Bryan MONAGHAN Obituary
August 28, 1951 - March 3, 2012
It is with profound sadness that the family of Bryan Monaghan announces his passing on March 3, 2012. Bryan is survived by his loving wife Nancy, his cherished and beloved daughters Erin and Kelsey and his mother Helen. He is also survived by his extended family; father-in-law Roy Bjornson, brothers- in-law Carl (children Jay and Paula), Chris (wife Elaine), Stephen (wife Denise, children Megan and Alyssa), Eric (wife Brenda), Jon (wife Connie and son Axel) and sisters-in-law Elaine VanOyen (husband Henry, children Tanis Maisonneuve and her husband Dan, Jeffrey and Lisa), and Diane McWilliam (husband George). Several aunts, uncles, cousins and a multitude of close friends also mourn his passing. He is predeceased by his father Douglas Monaghan and his Mother-in- law Pauline Bjornson.
Born in Morden Manitoba, Bryan spent the majority of his youth in Stettler Alberta, where he formed many close and life-long friendships. He will be best remembered for his devotion to his family, forming and sustaining a wealth of friendships, and his sense of humor. After obtaining both undergraduate and masters degrees from San Jose State University, he served the citizens of Edmonton in a long and varied career in senior positions primarily related to recreation facility management. His expertise in customer service was particularly well known and sought after.
Bryan was well known for his passion for running, reading, photography, music and his ever-persistent love of knowledge and trivia.
Bryan did everything with 110% effort. He organized running teams for the Jasper-Banff and Kananaskis relay races, planned various events with family and friends, and would always take memorable photos and videos of everyone. He was the driving force that brought his friends and family together, and they have all benefited tremendously from his love, enthusiasm and humour. All who knew him, and there were many, are shocked and saddened by the passing of this active, effervescent man and his absence will be keenly felt. Special thanks are extended to the kind and supportive staff of the ALS Clinic, the ALS Society and the Alberta Health Services Home Care program. A celebration of Bryan's life will be held Sunday March 11th at 1:30 p.m., Woodvale Community Facility on the Millwoods golf course (4540 50st. Edmonton, Alberta). In lieu of flowers, contributions to the ALS Society of Alberta would be appreciated.
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27 Entries
Rick Ackerman
October 9, 2015
Hi Nancy, Erin and Kelsey: I have been looking for Bryan. How sad I am. I am from the old, old days in Stettler. He was my source of updates. Bryan and I golfed together. I have spent most of my life trying to golf as good as he did when he was 12. I am so proud of all his accomplishments. I am very sorry that you lost him at such a young age. I will always miss him.
Gerry & Atella Rutar
April 25, 2012
Nancy, Erin & Kelsey
Just recently heard about Bryan's passing and very shocked. We haven't realized he was ill as when we lived in the neighbourhood he was such an avid individual. Hold onto your precious memories. Our heartfelt sympathy to you all.
Tanya Sumka
March 13, 2012
My condolences to you and the girls. Bryan was my director at FEP for many years and he enjoyed giving me advice on hot tubs, jazz and his love for his girls. He always seemed very devoted and proud of his family. His sense of humor and devotion to things he loved will be remembered. Take care.
March 11, 2012
Dear Nancy, Erin and Kelsey- Our Deepest Sympathies go out to you in the loss of Bryan. We were all saddened to hear of Bryan's plight when you wrote to the Aunties at Christmas. His parents did a fine job of raising him and this shows greatly in all of the messages that have been sent. Although we can't be with you at this time, we are thinking of you. Carole, Auntie Tina, Auntie Anastasia- Winnipeg
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Anne Sharplin
March 10, 2012
I always looked forward to our chats as he came down to swim during his breaks, he will be missed. My condolences to His family
Chris & Mel Buerger
March 10, 2012
Nancy, our thoughts and prayers are with you and the girls. Take comfort knowing you have a very special and loving guardian angel now watching over you all. Bryan touched so many many many lives ... his memory will live on forever in our hearts.
Leanne Nickel (formerly Leanne de Boer)
March 9, 2012
Nancy, my sincere condolences to you and your daughters on the loss of your husband. While I only had the opportunity to meet him a few times when you and I worked together, I always admired the loving partnership you two seemed to have as you juggled successful careers and family life. I'm so sorry to see he was taken far too soon. May the fond memories of him shared by others here make his loss just a bit easier to bear.
Michael Payne
March 9, 2012
Like many others who have written here, I too had the pleasure of working with Bryan - for much too short a time unfortunately. His accomplishments speak for themselves, but I remember him best for his real interest in people and his infectious enthusiasms for everything from fountain pens to budget planning. He taught me a lot about what it means to be passionate about work without losing sight of the larger importance of family, friends, and the people with whom and for whom you work. My thoughts are with his family and the friends that meant so much him.
Doug and Marianne McLennan
March 8, 2012
To Nancy, Erin and Kelsey
It's hard to find words to express how sad we are to have heard this sad news. We have so many wonderful memories of him, you and the girls. He was a long time running companion, co-worker, my music guru and most importantly, a friend. Our deepest sympathy goes out to you, Erin and Kelsey.
Don Ovelson
March 8, 2012
Nancy may God grant you peace and comfort in the loss of Bryan. He was my running buddy for almost 20 years. I will miss him greatly. I enjoyed his sense of humor as he carried us thru many long noon hour runs. He was truly a great man and I am honored to have known him all of these years. Don Ovelson.
Zoe Agashae
March 8, 2012
Nancy and family, I'm so sorry to hear of your loss. My prayers are with you. Love,
March 8, 2012
Nancy & family,
My thoughts & prayers are for you at the passing of Bryan.
Although I didn't ever work directly with Bryan during the Parks & Rec days, I respected & liked him for what he stood for & in representing the Department.
Sorry for your loss.
Sincerely,
Vic Karaki, St. Albert, AB
Jaye Fredrickson
March 8, 2012
Nancy,
My thoughts are with you.
Donalda Pelton
March 7, 2012
Dear Monaghan Family, you are in our thoughts and prayers while you go through this difficult time. I had the pleasure of working with Bryan during his time with the Edmonton Space & Science Foundation (TELUS World of Science). He will be dearly missed- but we will always remember his smile, humour and friendship.
Rob Campbell
March 7, 2012
Dear Monaghan Family, my sympathies go out to all of you during this time. I always enjoyed talking to Bryan and was amazed at his energy. He will be greatly missed.
Alison Murray
March 7, 2012
Nancy, Erin and Kelsey
I am very sorry to hear about Bryan's passing. When I think of Bryan I remember his dedication to running, passing on new vegetarian recipes for me to try and cook when I was taking care of Erin as a baby!! and the way he had such respect for you and the girls. My thoughts are with you all at this difficult time.
Shawn Irwin
March 7, 2012
Monaghan (Bjornson) Families, we have lost a great man. Out thoughts are with you in this difficult time. We all enjoyed being part of Bryan's running teams both in Jasper and Kananaskis. May he Rest In Peace.
Gary Dewar
March 7, 2012
I am so sorry to hear of Bryan's passing. I had the great pleasure of working with Bryan at the City of Edmonton and experienced first hand what a wonderful man he was. My thoughts and prayers are with your family.
L Galusha
March 7, 2012
To Brian's wife and daughters. I was very sad to hear of your lose. My prayers go out to you during this mornful time for your family. Brian was an amazing person and I am glad I was fortunate enough to meet him and work for him.
Marilyn Kennedy
March 7, 2012
To the Monaghan Family and especially to Nancy, Erin and Kelsey. Life was far too short for such a vibrant and dedicated husband and father. I will remember with great fondness sitting beside Brian while watching our girls at synchronized swimming meets. His sense of humour and knowledge of music was always appreciated. May you always cherish the many memories he created for you. With deep sympathy,
SAIDOU TINE
March 7, 2012
My sincere condolences to you Nancy and daughters and the hole family and friends '' SAIDOU TINE CBI HOME HEALTH ''
J. Switzer
March 7, 2012
I was saddened to hear of Brian's passing and extend my sincere sympathy to his family. Brian was one in a billion and he will be sorely missed.
March 7, 2012
My heart is heavy thinking about your passing, your short time with us at the Science Centre, was very special.
Your kindness and dedication to helping me grow, your sense of humor, and encouragement, will be cherished.
Michael Mott
Heather Seutter
March 7, 2012
Dear Monaghan Family, my sympathies go out to you during this time of sadness.While words may offer little comfort to the loss, many share in the understanding of your grief. Bryan will always have a special place in my heart...he was truly a great man and mentor, my memories will be cherished...Heather Seutter & Landon Paquet
Linda &Terry Unger
March 7, 2012
Our sincere condolences Nancy to you and the girls.Bryan leaves a legacy of photos, friends and memories, I hope they all help to keep him close. Our heartfelt sympathy
Sharon Marie & Tim Mavko
March 7, 2012
Remembering your great love story today and always.
Lyle Hill
March 7, 2012
I will always remember Bryan as a man who loved life and cherished the friendships he made along the way. My deepest condolences.
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