Brian McMann
March 11, 1952 – June 26, 2020
COVID 19 times have made a small gathering impossible unfortunately, so following dads wishes to have only me speak at his memorial, I have decided to write a letter of rememberance that will hopefully do him justice.
Anyone who knew Dad knew he was one of the kindest, most thoughtful and sweet people around. Willing to go any extra mile to help you out. Even when a person would perhaps do him wrong in some way and he would get frustrated with them, the next day he would find a reason to explain their behaviour as perhaps a bad day and give them the benefit of the doubt once again. Sometimes to his detriment. He certainly taught me to show people forgiveness and try to see things from another’s perspective.
Dad was a super talented builder and finisher, I have many a fond memory of him teaching me small life skills such as cutting in and masking for painting, although one thing I wish I could remember is his fishing knots. He showed me no less than ten times how to do many useful knots to tie down things and tie ropes together and I just could not remember one of them. I know how to tie my shoe laces though thankfully and thats about it.
Dad was by far the funniest person I have ever known. Right up till the end he kept his jovial joke cracking self. He helped me to see the humour in almost any situation, including the joyous side of death. A normal and inevitable occurrence for everyone, even if that does sound a little morbid.
He specifically wanted this John Prine song played at his memorial, one of our shared favourites which if you didn’t know dads sense of humour, may give you an insight into how he loved to see the light side to every situation. The song can be found here: https://youtu.be/JfBdMXhpQnU (please copy and paste into the search bar of browser if the hyperlink does not work), and I remember quite a number of years ago when we still lived in NZ he said it would be a good song for a funeral.
Dad was first and foremost a family man, I was never in doubt of his love for me, and later his love for his grandchildren. He was able to be there when his first grandson was born and was the second person to hold him. He was also visiting us in Australia this past February, and was able to see Josiah learn to walk. A time that was as special as it was to me as it was to him I am sure.
Even though Brian may be gone physically, I know beyond a shadow of a doubt he lives on. Maybe not in a physical body, but perhaps something even better. I so look forward to seeing him again and giving my Daddybri a big hug and kiss. I hope he can see us here at his house in Canada and know we are thinking of him today and everyday with gladness and thankfulness to have known him and had him in our lives. Fly high Dad. ~ Love your daughter Sarah
The family wish to thank Dr. Paula Ryan and two of the SSI Home Care Nursing Team, Carolyn M and Emilie, for their friendship, compassion and care which was so generously bestowed on Brian and his family. Without their kindness and support it would not have been possible to honour Brian’s wish to die at home with his family. We are eternally grateful.