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Brian Arruda
1971 - 2015
Brian Arruda
1971 - 2015
Obituary
Guest Book
BORN
1971
DIED
2015
Brian Arruda Obituary
A larger than life figure, with a real enthusiasm for life, Brian was surrounded by his loving family as he peacefully passed on Monday January 12, 2015 after a hard fought and courageous battle with cancer. Brian and his family would like to thank the staff at Southlake Regional Health Center for their care and kindness during his stay, and support during this difficult time.
Brian will always be remembered by his beloved wife Eileen of 19 years, and will continue to be an inspiration of love, faith, and kindness to his daughter Emily and his numerous friends and colleagues.
Son of Humberto Arruda and Regina Arruda of Mississauga, brother of Ana and Michael (wife Christine), loving uncle to Nicholas and Alexander, Brian leaves behind the extended Arruda family, countless friends and colleagues who loved and respected him and will miss him dearly. He will always be remembered for his enthusiasm and positive outlook with which he approached all things in his remarkable life.
Brian worked at York Catholic District School Board (YCDSB), teaching from kindergarten up to grade 5, adding an air of sophistication to their day with the "word of the week", and was often greeted in the school with a resounding "Salutations Mr Arruda!" Brian encouraged and celebrated all opportunities to learn & develop skills in the classroom and through extracurricular activities. He relished in nurturing the potential in each student, and enjoyed bringing his love of drama to the school stage. Brian became teacher-librarian for a few years and was able to work with every single age group, and then became the Computers in Education Consultant for the entire YCDSB where he worked tirelessly to bridge departments. His vision of education is even now being implemented by the school board through the 21st Century Learning initiative. Brian was also extremely proud of his acceptance into the Apple Distinguished Educator program, a global network of handpicked educators chosen for the embodiment of forward-thinking values and skills.
Brian's zest for life went well beyond the classroom. He loved to travel, experiment with photography, bomb down a hill with his daughter snowboarding, camp and canoe in the Canadian wilderness with his buddies, give his all in hockey and volleyball, enjoy live theatre, movies and concerts with family and friends and integrate all things Star Wars, Muppets and Disney into his daily life. Brian took particular joy in sharing his passion for all of these activities with those he loved. While family and friends will miss Brian every day, we also mourn those who will not have the opportunity to know this extraordinary person. Rest in peace Brian. MTFBWY.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Make a Wish Foundation or Blue Door Shelters of York.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
36 Entries
Paul & Tracy Marques
January 19, 2015
Dear Eileen,
I'm so sorry to hear of Brian's passing. He was an amazing friend with a beautiful spirit and infectious laugh.
Our deepest sympathies to your family.
January 18, 2015
Dear Eileen, I am so sorry for your great loss. May you find some comfort and strength in the love of those around you and know that Brian is always close. You and Emily remain in my prayers. Love, Elsa Strano
Eugene Girolimetto
January 18, 2015
I knew Brian through hockey, but it was clear that his energy and enthusiasm wasn't limited to the ice. My deepest condolences to Eileen, Emily, and all Brian's family and friends. May God's grace bear you up in this time of sorrow.
Lucy
January 17, 2015
Your bright light will shine always in the hearts of those who knew you well and in those of us you have inspired. May God's eternal light shine on your soul forever.
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Travelling with the Arrudas in Venice
Joseph Cordi
January 17, 2015
Joseph Cordi
January 17, 2015
Greetings and salutations! I can still hear Brian's cheerful voice thundering through the halls, the classroom and the library as he greeted students and colleagues. He was a renaissance man who showed passion for books, art, theatre, technology, sports, Disney, Star Wars and put his full heart and soul into anything he did. Brian was a consummate teacher and had a unique gift of imparting his tremendous knowledge without sounding pedantic and made his students (of all ages) feel good about themselves. His humanity, humility, kindness and great enthusiasm were most infections and inspired us to be better people and I know that I am a better person for having known Brian.
I will cherish the many memories of our families traveling together in Europe and on the slopes of Mont Tremblant and I am blessed to have enjoyed your valued friendship. May the Force be with you!
My heart-felt condolences to Eileen, Emily, and the rest of the Arruda Family. Brian has touched so many people on so many levels and he continues to live on in each of us!
Joe Cordi
January 16, 2015
Our heartfelt condolences to the Arruda family.
Our daughter Caroline was very lucky to have had Mr. Arruda as her grade 2 teacher (2006-2007) at Our Lady of the Annunciation CES. Caroline has always told us that Mr. Arruda was her favourite elementary school teacher. She has so many fond memories of that year such as the nick names, challenging word of the day, “Salutations”, a shared love of the Muppets, “Be Benevolent”, the love of reading the Judy Blume books, Aladdin production etc . Mr. Arruda was a genuinely talented teacher who had the gift of being able to connect with his students because he really cared. He really was someone Special who left a positive impact on our daughter. Our thoughts and prayers are with the Arruda family. We will never forget him.
Caroline Shepherd and family, Richmond Hill, Ontario
Christy Webb
January 16, 2015
Dear Eileen and Emily,
More than words are often required, but difficult to find.
Brian will forever be etched in our minds and hearts as a gifted glowing soul. He would befriend and care for those in need neither stumbling nor faltering in his step or happy demeanour.
Brian's intellect opened doors of understanding to many who had yet to gain such a talent. He could summon a deep source of patience and extract knowledge from far beyond this world as we know it and inspire those around him to do so too.
For those of us who have the privilege of calling him friend, we are truly-deeply thankful. For we have been made better people to have been included in his life.
May you feel the love, kindness and strength emanating from all of us-despite the constraints of time or distance.
With Love,
Christy, David and Sebastian Webb
Lockhart, NSW, Australia
January 16, 2015
My deepest condolences to the Arruda family.
I have been quite blessed to have had the opportunity to work with Brian for 3 years. He was the most gentle, kind, caring, helpful person I have ever known. I believe anyone who ever met Brian, never forgot Brian. He definitely left a lasting impression -- he was quite spectacular in every way. He will truly be missed but never forgotten.
We must believe that there is a greater purpose beyond life on earth. God had a reason for calling Brian. Brian was often called upon by others to share his talents and expertise. This time was no different. God needed someone special, someone talented and someone who would not say "no". So he called upon Brian to join His Kingdom in Heaven. In exchange, Brian is at peace, is no longer suffering and is now a special angel to us all.
Thoughts and Prayers Always,
Maria Cipriani
Nancy Sim
January 16, 2015
Eileen & Emily, I am so sorry for your loss. Brian was a lovely man. Please know that my thoughts and prayers are with both of you.
January 16, 2015
We are deeply sorry to hear about the death of Brian. Our thoughts and prayers are with Eileen and Emily during this difficult time. May the love of those around you help you through the days ahead.
Love Maria H, Lucy & family
R. Tams
January 16, 2015
My deepest condolences to the Arruda family on Brian's passing. He taught me much of what I know about technology in the classroom. His enthusiasm and innovation will not be forgotten. May he rest in eternal peace.
January 16, 2015
We had the pleasure of knowing Mr. Arruda as our son's grade 2 teacher at OLA. His zest for life and passion for teaching was infectious. Our deepest sympathies to the Arruda family. May God bless his family at this difficult time and always.
The Di Cosmo family
Ottawa
January 16, 2015
Mickey!
January 16, 2015
Kermie
January 16, 2015
cousins
January 16, 2015
Sarah & Kermie
January 16, 2015
younger days
January 16, 2015
great costume
January 16, 2015
Lucy (Arruda) Taylor
January 16, 2015
My deepest condolences to Eileen and family.
Although I haven't seen Brian in a number of years; well back in our early teens, I instantly recognized his photo and it brought back many happy memories of Brian, Michael and Ana. My sincerest sympathies to Brian's parents; Uncle Humberto and Aunt Regina, I know this is a tremendous loss for them.
I understand that Brian has been ill for some time and I hope that his loved ones take solace in understanding that he is at peace.
I will (and do) remember him as a happy and very intelligent young man. But I must say that I am blown away; but not totally surprised, of his past achievements in the academics. Brian was very smart and that's one of the many things that I admired about him.
Once again, my sincerest condolences to you and family.
Mrs. McNaughton
January 16, 2015
I am truly sorry for you loss. My daughters knew Mr. Arruda from Father Frederick McGinn when he was the librarian there. My girls would come home and recite a cute song that the librarian (Mr. Arruda) taught them. "the author is the person who writes the story, Oh yahhh". He got them excited to go to the library, he gave them a passion and appreciation for books and he brightened their day! I know that he made a difference in their lives. My condolences go out to your family.
Vito Cairone
January 16, 2015
Dear Eileen,
My children always spoke very fondly of your husband. Our deepest of condolences. May God watch over you and your family.
The Cairone Family.
104 Timber Valley Avenue,
Richmond Hill, Ontario L4E 4Z9
Matt Dreger
January 15, 2015
I have met a lot of people. I am lucky to know many, many good people. In all my time I have not encountered a better, kinder or more positive person than Brian. This is no exaggeration for the purpose of eulogy; it is the truth as I see it. Whether through his bearing, his respect, his empathy or his tendency to apologize, Brian always showed that he cared and was mindful of those around him. I cannot find another who would match him as an example of a human being, a man, a gentleman and father. We are all diminished by his passing, but he has left a lasting mark among those whose lives he's touched. For me, the absence of his friendship has created a void, but he has left guideposts that show a way of being that can make one a better person.
Brian Arruda: a special husbnd, father, person, teacher and friend.
January 15, 2015
If I was asked to describe Brian, I would say he was intelligent, articulate, kind hearted, and passionate about his family, friends, fellow teachers, colleagues and students. I have difficulty in keeping the descriptions of Brian limited to a paragraph. I could easily fill a page on how special he was and that would likely not be enough. I'm proud to say that Brian was my friend and prouder to have had the privilege of working, learning from and getting to know him. I was often in awe of his style of teaching. He had a way about him that made you feel like you were the only one in his class. You see, it was never ever about Brian...it was about his students (young or old), it was about sharing his knowledge and helping people. Brian will be forever etched in my heart. I know that our loss is heaven's gain and although his journey on earth has come to an end, we will try our best to carry his torch and his vision for teaching/learning forward and hopefully make him proud.
Eileen, special people attract special people. You and Emily are special and I know he will forever be with you. Please accept my sincerest condolences. My thoughts and prayers are with you. xxoo
Darlene Clapham.
January 15, 2015
Rest in Peace Brian. I am honoured to have known you. For the short time that I got to spend with you, your strong will, positive attitude and kind gentle soul will inspire me for a lifetime. My condolences go out to your family.
Dale (the Nurse) RN
Nancy Hackett
January 15, 2015
Dearest Eileen - my deepest sympathies on this intensely sad loss. When I learned of Brian's passing, I could hardly believe it. I will always remember being part of the group the evening you met Brian walking up to Fed Hall at UW. It looked to me like sparks flew/love at first sight for both of you! And being your roommate at the time, there certainly were lots of Brian stories after that! I have great memories of Brain visiting you at NDC. And of group camping at Sauble Beach. And your beautiful, big wedding! Brian was a wonderful man and he will always be remembered with much respect and admiration. Although it has been several years since we've seen each other, you and your daughter are in my prayers and thoughts.
Sylvie Mannil
January 15, 2015
I worked with Brian at our Lady of Annunciation for a short period of time. I was just an occasional teacher at the time, but I never forgot how gentle and humble he was. Years later, he visited my school as a consultant and much to my surprise he remembered me! He still exuded a tremendous aura of warmth, humility and humanity. Eileen and Emily, please know that my thoughts and prayers are with you. Brian, rest in peace you left a beautiful legacy.
January 15, 2015
Our Deepest Condolences to the Arruda Family. God Bless you all in this dark time.
The Luis-Panici Family
Dave & Cathy Faria
January 14, 2015
Our heartfelt sympathies to you Eileen.
Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our affliction, so that we may be able to comfort those who are in any affliction, with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God.
Lydia Colacino
January 14, 2015
To a teacher who saw the best in every single student, not only his own, who wanted nothing more than to educate kids on how to be loyal, humble and intelligent. Mr. Arruda, I will never forget your enthusiasm, your encouragement or your dedication to me, to my friends, and to all at Holy Jubilee CES.
From the drama queen in the grade 5 class next door, Rest in Peace.
Matthew Walker
January 14, 2015
The greatest hardships brought about by death are those felt by friends and loved ones left behind. What a blessed person Brian was, and how very positively he impacted all who shared the gift of his friendship!! When such a thoughtful, caring person is called to God's Kingdom ahead of us, we feel the void of his absence much more. Despite this apparently dark and gloomy side of Brian's passing, we should all remember that he has gone ahead to join those blessed members of God's Kingdom, and that we now have another one of His angels looking after us - and what a wonderful Angel Brian will make!!
Brian was a best friend to me through high school, university, and together with Eileen, he even opened his home to me, as a means of helping me get a head-start on "real life." For the blessing of being able to share in Brian's life, for being able to love him as a dear friend, I am truly and deeply thankful to God. My greatest wish is to continue to grow in wisdom, and to model Brian's uncompromising love for others, so that one day I may again see our dear friend in a greater place.
God Bless and Keep your spirit, Brian. You will always be missed, loved, and remembered dearly, as your memory continues to mentor others.
Matthew John Walker
Marco & Donna Sienna & family
January 14, 2015
No words can ever come close to what we really mean to say with this loss, or describe how you are feeling during this time. It is with great sadness that we offer our condolences to you, Eileen and Emily. Winnie-the-Pooh watches and Elvis impersonations are just a few things that will always remind us of Brian and his smile. He is truly a person that made an impact on everyone he met.
January 14, 2015
Michael,
Reading about your brother above, I now understand why you were so close to him. You can count on me for support and help in these difficult times....Sonia
Julia Dilecce
January 14, 2015
After reminiscing about elementary school memories just last week with some old friends, today I learned my grade 5 teacher, Mr. Arruda passed away from cancer. Although we might be ten years distant, it still hit me pretty hard.
Mr. Arruda stands out of my list of school teachers because he didn't just teach boring subjects well; looking back at it now (and we knew it somewhat then) that he taught us true character at such a critical age of change.
Words of the day, thoughtful nicknames (that we all still remember and laugh with today) were just a few things that made class and building friendships fun with us.
And through character he taught us life. As an exceptional example of kindness, Mr. Arruda reminded us daily through challenges and confrontations that we are to express kindness, ethics and morals in each one of our actions.
His indirect impact on my life and my peers exceeds our classroom beside the staircase at Holy Jubilee ten years ago, and his impact on everyone he met will exceed his years. That's just because you were you, Sir.
My thoughts and prayers are with his family at this time. He spoke so highly of you to all of us
Signed,
T2
Joe & Odalia Rebelo
January 14, 2015
Our heartfelt sympathies to the Arruda family. Brian was a kind and gentle man who never failed to greet us with a big hug and a genuine sense of caring. He will be sadly missed. Our deepest regrets that we will be out of the country and unable to attend his service; but please know that you will all be in our thoughts and prayers. The Rebelo family
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