Brian Goossen

Brian died peacefully on Saturday October 21 with his wife by his side following his battle with Alzheimers. 

Brian is survived by his wife of 30 years Paulette, 2 daughters Kristina (Paul Leclair), Rebecca McGuire (Logan) and grandchildren Maine McGuire and Wells McGuire.  Brothers Ken (Iris), Gary (Karen).  Sisters and Brother in laws Michelle (Garth) Steinert, Denise (Rick) Taylor, Ron Dupuis, Nicole (Ray) Reidle.  Nieces and Nephews Ryley, Chelsey, Caley, Cassandra, Makenzie, Marcella and Coby. 

Brian was predeceased by his parents Irvin and Margaret Goossen, In laws Leo-Paul and JoAnn Dupuis and a very special nephew Skylar Enns. 

Brian was born in Brandon, Manitoba and grew up in Emerson, Manitoba.  Brian wanted to be an RCMP officer so following graduation off to Regina he went and realized his dream.   Brian worked as an RCMP officer for a few years and decided that conflict and getting beat up was not for him so he began to pursue a new career.  Brian did find his way and retired from the Canadian Food Inspection Agency of Canada Emerson in 2001.

In 2008 Brian and family moved from Emerson to Morden Manitoba where Brian did odd jobs to keep busy and met many new people especially while hanging out at the rink watching Rebecca figure skate and or out walking the dog.  Brian was always stopping to talk to people.  We are not sure if the dog always enjoyed the delay in the walk. 

Brian had a kind and gentle soul, with never a negative word to say about others.  He would greet you with a smile, a high five or a great big hug (which made some of the guys uncomfortable), however they soon learned that was just Brian.  Throughout the dementia journey and his time in the care home Brian never lost his sense of humour.  

Brian had a passion for old cars, camping (with beer or rum in hand), sitting in the sun and winter vacations to Mexico.  He loved to tell stories or jokes which sometimes took forever to get to the punch line and when he was well, he would always quote what he read in the Free Press which annoyed his wife as he couldn’t remember what she told him.  She would tell him that she would write it in the Free Press so he would remember   Brian would just smile and give you that little smirk that he had. 

Brian loved his daughters and shared a different and unique relationship with each of them.  Brian would have been an awesome fun grand-pa to Maine and Wells. 

As Brian would say we have Things to do, People to see and Places to go. 

Save a chair for me on the beach Brian   Love you always Paulette

The family will host a come and go celebration of life on November 12 at the Emerson Complex from 3 – 5pm following a private family graveside service. 

In lieu of flowers donations can be made in memory of Brian to the Southern Health – Sante Sud palliative care program, Alzheimers Society of Manitoba and/or the Canadian Mental Health Association.