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Brian Nadjiwon Obituary

It is with great sadness that the family of Brian Nadjiwon announces his sudden passing on Friday, August 14, 2020, at the age of 59 years at his home in East Delta, BC.

He will be sadly missed by his life partner, Crystal Harrison; twin brother, Brent; and dear friends, Cynthia and Jacob Simonis. He leaves behind daughter, Alexandra Latulippe; and sons, Ryan Nadjiwon and Gabriel Gladu-Fortier; niece, Alexis Nadjiwon-Stover; aunt, Merceline Nadjiwon-Doran; and uncle, Robert Nadjiwon. He was predeceased by his mother, Betty Charlotte Nadjiwon (2009).

Brian grew up near the Toronto area with his mother and twin brother from the Chippewas of Nawash Unceded First Nation, Neyaashiinigmiing Indian Reserve No. 27 (Cape Croker).

Brian faced and overcame incredible obstacles and adversity and achieved academic and business success. He found true contentment and happiness in his life despite having lived through a harsh colonial context.

Due to the pandemic and for everyone's safety there will be no traditional funeral viewings. On Sunday, September 6, 2020, there will be a Zoom virtual memorial service and celebration of Brian's amazing life.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Delta Optimist from Sep. 3 to Sep. 5, 2020.

Memories and Condolences
for Brian Nadjiwon

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20 Entries

Jackie (Ruttan)

December 10, 2021

I met Brian at the University of Waterloo in the Engineering building in 1979 following a computer science class. He had a stack of punch-cards in his hands, and I asked him for help. There is no doubt he was extremely intelligent - I have thought of him many, many times over the years and have wondered about what had become of him. He was a brilliant programmer with an engaging personality and a great love of Pink Floyd. As saddened as I am to read about his passing, I am so grateful to have read that he was able to find his way through life and to excel as he did; there was no doubt he had the ability. He will be missed my many.

Thom Dickinson

July 2, 2021

I was Brian's grade 7 teacher in 1973/74. At that time Brian was living in a foster home in Mississauga, Ontario. He was obviously brilliant, somewhat quiet, a little mischievous, but never caused any real trouble. We developed a nice relationship and I feel I provided a good male adult support for him. We continued to keep in touch for a few years, then reconnected again about 10 years ago. Over the last 40 plus years I often thought of Brian and wondered how he was making out. The emails we recently exchanged and the few phone calls we had were very reassuring for me. He was an amazing human being and I am a better person for having known him. I am very sad to have recently learned of his passing. My heart goes out to his family, and to all who knew Brian.

Paul Tulloch

November 27, 2020

Just heard about Brian's passing. Him and I shared a lot of experiences and were floor mates at Carleton University. He was definitely an intensely smart, engaging and humorous friend. The memories of that early period in my life and sharing learning, fun and growing were some of the fondest in my life. I got to know him more than most at university and we worked on our homework together and somehow made it through quite a challenging first year in computer science. He was such a master of calculus and other math. We competed hard on programming but usually would share our coded ideas. He loved his music- and he loved it loud. We would crank his stereo in residence and the whole building would shake. He would giggle and say- we need it louder! Especially his Pink Floyd. A lot of uncanny memories. Like many of my university friends we eventually lost touch- but the memories were always loud and fresh. Sorry to hear of this news. Take care Brian's family- I know he will be chuckling somewhere in this universe. RIP. Paul Tulloch, Ottawa

Crystal Harrison

September 13, 2020

The following picture was taken Christmas Day 2013. Brian and I were visiting our dear son Ryan. Brian was an excellent father and loved his son dearly. His loss will be felt by both Ryan and I for the rest of our lives.

Crystal Harrison

cynthia Simonis

September 13, 2020

A gifted computer programmer with numerous certifications, Brian had worked for Microsoft, IBM and the Federal Government where he helped install Canada’s first national computer network. Brian was a current student at Kwantlen Polytechnic University where he excelled at his studies having initiated ideas and theories that are considered innovative and creative. He had recently completed his Bachelor of Technology degree and was two credits shy of his BA degree.

Brian was a caring and giving soul who was loved and respected, enriching the lives of all of us that were lucky enough to really have known him.

Brent Nadjiwon

September 12, 2020

The following 2 Photo's of Brian as a young buck are courtesy of the Safe Clan, Stephen, Lorna, Sara & Carol and to whom I am eternally grateful for what you did for my Brother, the sharing of your memories of him & the kind words of sympathy all of you have expressed.
Many, Many Thanks from the bottom of our broken hearts,
Brent & Family

Brent Nadjiwon

September 12, 2020

Brent Nadjiwon

September 12, 2020

Suzanne Gougeon

September 7, 2020

Hey Brian, what's happening'? Brian was a great buddy of mine in the late 80s/early 90s when he lived in Ottawa and was dating then got engaged to my best friend. We spent a lot of time together, laughed a lot and had a great connection. I had news of Brian from my friend for a while after he moved out West. I knew of Crystal and Ryan. Brian was such a brilliant and gentle soul. I will remember him fondly and with a big smile. I'm sure his fur buddy Shahoo was thrilled to reunite with him!

Anne Armstrong

September 6, 2020

I am so sorry to hear about Brian's passing. I remember him from many years ago when we both worked at the same government department and shared the same circle of friends. He was so brilliant and had so much potential. I'm glad he was able to heal and reconnect with his roots. I will always think of him fondly.

Carol Creel

September 6, 2020

The Safe family has so many memories of our years with Brian. He was the only brother I have ever known and I am so thankful that my parents took him in and helped him find his way in life. God bless you Brent and all of Brian’s friends in B.C.

Sara Safe

September 6, 2020

Brian on pony with my cousin at our farm near Guelph Ontario 1977.

Hunter Bungay

September 6, 2020

Brian was my friend for 35 years. I hold that 35 year friendship in the highest regard and I fondly remember the student, the mentor, the rogue, the computing/math genius, sound engineer and finally the ardent family man he became. Brian was obviously many things to many people and everyone seemed to know a different Brian. He was a kind man with a weak heart. I'll miss my friend every bloody day. RIP Brother.

Cluster of 50 Memorial Trees

Lorna Safe

Planted Trees

cynthia Simonis

September 5, 2020

cynthia Simonis

September 4, 2020

cynthia Simonis

September 4, 2020

cynthia Simonis

September 4, 2020

cynthia Simonis

September 4, 2020

cynthia Simonis

September 4, 2020

Showing 1 - 20 of 20 results

Memorial Events
for Brian Nadjiwon

Sep

6

Memorial service

Zoom

BC