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Brian Innes Obituary
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Memories and Condolences
for Brian Innes
Sponsored by Marilyn, Brianna and Emily.
19 Entries
May 16, 2016
While it has been awhile since Brian passed away, I thought I would post this regardless. This weekend (May 13-15, 2016) 30 of Brian's classmates went to Cambridge to celebrate our 30th reunion (Class of 1986). We had a beautiful memorial service on Sunday. The names of our classmates that had passed away were read out loud. We had a lovely brunch at the Charles Hotel afterwards. Marilyn, if you do ever read this, know that we had all wonderful things to say about Brian and that how particularly saddened we were to hear of his passing. Please know that he had a fan club at Harvard. Wendy Pangburn, Washington, DC, MPA, Class of 1986.
Susan Phillips
November 17, 2009
Brian was one of my favourite teachers at Western. He had taught me over a period of 3 years. I had gotten to know him very well and appreciated his passion and his hard work. I learned a great deal from him, especially about health policy and will always remember what he has done for me and the education he instilled in me. I had just found out today about what happened to him as I've been trying to get in touch with him since the summer after he wrote me a reference letter for a 2nd entry program. I appreciated his friendship and know he will be missed. My condolences to his family, as I know how much he cared for you all.
Vincy Leung
September 14, 2009
I only met Professor Innes during 2009 Summer Intercession, but I'd have to say that he was an awesome professor!! He was motivated to teach us and Professor Innes cares about whether his students learn the material and actually understand it! He is very flexible if there are any conflicts or problems. Professor Innes makes me feel like he was a friend, instead of just a professor. I still recall how we had a mini-chat about our summer plans after the final exam in June... I can't believe that that was the final chat we ever had...
We will always remember you. I send my sincere condolences to your family and friends. Times will be hard, but Professor Innes will always live in our hearts!
Peter Overton
August 28, 2009
Brian was Director of Marketing when I was hired as Director of Communications in 1990 at Marshall Macklin Monaghan (now MMM Group Limited). Although he didn't know me, he had already helped me by putting in a good word for a fellow Ontario Government worker while I was still in the interview process! After I arrived he was unfailingly supportive, introducing me to senior staff, supplying tips on getting around at MMM and helping me out in any way he could. I remember him for his kindness and his gentle sense of humour, but also for his knowledge of Ontario's political landscape and economy. I was lucky enough to attend one of Brian's famous barbecues in St. Marys and to meet his wife, Marilyn and first daughter Brianna when in London. Brian also invited me to attend a talk by Michael Ignatieff sometime in the late 1990s, an opportunity I would not otherwise have had. Kristina and I extend our condolences to Marilyn, Brianna, Emily and Brian's family.
Elliot Stansfield
August 19, 2009
I only met Professor Innes this summer for an intersession course that only ended in late June. While I can't say I was looking forward to taking a summer course, Prof. Innes made it a wonderful experience. He was personable, charismatic and kind. He obviously cared about the well-being his students and I'm honored to have met him.
I'll never forget how excited he was when he found out the PC leadership debates were going on in the building during one of our classes and that his students may actually get to see some practical policy in action. His excitement seemed to characterize his personality and passion for being an involved citizen.
You will be missed Professor Innes. I send my sincere condolences to his remaining family and friends. I wish you the best through what I can only imagine is a very tough time.
Lisa Jibson
August 19, 2009
To the Innes Family,
I just returned from a 2 week out of province vacation to hear about Brian's sudden passing. I am deeply shocked. I just spent some time with Brian at UWO a couple of months ago and we made plans to have lunch this fall. Brian was a wonderful guy. We first met when Brian ran for the Liberal candidacy in Stratford. I worked on his campaign and I truly felt Brian would have made a stellar M.P. He was a down to earth, honest, sincere, giving guy who always put others first. He will be missed greatly by many.
Anna Maria Barsanti
August 7, 2009
This week our family said good-bye to one of our favourite sons, Brian Alexander Innes. Almost 18 years ago Brian married Marilyn Barsanti, daughter of Marshie & Esther Barsanti. Together they gave us Brianna and Emily. Brian was the eldest of 5 siblings that completely adored him. So many gathered over the past few days to pay their respect to a very unique charismatic man.
There was no question I loved Brian, but I didn’t know how much until the day I heard he passed. And I was most certainly not alone over 1200 people came to the visitation and 600 attended the service. If you were fortunate enough to cross Brian’s path you were greeted with a firm, inviting handshake that immediately assured you were welcomed into his circle. Brian had a way of seeking out people with the intent of bringing the world closer together. He was the ultimate connector.
To Brian everyone counted and it was of great importance for him to know a person’s story. He also had the gift of remembering not only the names of everyone he met, but also their story and their family roots.
Brian was first and foremost dedicated to his family and proudly wore the hats of husband; father, brother, uncle, cousin and in-law. This man served the community-at-large as a politician, professor, public servant and environmentalist. As a lifelong learner he instilled in his family and students the pure joy of learning. He was born in a farming family and remained committed to this vocation throughout his days. I am actually smiling right now, because Brian was in his element on the tractor, planting and harvesting the crops – I can see him in his farming getup with the big rubber boots and the smile from ear-to-ear.
Often times I would tell Marilyn she married both our fathers as he embodied characteristics that were endearing to us, mostly their loving hearts. When Brian traveled up to the Sault he would often dawn on my Uncle’s apron and work for hours in the kitchen of our family restaurant. They most definitely shared a love of politics and service of others. Brian and my Dad were both concerned about minimizing waste and frugal could be their middle name.
We all have Brian stories to treasure. One of his students told the family how Brian encouraged her to go out more, as she tended to be on the shy side. She took his advice and said yes to an invitation to a party. As chance would have it, she met someone who later employed her. If it hadn’t been for Professor Innes, she wouldn’t have taken the step to accept. Thanks, Brian for teaching us the value of saying ‘yes’.
Whenever you visited the farm Brian would insist you sign the visitors’ book. At first I wasn’t so sure about this – what was the purpose? Well, if you knew Brian it made sense. Another way to remain connected to one another, simple yet powerful. It keeps us ever present. Many years ago, I attempted to begin a visitor book at my apartment and abandoned it. The time has come to begin once again in honour of Brian and a gift to keep those I love close. Thanks, Brain for your insightfulness.
Brian was known for his ‘stopovers’. He would simply drop by to say hello or get caught up or do a good deed. People looked forward to his visits. He would drive his truck down the county lines at 30 km/hr and he would look down the drives to see if anyone was home. If he left the truck running, people knew he was just stopping by to say hi because he would not waste fuel or negatively add exhaust to the air. If the truck was shut down, it was time to put on the tea or coffee. Thanks, Brian for your genuine heart.
As a child at my grandmother’s I loved when relatives would do ‘stopovers’. I would completely light up because it was time to hear stories. Brian reminds us of the importance of community. It is people like Brian that build community. It is people like Brian that brings community together in times of joy and sorrow. It is people like Brian who remind us personal stories are the fabric of our history, it is what leads us to our tomorrows. Thanks, Brian for reminding us what counts.
We love you, Brian
1951-2009
Michael Wilson
August 7, 2009
My condolences to Professor Innes family. Prof Innes was THE professor who inspired me to continue my studies after my B.A. He was genuinely interested in his students’ success and well-being.
He was a great, approachable man and his passing is a sad loss to the UWO community.
Kevin Wamsley
August 5, 2009
Brian was a good man, a real pleasure to be around. He was a valued member of our Faculty and was loved by our students. Brian's sense of respect for others made him one of the best-liked professors among his colleagues. We will miss him, our students will miss him, and the university will miss his contributions. Best wishes to Marilyn, Brianna, and Emily and the rest of the family.
Pat Legris
August 5, 2009
I will always remember Brian as a man of integrity and honesty who worked hard at his crafts of farming and politics. He was a master of both and that is why many sought out his wise counsel and sage advice. His knowledge of public policy and the workings of government is legendary and I shall remember with fondness the times I worked with him in Ottawa and at Queens Park. Brian made a positive impact in many lives. Condolences from our family to yours. He is missed.
Pat Legris and the Legris Family
Ann Rayner
August 5, 2009
Marilyn my thoughts and prayers are with you and I didn't realize until now that Brian was your husband and I knew him My daughter Sandra worked on his campaign when she was home to visit from UNI and I know she too will be sad to hear of his passing. He was a man of honour and hinesty and he will be missed by so many.take care your plato friend Ann
Fiona Stewart
August 4, 2009
My thoughts go out to Brian's family and friends. I only knew him through his role as a professor at UWO but can say that he was an incredible teacher who was dedicated to each student's understanding and progress. I will always contribute my awareness and future involvements in health policy to the knowledge he inspired us to attain. He will be greatly missed by the academic and student community at UWO.
George Sawision
August 4, 2009
We all send our condolences to the Innes family, it is always difficult when you lose someone who has been such an inspiration to all of us.
Sawision family
Dan Baldwin
August 4, 2009
I wish to send my condolences to Brian's family and friends. Having learned so much from Brian while at the University of Western Ontario, I am deeply saddened to hear of his passing. Brian had a big heart, a passion for public policy and was a driving force for me to continue my education. He was an inspiration to not only myself, but many other students and he will be greatly missed. Brian was not just our professor. He was our friend. We miss you already Brian.
Jason Pearson
August 3, 2009
Brian was a valant fighter for the underdog. As a life long liberal Brian always fought for what was right not what was popular. He never forgot his farming roots and worked tirelessly for his community and country. A huge loss not just for his family but for the community. Brian you will be sorely missed
Joe Tersigni
August 3, 2009
I am very sorry to hear of Brian's passing away.My condolences to his wife, children and the rest of his family.
Brian worked for a short while at MMM consultants and made a lot of friends then.I was the President & CEO there.
I regret that due to other obligations I will not be able to attend the funeral. My prayers are offered up for him.
Hilda Swirsky
August 3, 2009
May the family be comforted during this difficult time by Brian's acts of kindness and the positive impact he has made on the lives he touched.
Terri Chu
August 2, 2009
Brian, I miss you already.
Your random acts of kindness will never be forgotten. The last time we saw each other, you randomly stopped over to my place (during Toronto's garbage strike) just to see if there was any garbage you could clear out on your way back to the farm. Those little gestures were really what made you so great. You never asked for anything in return and you just did little things to make other people's lives easier. You did it because you could, not because you had to.
I miss you.
Tom & Paula Valcke
August 2, 2009
Brian was a kind-hearted, wholesome, proud family man who was fortunate not just to have a loving family, but to live out two of his passions, farming and politics. 57 years is not enough time here, but he certainly got the max out of those years. He was a pleasure to be around, and we know his fond memories will not fade, and that his legacy will remain alive through Marilyn, Brianna and Emily. We are away at this time and may not be able to get home in time for his funeral service, but either way, please know that our hearts are heavy, he and his loved ones are in our prayers, and we salute the man he was.
Love,
Tom, Paula, Alanna, Jaxon & Mia Valcke
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