Michael BRIAN

OBITUARY MICHAEL BRIAN 1932-2007 After a full and colourful life, the "inimitable" Michael Brian died peacefully at home with his family around him. Predeceased in May by Mary, his devoted wife of forty years who he lovingly cared for at home throughout her long illness, he leaves a void in the lives of his cherished and grieving daughters, Connie, Imogen (Chris) and Jessica (Kevin) and his force-of-life grandsons Sam, Jacob and Ronan, whom he adored and doted on. Beloved baby brother of Joy (Bill), Denis (Martine), Tony (Carol) and the late Rose Mary (Phil), he will be missed by his large extended family whose lives he filled with stories, laughter and wonder. Born in Orpington, England, Mike studied at Oxford, then came to Canada via California. He settled in Montreal, where he taught English Literature at Concordia University for over thirty-five years. Joycean scholar, professor to hundreds of captivated students, departmental chair, union leader and writer, he left his body to science so that he could keep on teaching. An avid gardener, piano player, gourmet cook, world traveller and dog-lover, Dad was a true original with a renaissance mind full of eclectic knowledge and ideas who loved life, recognized the beauty in everything and believed that nothing was more important than family. He died with no regrets. We are indebted to his very special support team; Dr. Paul Lysy, whose visits and conversations Dad enjoyed so much, the CLSC Metro and Hopital Maisonneuve-Rosemont caregivers, his at-home helpers, Ligaya, Jonathan, Venus, Renato, and his gentleman's gentleman Kevin, all of whom helped us realize Dad's wish to remain at home until he died. A memorial service will be held on Friday, January 26 at 3 p.m. at the Mount Royal Funeral Complex 1297 Chemin de la Foret, Outremont (514) 279-6540 Followed by an Irish wake at the family home to celebrate his remarkable life. In lieu of flowers, raise a glass of wine to Mike, and celebrate life and those you love. Published in the Montreal Gazette from 1/20/2007 - 1/25/2007