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Brian Des Islet Obituary
Brian was predeceased by his parents, Graham Charles Des Islet and Linda Ann Des Islet (nee Vose). He was an adoring brother to Elizabeth Azzarello (Jason) and a devoted son-in-law to Laney Maki and Ray Maki (predeceased) and Don Kenney (predeceased) and Charlotte Kenney. He was a treasured brother-in-law to Michele Juma (Ali), Robert Kenney (Kim), David Kenney (Amanda), Janice Kenney (Peter), Melissa Kenney (TJ) and Don Kenney (predeceased). Brian was an adored and deeply admired uncle to Sander, Connor (Kaitlynn), Shelby, Emily (Eiren), Anthony, Kaden, Aidan, Kiran, Aaron, Jack and Madeline.
More than anything, Brian loved spending time with family and friends and keeping busy at the cottage up North. He enjoyed meeting new people and would strike up a conversation with anyone he encountered. His signature "Business Lunches" were a favourite for all the kids in his life. Brian was an avid sports fan and particularly enjoyed watching golf, baseball, football and his beloved Toronto Maple Leafs. He touched the lives of many children who will always remember him as a fun-loving, kind of crazy, but always devoted coach, astrologer, fisherman and boat captain.
Following his Ph.D. in chemistry from the University of Western Ontario, Brian joined the pharmaceutical industry and steadily progressed from lab chemist with Novopharm to lead Research and Development in Novopharm later Teva Canada as Vice President, Scientific Affairs and, most recently, as Chief Scientific Officer and Vice President for Scientific Affairs at Pharmascience Inc.
Brian possessed a keen intellect, sense of humour and love of sports. He had a knack for making deep personal connections with people he worked with and came across in everyday life. Brian applied his incredible creativity, practicality and problem-solving ability when faced with challenging projects. He could distil the most complex issues to their essence and use his interpersonal skills and intellect to solve problems that others could not. He always maintained a refreshingly positive outlook and was much respected and loved by his colleagues and staff.
Brian will always be remembered as an insightful scientist, humanist and leader within the Generic pharmaceutical industry.
A Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, June 18, 2022 from 2pm to 5pm at the Armstrong Funeral Home, 124 King St. East, Oshawa, ON. Memorial Donations to the Heart and Stroke Foundation would be greatly appreciated by the family.
Final and fitting thoughts from our favourite Sci-Fi fanatic,
"I have been....and always shall be....your friend"
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Memories and Condolences
for Brian Des Islet
Sponsored by Armstrong Funeral Home Ltd..
4 Entries
Kevin Mueller
June 17, 2022
Brian and I attended grad school together at the University of Western Ontario. After graduation, we became colleagues at Novopharm/Teva Canada. I first met Brian at a Chemistry department softball game in grad school. I remember that day since our team showed up ready to play. The only problem was that we only had one bat and it was literally falling apart. Brian showed up with his own personal bat and insisted that everyone on the team use it. That´s the type of person Brian was. I will remember him as someone who always had time for others, especially to share a story and a laugh. My deepest sympathies to Brian´s family.
Jackie Attersley & Tom Shizas
June 11, 2022
Our condolences on your loss. Brian was an amazing individual who touched many lives. He made high school tolerable (the library conference room for lunch was a highlight) and I even remember him from Central Park Senior Public school. May he Rest In Peace. Our thoughts are with you and the family. Jackie and Tom Shizas
David Bracey
June 11, 2022
My sincere condolences to Brian's family and friends. I have fond memories of Brian during high school and at the University of Western Ontario. A group of us would reserve a room in the OCVI library during lunch every day and Brian was a pillar in the group. He was funny, kind and one of the most intelligent people I know. He kindly contributed his time to speak to Master and Doctor of Business Administration students by Zoom at Anaheim University last year and our students enjoyed hearing about his experience in the pharmaceutical industry. He is definitely gone too soon and will be sadly missed.
Derek Matysik
June 10, 2022
I would like to pass along my sincerest condolences to the family. I remember Brian from school and have many fond memories. He was always smiling and just fun to be around.
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Memorial Events
for Brian Des Islet
Jun
18
Celebration of Life
2:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m.
Armstrong Funeral Home Ltd.124 King Street East, Oshawa, ON L1H 1B6