Tribute

It is with great sadness we announce that our father, husband and friend Brian C. Stone (Stoney) passed away peacefully after a short stay at Cowichan District Hospital with his wife and family by his side. Brian leaves behind his loving wife of 21 years, Darlene; his sons Paul Stone (Jackie), John Stone (Amy) USA, Matt Stone (Kelsey) USA ; daughter Jill Vonkeman (Niel) USA, and his grandkids Jessie Urbaniak (Moira), Jake Urbaniuk, Naomi Vonkeman USA, Anna Vonkeman USA; great grandkids Brody and Taylor Urbaniuk Stone and many nieces and nephews as well as his 3 beloved cats and many lifelong friends.

He was predeceased by his parents Clifford and Muriel Stone, sister Ann Doreen Stone, brother David Glen Stone and Brian’s son Clifford Stone.

Brian was born in Edmonton and lived in a small town of Jarvy in Northern Alberta, When he was 3 years old his mom and dad packed up the kids, put them in the station wagon and headed west to Vancouver then to Duncan and finally bought a home in Shawnigan Lake where they lived for many years. As a kid he liked to take things apart and put them back together, like the family toaster and radio not all in working order when he was finished. He loved motors and it didn’t matter what kind, he had to get inside and see how it all worked. At 6 years old he traded his tricycle and some batteries for his first car a 29 Essex. At 13 he started his first job working for .26 cents per hour at Nybers Saw Mill on Shawnigan Lake. Brian learned how to pull wrenches with his dad something he did his whole life. He could fix anything. He also did some work at Shawnigan Garage. At 18 he started driving logging trucks then transport trucks. He also worked in the  NW Territories, Alberta and Vancouver but always returned to the Cowichan Valley. He then had his own garage in Mill Bay, Brians Auto Repair. One of his jobs he loved was camp life with the Bjorison gang travelling up and down the west coast of BC. He ended his working day with the gang at Evans Ready Mix. He was a hard worker and made many friends. He loved his time at the Rock with his close friends, listening to music, reading and drag racing down the Old Hall Road.

Brian loved his kids and grandkids more than anything, he was proud of each and every one of them and of who they have become.

Brian passed away with the same courage, strength and dignity by which he lived his life. A special thank you to Dr. Klopper, James at Respiratory Home Care Solutions, Mill Bay Ambulance, CDH Emergency and the Third Floor/ICU staff.

In lieu of flowers please donate to a cause that was near and dear to him which was the Cowichan Cat Rescue. There will be a Celebration of Life at a later date.

Brian used to say to his lead footed wife. “Don’t Drive Faster than your Angel Can Fly”

Goodbye my family, my life is past

I loved you all to the very last

Weep not for me, but courage take

Love each other, for my sake

For those you love don’t go away

They walk beside you every day.

Love you Dad, go in peace until we meet again.