Brian Donald Edwards passed away at home on July 4, 2021.
Brian was born in Edmonton on February 16, 1957 to John Noel and Doris Edna (Nowochin) Edwards. His childhood looked like many of ours, with cubs/scouts, field sports, and 7 other kids in his class named Brian. He loved his family and any excuse for a gathering. He was a good son, brother, uncle, cousin, and friend and was always ready for a laugh, to talk about the Beatles, and to hear about the music you were enjoying.
Brian graduated from McNally Composite High School in 1975, still cursing the hill that the gym teacher made them run. Brian received a diploma in Architectural Technology from NAIT in 1977. After graduation, Brian designed and drafted plans for over forty homes before commencing his nearly 42-year career as a mapping technologist with Alberta Energy. A high-water mark in his career was working on the Geological Atlas of the Western Canada Sedimentary Basin.
Brian had an impressive collection of concert ticket stubs, having travelled often for concerts. His tastes ran from established to new with everything in between. The shared love of music offered a jumping off point for so many of his friendships.
Brian’s love of the Canadian Football League, and the Edmonton team, also started when as a kid, he won a Grey Cup pool via his dad’s office. In school he used CFL player statistics for his assignments — a perfect task for his brain — and this cemented his CFL passion. “Brian-opedia” was the go-to guy for information on any CFL player from any team in any year.
Brian met Linda through mutual friends and a shared passion for the CFL (and Dan Kepley). Brian was an early adopter of social media and through that, he and Linda cultivated a vast network of football friends. They married in 1999 and enjoyed many travels to CFL cities and 25 Grey Cups, and to many parts of Canada, the U.S., the UK, and Spain. Brian was also a huge supporter of Linda’s plays, always in the front row, even if he’d already seen the show. The love Brian and Linda shared ran deep and despite different postal codes recently; they were in daily contact, always laughing with each taking care of the other. They were ready to enjoy another season side by side at Commonwealth Stadium.
Brian will be missed by his wife Linda as well as brother Brent (Crystal); sister Heidi (Chris); brother Jim (Jan); sib-in-laws Peter (Helga), Rob (Ginny), Joe (Rita); nephews and nieces Tyler (Bree-Ann), Sean (Amanda), Kolten, Emily, Noel, Zachary, Ryland (Brianna), Jes (Nick), Chris (Bobbi), Jenny (Adesh), Jill (William), Brodie, Emily (Jamie); great nieces and nephews, cousins in Canada, England, and Spain; friends far and wide; and Grace. We all feel strange carrying on without him.
A Celebration of Brian’s Life is in the works for August or September, when we are sure we can gather and when those who want to travel feel safe to do so.
If you are inclined to make a donation in Brian’s memory please consider a student radio station or library, a charity favoured by your football team, a theatre organization, an agency that addresses poverty/homelessness/injustice, or Heart/Stroke, Diabetes, Cancer.
John Davies says
Brian was often seen as an enthusiastic football fan, and rightly so – but he was also a dedicated, giving, caring and compassionate friend to many; I consider myself very fortunate to have been included in Brian’s circle of friends, having worked with him for over 3 decades. Many elaborate discussions around his in-depth interest in popular music ensued, a few excellent concerts and some great laughs were had over the years with Brian. He is deeply missed.
Lori Husak says
Linda and Family,
Brian was a important member of Resource Mapping and Analysis team at the department of Energy. He is truly missed and valued for his life long contributions.
My deepest Sympathy,
Lori Husak
Adam Gosse says
My few encounters with Brian told me more than I needed to know about his tremendous heart and his love for the CFL…especially his Green & Gold. He was a kind, caring man who I’ll never forget. Rest easy my friend. – Adam
Heidi says
Very sorry for the loss of your brother Uncle Brent. Although I didn’t know Brian, I always heard you speak fondly of him when I was a kid. Please know you and your family are in my thoughts and prayers.❤
Love Heidi (Hyena Grouchie Goat)
Cheryl wiens says
My deepest condolences to the Family of the late Brian Edwards.
Cheryl says
Brian was the type of person you felt very comfortable around. He made you feel important and that you mattered. Brian will be missed in every way .
Katherine says
The CFL Family has lost a dear family member; surely the vast, precious memories will live on. Rest in peace.
Bob Johnson says
Brian became a great friend over the years and I always looked forward to his trips to Toronto when EE was in town. He actually had a season seat here in Toronto. His way of helping the franchise. That is the type of person he was. I also looked forward to seeing him at the Grey Cup wherever it was played. We also talked allot on the phone discussing music and bands. We talked just last April and he was giving me advice on collecting my CPP as I can start next February. Ironically he said why wait ? take it as soon as you can. Who knows where we will be by the time we reach 65. you will be dearly missed.. Rest in Piece my brother…till we meet again
David and Jennifer Winchester says
You are in our hearts and minds, Brian. We’ll never forget the trips we took, the breakfasts we had and the friendship, generosity you showed us as we learned to navigate our way around Edmonton, the fun we had at the football games and the after game meals. We miss you immensely and love you
Susan Firbank says
I will always remember Brian as a passionate people-connector. He connected with people himself and he connected people with each other. He guarded those connections with purpose, commitment and emotion – something that I always admired about him. He was a commanding presence and authority on all things CFL – truly the Godfather when it came to fans of the League. He leaves a big gaping hole where we’ve come to expect his laugh, his hugs, and his barks of indignation if anyone were to dare insult the League, a friend or fellow fan.
My condolences to Brian’s family. May you feel his presence in those unexpected moments where he will no doubt connect with you still.
Rob and Marie Betz says
As Baltimore Stallions fans, it was always a pleasure seeing and sharing good times with Linda and Brian during Grey Cup week. Whether at the Spirit of Edmonton breakfast, team hospitality parties, or the hotel bar, hanging out with Brian was akin to being in the presence of CFL loyalty. Great to know you, Eskinator! Rest easy, my friend.
Sandy Murphy Clark says
My heart, like the hearts of many others, is broken. There is a void that only Brian and our 50 year friendship could fill. Brian you will be missed more than anyone can realize. Rest In Peace my friend.
Loranne Scholey says
I never had the pleasure of meeting him but I knew him through social media and his love and passion for the Eskimos/Elks and the CFL!!!!!
Tina says
Brian was one of my first online football friends. He was always up for a chat and gave the biggest hugs whenever we crossed paths. I will miss him. My condolences to all of you.
Jean Hattie says
Working with Brian over the years, l saw a different view of the city of Edmonton through the historical images he’d share of the city. He loved his cats Montfort and Grace and I also enjoyed email visits from them when Brian shared their photos. Be at peace, Brian from Ottwell.
Lisa warner says
Brian was such a fun loving joyful man that had his passions in life. I loved talking to him! He would look you in the eyes and really talk with you about life.
He will be missed and always remembered. My thoughts go out to his family and friends in this big loss and thinking of you all. Linda, Heidi, and Brent, he was a great husband and brother, I am so sorry for your loss.
Lisa Warner O’Casey
Angela S. says
Linda and Family:
My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family as you mourn the loss of your husband Brian. May God grace you with peace and comfort in the days ahead and always.
Audrey Murray says
I am so saddened by Brian’s passing and I extend my heartfelt condolences to his family. Brian and I worked together for many years and I still remember fondly some of his early antics when I first started working at Energy – like teaching our summer students from Quebec lots of ‘interesting’ English phrases! I know Brian will be missed by so many.
Ellamay Justus (Mallory) says
Was surprised like the rest of you to hear of Brian’s passing. I met Brian when we were in Grade 8. Will missing talking with him on FB and messaging him. Take care Linda.
Cathy Wood says
After almost 20 years of being neighbors and riding the #112 bus back and forth to work downtown there is a huge hole in my heart and in my life— it’s really difficult to think that none of us will see him or hear his voice, his laugh again. I can’t imagine how devastated Linda and the rest of his family are— he was such a presence wherever he was— a magnet for anyone around him! His family was everything to him, and that included his cats! His deep love for them was evident and being with them was where he was happiest. I am honoured to have been able to share a part of this life with Brian! I miss him a lot.
John Mellec says
My heartfelt condolences to Brian’s family and friends. He will be deeply missed. Brian was a connoisseur of music and a trivia master in many subjects. He was a sincere person and a valued friend. I’ll miss our chats and his laugh.
Barbara Costache says
Dear Linda, family and friends of Brian. My sincere condolences for your loss. I never met Brian but have known Linda for a number of years. Take care and be well!
Barbara Costache (Kusyanto)
jan streader says
Dear Linda, Chris and I are sending you and your family our heartfelt condolences on the sudden loss of Brian. You are in thoughts and we send much love and hugs.
Doug & Janette Appelt says
My relationship with Brian all the way back to shop class at McNally. We really bonded over a shared love of the same kind of (obviously great) music. The first album we both bought was Abbey Road, which we both bought at the same store, Heintzman’s on Jasper – before we knew each other! My older brother attended NAIT with Brian. Shortly after that, Brian befriended my cousin, Don. We all enjoyed many evenings of darts, music and the odd pint or two. We will miss Brian and his unique sense of humour. I’m ashamed of my measly one Grey Cup! We send our condolences to Linda and Brian’s family.