Obituary of Brian Murray Larson

It is with great sadness and much love that the family announces the passing of our beloved husband and father, Brian Murray Larson, on July 13, 2024, at Riverview Health Centre at the age of 73 after a valiant fight with cancer.

Brian was predeceased by his father, Ken Larson, his mother, Mary (nee Billan) and brother, Larry (Liz). He is survived by his wife of 52 years, Barb, his two sons, David and Daniel (Shauna); his two brothers, Sanford (Margaret) and Daniel (Peggy); and his nieces, Samantha, Laura (Jason), Tamara (Brian) and Ashley (Robert). 

Brian was born in Portage la Prairie, Manitoba, on September 12, 1950, and was raised on the family farm near MacGregor, Manitoba. He moved to Winnipeg to study Design Drafting at Red River College. After graduation he worked at CML Northern Blower, mostly as their Purchasing Agent, for 44.6 years; an accomplishment he was proud of. He was well respected in the industry and by all those he dealt with, retiring with enduring friendships among co-workers and sales-representatives alike.

He pursued Business Management certification at the University of Manitoba and was active in the Purchasing Management Association for a number of years.

Brian was a multi-talented man, very good with anything mechanical. He could build or repair most anything he set his mind to. He made many improvements to his homes, and designed and built a cottage in Nopiming Provincial Park that was greatly enjoyed by family and many others over the years. The cottage, and working to improve it, was an ongoing love for him. Last year he designed and built a wonderful wrap around deck on the cottage, and stairs and landings on the property for easier access to the lake. He leaves it as an enduring family legacy.

Brian had diverse interests over the years. Among them were sailing on Lake of the Woods, often with brother-in-law, Ted Comeau, and his wife, Bev, only leaving the sport when it became too much of a challenge to sail with a toddler on board. He enjoyed downhill skiing, golf, duck carving, cooking, dining out, and traveling, among other things. 

Upon retirement he expanded beyond BBQing and tried his hand at smoking meats in his backyard smoker producing wonderful meals for the family. He enjoyed going out for a good meal here in Winnipeg to celebrate occasions with family and friends as well as trying out new cuisine on his travels. 

He was a good traveller, taking trips through Canada and the USA; he went to Cuba twice, on a cruise to the eastern Caribbean for his 25th wedding anniversary, to Hawaii, to Costa Rica and to Israel to fulfil a bucket list trip for his wife. He made multiple trips to Mexico with a particular love for Puerto Vallarta, very much enjoying the warmth of the Mexican February away from the frosty Winnipeg winters. Favourite spots were Puesta del Sol along the malecon and lining up with the crowds for Pancho’s Tacos’ famous fare.

He made several trips to the Dominican Republic for ministry work with Dominican Vision Inc. where he developed lasting relationships with the Dominican people.

He had a strong enduring faith in the Lord and was an honest, loyal and principled man who loved people and they knew he cared. He was a man of quiet wisdom and strong determination. He did not know the meaning of giving up.

Brian was a supporter of a number of individuals in ministry over the years, and, in the past, he and his wife, Barb, held Marriage Ministries courses and home fellowship meetings in their home. Recently he was involved in the leadership of Invictus Prophetic Global, participating in their online ministry broadcasts, prophetic appointments, and was a co-leader of their Fire Church meetings. He was a guest speaker at Faith Temple here in Winnipeg and a guest speaker on radio broadcasts with Pastor Chala in Aroyo Seco, Dominican Republic. He was a longtime member of Winnipeg Christian Centre.

Brian began his relationship with his wife, Barb, on April 17, 1971, and they were married on June 17, 1972. It was their goal to see each other every day during that time until they wed, something that was a little challenging at times, but they did succeed. His first son, David, was born in 1984 and then he welcomed Daniel in 1987. A big part of family life was when the boys played football for the Transcona Nationals and then Churchill High School. Brian was a great supporter of them, always at the games and practices, even managing the team at times and helping out however he could. 

Christmas was a much enjoyed time of year for him, and Brian had his favourite cookies and other Christmas baking that he diligently made every year, and loved to share with others. He was the Christmas tree decorator in the home and had a soft spot for Hallmark movies. It will certainly not be the same without him. 

Cremation has taken place and a memorial in Brian’s honour will be held at Winnipeg Christian Centre on July 27, 2024, at 2 pm. It will likely be live-streamed on YouTube on the Winnipeg Christian Centre channel.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Dominican Vision Inc.