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Brian Wile Obituary
August 12, 1938 - January 11, 2025
In Loving Memory
It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of Brian Olen Wile on January 11, 2025, in Parksville, BC, after a courageous battle with cancer. At the time of his passing, he left behind his beloved wife Faye, his loving daughter Corinne, brother Gary (Dora), sister Saundra (George), nephews Craig (Debbie) and Ian, and niece Marion (Dean), along with many other nieces and nephews. Brian joins his cherished son Dennis, who predeceased him in 2012, as well as his parents, Olen and Gertrude, and nephew Richard Wile.
Born on August 12, 1938, in Kirkland Lake, Ontario, Brian moved with his family to finish high school in Cranbrook, BC where he met Faye as a young teenager. It was love at first sight. Following high school, they moved to Victoria, BC to pursue their careers and life together. Brian's journey was marked by his devotion to education and he possessed a unique ability to inspire a love of learning, especially in special needs students, leaving an indelible mark on countless lives. Having excelled in higher education at the University of Victoria, where he obtained his Master's Degree in education, Brian dedicated over 30 years to teaching as a Vice-Principal and Principal of various schools in Victoria. Beyond his professional achievements, Brian was a man of diverse interests and talents. His disposition was one of courage and tenacity, always striving to excel in everything he undertook. An avid lover of the outdoors, he found joy in salmon fishing, camping, and traveling to Mexico. His green thumb was evident in his vegetable gardens, and he had a fierce passion for all sports, as a spectator and was a hockey coach for many years, having obtained his level 5 coaching certification. He trained for and completed eleven marathons with tenacity and determination. Brian was an intelligent, funny and creative spirit who dabbled in painting and was a published author. He had a big heart and kept his cherished friendships close to him. Known for his love of a good arm wrestle, Brian would bet on anything that was not unreasonable, always with a twinkle in his eye.
A special thank you to Dr. Sue Hunter and the caring nurses, Will, Colleen, Crystal, Margaret and others at Trillium Hospice in Parksville who were gracious, empathic and professional during Brian's final days. He did not want to leave this world just yet, but said, don't be sad, I had a great run!
In March 2025, he was laid to rest alongside his wife Faye in a private burial in Cranbrook, BC.
Brian will be deeply missed but forever remembered by those who had the privilege to know and love him.
Memories and Condolences
for Brian Wile
Sponsored by the Victoria Times Colonist.
5 Entries
Dennis Mitchell
August 12, 2025
I just was about to reach out to Mr. Wile for his birthday wishes and read the crushing news . He was not only a great hockey coach to both my brother and myself but a great mentor and friend . Sending love and light to the family from the Mitchell family . Much love Mr. Wile R.I.P .... Denny
ross berringer
May 5, 2025
Mr. Wile was our grade 6 and 7 teacher at craigflower in 1966 and 1967. At that time he was in his late twenties. i very clearly remember his rather wicked ability to launch a two inch piece of chalk from one end of the classroom to the other with frightening accuracy and velocity. He was a very athletic person and i much admired his ability at baseball and hockey, he coached us for several years in both sports. In September he would bring in a transistor radio and we would listen to the world series games, if you were not a baseball fan it meant several hours of gazing out the window or doing homework. He was also influential in encouraging me to write and was my mentor when i entered and won the commonwealth essay competition in 1967. Lastly, he was in charge of our drama production that year, Puss in Boots and participated in the drama festival in the late spring of 1968. I recall riding in the back of a valiant station wagon late on a june evening surrounded by stage equipment. I think his family can rest assured that he influenced many lives in favourable ways
Debbie Cybulski
May 4, 2025
Dear Corinne, family and friends
I am so sorry for your recent loss of Brian and Faye. They will be sorely missed.
I had the good fortune of meeting Brian as the Principal of Hampton School as a parent. Two of my favourite memories are:
After running in the Garden City 10k with my son and raising money for the Hampton PAC, Brian showed up on our doorstep on a Sunday morning to deliver us his kind words of appreciation along with Hampton School Sweatshirts. Have never found a hoodie that has compared in quality and my fondness of wearing as it reminded me of such a kind man and his gesture.
My son's class incubated lovely eggs into chicks to be delivered to Brian and Faye's new family home up island, and when the children asked how they were doing, he would tease that, "he was fattening them up for dinner". He and Fay then hosted a home visit for the kids and as Brian predicted (with that smile and that twinkle in his eye) their attachment to "those cute little chicks" would shift now that they were full grown chickens ...and their poop really stunk! He could now eat their eggs and/or roast without guilt.
As an advocate for children with special needs, our relationship continued as we were fortunate he joined us as a volunteer with the Learning Disabilities Association (now LDABC The Learning Curve) when he retired. His wisdom was valued, and his want and desire to make a difference was second to none.
Yesterday, just a day before reading of his passing, I was consulting with a parent needing support, and I said, "I wish I was connected to someone I haven't talked with in a while. He would always provide support and guidance that could be trusted in a situation like this". It was Brian I was referring to.
Over the last 15 years since our last conversation, he is front of mind and continues to influence my life and work. My only regret is that I didn't let him know. Regardless, well done, Brian!
May each of you know, he and Faye will continue to be present in your lives.
Bonnie Yarish
May 4, 2025
I went to Craigflower elementary in the 60´s and had Mr. Wile as my teacher in both grades 6 and 7. I remember him very clearly as one of the best teachers I had. He always called my red haired friend `carrot top´, a nick name she really didn´t like. I also remember being in the play `Puss in Boots´ which he directed.
My condolences to the family.
Bonnie Yarish (nee Berringer)
Pam deVooght
May 3, 2025
Mr. Wile was more than a teacher to me-he was a life mentor, a guiding light, and a lifelong friend. I was lucky to have him for both Grade 6 and 7, but the impact he had on me lasted well beyond the classroom. Over the 35 years we kept in touch, I always looked forward to our conversations-his wisdom, kindness, and belief in me never wavered. One of the most touching moments was when he met my children and told them how much he had learned from me. Coming from the person who taught me so much about life, that meant the world. I will always carry his lessons, his humour, and his warmth in my heart. Thank you, Mr. Wile, for seeing me, believing in me, and helping shape the person I am today. You are deeply missed, Brian
Love Pam deVooght (Doran)
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