Tribute

With heartfelt sadness we announce the passing of Dr. Brian Wolfe on November 10th after an unexpected and brief battle with cancer. Brian passed peacefully in his home, surrounded by loved ones.  He received excellent care from the medical community, from the initial diagnosis to his final days at home.

Brian will be desperately missed by his family who adored him, by those who valued his friendship and by the medical community who respected and relied on his guidance.

Brian was born in Regina, Saskatchewan. He spent his childhood in Regina, Moose Jaw, Winnipeg, Port Colborne and St. Catharines, Ontario.  Brian enjoyed playing sports of all kinds.   He was involved in organized baseball and hockey, would bike miles every day before a summer job to play golf. In high school he was on the varsity basketball and volleyball teams. At Queen’s University he managed to obtain two athletic letters simply participating in a myriad of intramural sports. Brian had a gift for music, was active in The Queens band playing coronet and later in life he mastered the classical guitar.

Brian excelled in school throughout all his years of education. After 2 years at Queen’s University he received accelerated entrance into Medical School also at Queens. Brian interned in Toronto and then headed to Saskatoon for Residency in Diagnostic Radiology. He moved to the Cowichan Valley in 1987 and spent his entire professional career at Cowichan District Hospital. Half of his years there were as Department Head and he had a term as President of the Medical Staff. He loved the climate and scenery but the comradery and good times with the Cowichan Valley Medical Society kept him anchored to the community.

Brian was married to the love of his life and best friend Sandee for 34 years.  They shared a passion for gardening. Many an hour were spent landscaping and maintaining their large terraced yard. They also shared a love of travel and every year explored places near and far. Sandee and Brian are both long term parishioners of St. Peters Anglican Church.  Brian did everything to the best of his ability, whether it was in his professional life or his hobbies.  He would discover a new passion, skillfully master it and then move on to a new challenge.  Brian enjoyed cornet playing, classical guitar, skiing at Whistler, soap stone carving and pottery classes, windsurfing, kite boarding and regular winter curling. In the last 10 years Brian rose to his athletic peak, not only competing in numerous triathlons but frequently placing at the top.

Brian felt a special bond with Sandee’s two sons Shawn (Esther) and Chad (Julie) and cherished three grandchildren Stephen, Nicole and Ethan.  The family shared and enjoyed many memorable trips together.

Brian expressed gratitude for the all the family members who have touched his life in a positive way including his parents Alvin and Erna, siblings Don (Val), Cheryl (Rod) and Sandra, nieces and nephews Brendan (Judith), Caitlin (Ben), Jonathan, Raven, Tristan, Cassidy and Soleil and extended family. Brian was predeceased by his brother Kevin. Brian will be remembered by his family as someone who consistently role modeled his enthusiasm and positive outlook on life, sense of humor and strong values.

A celebration of life will be held at H.W. Wallace Cremation and Burial, 5285 Polkey Road on Saturday, November 18^th at 2:30 PM.  In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Cowichan District Hospital Foundation to help fund the new hospital.