top of page

Adrian Wortley

Obituary Photo

ADRIAN NICHOLAS JEREMY WORTLEY

February 23, 1973 - March 30, 2026

Adrian passed away on Monday, March 30, 2026, at Riverview Health Centre in Winnipeg, with Kathleen at his side.


Adrian is survived by his wife, Kathleen Epp; and their daughters, Kiera Wortley and Thea Wortley. He is survived by his mom, Marilyn Boyd; his siblings, Joel and Laura Wortley, Anne-Marie Chartrand and Robert Bighetty; his mother-in-law, Louise Epp, his brothers - and sisters – in - law, Roger Epp and Rhonda Harder Epp, Vern and Karen Epp, Lowell and Sandi Epp, Lyndon and Sandra Epp; many nieces and nephews; his Yorkshire family. He is also survived by his friends-who-are-family, Mick, Marnë, Paige, Ben, Madelyn, Lauryn; and many friends and colleagues in Winnipeg and across the country.


Adrian was predeceased by his father, John Wortley, his father-in-law, Clarence Epp, and his grandparents. Also, his beloved labradoodle, Coffee.


Adrian was born in Winnipeg, spent his childhood summers at the family cabin at Lake Wanipigow, and did his full schooling at École Précieux-Sang through which he became fully bilingual. He did an Honours History degree at the University of Ottawa and worked as a page in the House of Commons during his first year of university. He returned to Winnipeg and completed his degree as a visiting student at the University of Manitoba. This is where he met Kathleen, the love of his life.


Adrian and Kathleen were married in 1996 and their twin daughters, Thea and Kiera, were born in 2000.


Adrian worked for most of his career with the Department of Canadian Heritage, ending as the Acting Regional Director General, Prairies and Northern Region. He loved his work and his colleagues. Many mornings started with “the People of Canada need me!” He valued especially the opportunities he had to travel to the North and to engage with people and projects there. He knew this was a privilege.


Adrian loved many things; he did nothing half-heartedly. He loved running, good food, craft beer, barbecuing in the backyard, having a few books in progress at any given time, the Blue Jays, dogs, physical comedy, travel, road trips, Yorkshire, music of many genres (not jazz!), live concerts, live theatre, the Olympics, fantasy baseball and hockey, and the list goes on. He loved spending time with friends and family, sharing food, beer, good stories, and big laughs.


And most of all he loved his family. Time spent with Kathleen, Kiera, and Thea was his favourite time. His pride in and love for his daughters was immense. He was utterly devoted to them and was their biggest fan, cheering them on in all their endeavours and teaching them the value of a well-delivered and well-timed clever line.


Adrian and Kathleen shared a deep love and were the best of friends. They were partners in everything, most of all in raising their family and building their lives together. They loved nothing more than hopping in the car and taking a road trip, listening to music and podcasts, finding quirky stopping points, and just spending time together. They found humour in almost all their adventures and remembered every day how fortunate they were to have found each other.


Cremation has taken place. A Celebration of Life will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Thursday, April 16, at the Centro Caboto Centre, 1055 Wilkes Avenue, Winnipeg. 


In lieu of flowers, please donate to the Manitoba Marathon in Adrian’s honour: 


https://www.zeffy.com/en-CA/donation-form/adrian-wortley-memorial-gift


We thank the amazing people at CancerCare Manitoba and the Riverview Health Centre for the care they provided over the last years and months.


“Reaching the finish line, 

never walking,

and enjoying the race. 


These three, 

in this order, 

are my goals.”


Haruki Murakami


ETHICAL DEATH CARE

Cremation & Life Celebrations

1833 Portage 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!

17 Comments

Leave a Comment

↑ Both fields are required ↓

Upload Photo(s)
Select up to 5 photos

Louise and Mark Pavitt

April 15, 2026 at 4:18 PM

The funniest, friendliest and most caring person, we are sad to have lost Adrian and grateful for his very warm welcome, enthusiasm and encouragement. A huge loss Kathleen, Kiera and Thea. We send our love, you will always we welcome here in Yorkshire x

Robin Campbell

April 14, 2026 at 1:47 PM

I knew Adrian from when our time overlapped on the MB Marathon Board, and am saddened to read this news.. He was such a genuine, considerate person whose passion was evident. I always enjoyed having a chance to chat with him. Sincere condolences to his family and friends.

Eliane Habib, PCH

April 14, 2026 at 10:16 AM

My sincere condolences to Adrian's family and to his colleagues at PCH. Even though I met Adrian a few times in meetings, I was touched by his empathetic personnality and thoughtfulness. Adrian was well liked and appreciated. I am sorry for your loss.

Claire Marchand

April 14, 2026 at 1:34 AM

Adrian was an incredibly intelligent and kind person. I worked with him at PCH for a short time and was deeply impressed with his sharp mind, sense of curiosity and integrity. I am very sorry to hear he is no longer with us. My sincerest condolences to his family and friends.

Candy and John Nawrot

April 13, 2026 at 11:49 AM

Our dear Western Cousins.

We cannot tell you how devastated we are by Adrian's passing. We have so many great memories of our time together, most times at Marilyn's cottage, but our chats about family, life, marathons, Amazing Race Canada (he would have been an amazing competitor on that), beer, and sports.. especially the Blue Jays.. his love and knowledge of them made him Mini Buck Martinez. He was an amazing spirit, cousin but mostly.. an amazing father, husband and lover of all things family.

Our hearts break for you all.

Those that touch our lives, stay in our hearts forever so please, know he will be in our hearts forever.

Love,

Candy and John

 

 

 

Maria Martin

April 12, 2026 at 4:56 PM

I am so very sorry to hear of Adrian's passing. I worked with national programs at Canadian Heritage (arts and youth), and came in contact with Adrian from time to time when he would provide us with his always keen insights. He had a great intelligence and humanity. The ideal servant of the people. My deepest condolences to his family, and may his memory be a blessing to you all.

Ray Lyttle

April 11, 2026 at 9:35 PM

While I didn't know Adrian at all, really, I did know his daughter Thea in highschool. Any time he attended a presentation or school event, he wore his pride so openly. His love for his daughter was no secret. I am so sorry he is gone.

Marc Baldwin

April 11, 2026 at 12:02 PM

I am so sorry to hear this news. We lost touch a long time ago, but Adrian was one of my favourite friends from our student days. My deepest condolences to Kathleen and family.

MC Brown

April 11, 2026 at 11:32 AM

I shed a little tear today when I learned that Adrian had died. Many years ago we hired a young communications professional who turned out to be one of the smartest and most creative people around! Adrian inspired us with his robust enthusiasm for life. Hearfelt condolences to Kathleen, his daughters and all who loved him. May he rest in peace.

Greg Bak

April 11, 2026 at 10:43 AM

I am so sorry for your loss. My deepest condolences.

Bryan and Judy Bjerring

April 11, 2026 at 9:45 AM

Condolences, Marilyn. So difficult to lose a child. Fond memories of your parents.

Rosanne Legal

April 11, 2026 at 9:30 AM

Sincerest condolences to Kathleen, the girls and family. I had the pleasure of getting to know Adrian when we worked together as fellow Manitoban pages in the House of Commons back in the early nineties. Il avait le don de me faire rire, just a great guy!! Thoughts and prayers during this difficult time.

Donna Brager

April 10, 2026 at 4:38 PM

My deepest condolences to Adrian's mom, Marilyn. I never had the privilege of meeting Adrian, but I know he was a truly lovely man. My thoughts are with you and your family at this most difficult time.

Adam Varley

April 10, 2026 at 3:40 PM

From one Ad to another. I will never forget the times we spent together. You made me laugh even during vertigo inducing mountain climbing! To the three women who loved you the most big hugs from Yorkshire, hope to see you all soon in God's own County! Love, Adam xx

Alf Redekopp

April 10, 2026 at 3:30 PM

Kathleen, I'm so sorry to hear of your loss. Deepest condolences. May you feel love and warmth from your friends and family, and cherish the memories.

Philipa Varley

April 10, 2026 at 2:22 PM

We will miss you in Yorkshire but will remember the laughs. Rest easy, Cousin. X.

Glendene and Don Barrow - your Newfoundland family

April 10, 2026 at 12:45 PM

Sending our dearest condolences to Kiera and her family. We will remember you all in these difficult days. Hugs and prayers.

bottom of page