless dear Brian

Randy & Terry

June 14, 2024 at 11:12 AM

Carol & Family...

It is with a heavy heart that we send our deepest, deepest

condolences.

There are a few words that can ease your broken hearts, but memories are forever.

From our hearts, deepest sympathy.

Randy & Terry Kellington

Samantha Baker

June 13, 2024 at 5:14 PM

We miss you so much ❤️ I'll always remember your rubbing your scratchy whiskers on me, stacking our hands in restaurants, and your funny and contast jokes. Thanks for raising the best kids, family events will always feeling like something is missing

Wanda Nicol

June 13, 2024 at 1:51 PM

I will remember with great fondness, hanging out with Brian and Carol on a recent trip to Mexico with lots of laughing on our adventures. He was game to give everything a try.

He was a master burger maker, that is for sure and everytime we had a bbq at the lake and Brian was making burgers my mouth was watering. They were so delicious. Whenever I go to make a burger I try to recreate his but they never taste as good.

Deb Rocan

June 13, 2024 at 1:44 PM

We miss you big brother ♥️.

bottom of page