Obituary of BRIAN GERALD DANOWSKI

BRIAN GERALD DANOWSKI August 18, 1956 – July 1, 2015 Unexpectedly on July 1st, Brian passed away at the Health Sciences Centre in Winnipeg. He is survived by his wife Tracey (Forbes), son Wyatt and daughter Paige, sister Sharron Carriere (Gerry), brother Ernie (Pat), parents-in-law Dorothy and Bill Forbes, brother-in-law Kevin Forbes, sisters-in-law Cindy Organ (Pius) and Carrie Dudley (Frank) along with 11 nieces and nephews. Brian was predeceased by his father Edward in 1983 and his mother Helen in 2006. Brian spent his first 9 years in Middlechurch, until moving to Garden City where he attended Jefferson Junior High and Garden City Collegiate. He graduated from the University of Winnipeg (Biology) in 1978. After working as a pharmaceutical rep for a year in Saskatchewan, Brian returned to Manitoba and graduated in 1984 from the University of Manitoba with a Computer Science (Honours) degree. He soon joined the Provincial government where he spent 6 years working in Information Technology until he joined the City of Winnipeg’s IT department in 1991. He retired from the City in June of 2013. Brian met the love of his life, Tracey, in 1985 and they were married in 1986. Brian had an adventurous spirit and in 1988 he and Tracey built their dream home in St Andrews. Two years later they welcomed their son Wyatt, to be followed by their daughter Paige, 27 months later. Brian was always ready to help anyone, and was on the PECK Daycare Board of Directors for 7 years, serving in various roles including VP and President. He and Tracey loved the outdoors, and over the years the family and their dog criss-crossed the entire country and much of the U.S. camping and exploring the historical and cultural uniqueness of every region. In addition to being a hockey Dad, many family ski and canoeing vacations were taken. The family frequently billeted students from across Canada and Japan. Brian’s interests and hobbies included cycling, the Tour de France, photography, history and sports. A few years ago, he obtained his Certification as an ESL instructor teaching at the University of Winnipeg and volunteering at the Immigration Centre. Brian was a language mentor and assisted many immigrants with their English skills as well as taking students on hikes, picnics and to the sites around Winnipeg. Brian was also a volunteer for the recent FIFA games in Winnipeg. Brian was extremely proud of Wyatt and Paige, and encouraged them to explore and discover the world. He was so proud that both followed their dreams with Wyatt teaching history in England for the past 2 years, and Paige starting her career in communications in Ontario in June. He was a tremendous role model for his kids through his commitment to community, values and sense of curiosity. The family would like to thank the Selkirk Emergency staff and the HSC Medical ICU for the care and compassion given to Brian and his family. A ‘Come and Go’ Celebration of Brian’s Life will be held at Cropo Funeral Chapel, 1442 Main Street, Winnipeg from 6:00 pm to 9:00 pm on Monday, July 20th. Following Brian’s wishes, his body was donated in hopes it would assist others and cremation has taken place. For more than 20 years, Brian was a regular blood donor (143 donations) therefore; in lieu of flowers donations to Canadian Blood Services (www.blood.ca) or your charity of choice are most appreciated.