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John BREMNER Obituary

BREMNER, John Stevenson Col.(ret'd), OMM, CD 1943 - 2013 John lived his life following a diagnosis of advanced gastric cancer in Summer 2011, very much as he lived it prior: with courage, determination, humour, grace and intelligence. Although his strength of character allowed him to survive beyond expectations, sadly John passed away at the Royal Jubilee Hospital, Victoria on Friday, 19th April, 2013. John emigrated with his family from Edinburgh, Scotland to Canada in 1954, where they settled in BC. After completing his schooling, he enrolled in the Canadian Army and was commissioned in Princess Patricia's Canadian Light Infantry in 1964. His armed forces career of 37 years included commanding the Second Battalion PPCLI in Winnipeg, instructing at the Canadian Forces College in Toronto, two tours with NATO forces in Germany and peacekeeping with the UN in Egypt. Later in his career he was a member of the DND senior policy staff in Ottawa and served abroad as defence advisor at Canadian diplomatic missions in Egypt, Malaysia and India. He also worked in Sudan, Thailand, the Philippines, Brunei, Indonesia, Nepal and Bangladesh. Along the way he completed a master's degree at Queen's University and graduated from the National Defence College of Canada. After leaving the armed forces in 1998, John established a small but successful consulting business in Victoria, which focused primarily on emergency management. In his spare time he earned a private pilot's licence and spent many hours over southern Vancouver Island perfecting his flying skills and enjoying the scenery. He was also very active in his local community association. John is survived by his spouse of 48 years, Carol, children Lara (Geordie) and Colin (Ingrid), sister Angela (Doug), four grandchildren, Tyrus, Kiana, Bennett and Tassanie, mother-in-law Grace, sister-in-law Arlene (Ken), and several nephews and nieces, including his favorite, Lisa. The Bremner family extends their thanks to the persons involved in John's care; staff at the Cancer Agency, especially the chemotherapy nurses; nursing staff on 8 South at the RJH Patient Care Centre; Drs. Kotb, Kolodziejczyk, and Fanat; Veterans Affairs; OT James; dressing nurses at the Royal Oak Health Unit. A memorial service will be held in early May, date TBA. Flowers are declined with gratitude. If so wished, donations can be made to the BC Cancer Foundation at bccancerfoundation.com or the PPCLI Foundation at www.ppclifoundation.ca "> www.ppclifoundation.ca . Condolences can be sent to: www.carefuneral.com "> www.carefuneral.com .
Published by Victoria Times Colonist from Apr. 21 to Apr. 23, 2013.

Memories and Condolences
for John BREMNER

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10 Entries

Richard

April 29, 2024

I remember John so well from our school days together in Edinburgh. I was sad at losing a special friend when his family moved suddenly to Canada.

Jim Stewart

April 28, 2013

John and I met in Wainwright as 2Lt's. we had both emigrated from Scotland as kids. Our paths happily crossed from time to time - always enjoyable moments. To Carol and family our sincerest condolences

Peter Nielsen

April 27, 2013

John was my DS at Command & Staff College in Toronto in 83-84. He was a gentleman, a true mentor and a thinking man's infantry officer. To Carol and her family, I offer my deepest sympathy.

Sylvia and John Heymans

April 27, 2013

Carol, Lara, and Colin...Sylvia and I want to express our deepest sympathy at your loss. John was a good friend and we remember our time together in Borden, so many years ago. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and the family at this very sad time.

Stafford & Elizabeth James

April 23, 2013

Our deepest sympathy to Carol and family.

May Mc Garry

April 22, 2013

Jim and I send our sincere sypathies Carol to you and your family.

Just remember the good times and your wonderful travels together.

Jim and May Mc Garry

Ted Campbell

April 22, 2013

John and I trained and served together back in the 1960s and we commanded our respective units at the same time, in the 1980s. He was a fine officer and a better man. My deepest sympathy goes out to to his family.

April 22, 2013

It has been a very long time since our paths crossed when my husband, Peter, served with you in the military. Thinking of you at this time. Gina Learmonth, New Westminster, BC

Donna and Hy Kirk Freedman

April 21, 2013

Our deepest sympathies to Carol, Lara, and Colin. We were fortunate to be great friends with John. We will miss our times together and John's sense of humour.

Barry Ashton

April 21, 2013

Carol, Leah and Colin and family,

Carol and I offer our deepest sympathy and sincere condolences. I will treasure many memories of John going back to our time together in officer training in Borden in 1964 and our fishing expeditions on the Bow River in the mid-1970's, that were followed by family picnics.

Warm regards,

Barry Ashton

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for John BREMNER

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