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Brian CROOKES Obituary
June 2, 1954 - July 2, 2012
With much sadness and great love, the family of Brian Crookes announce his passing after a long and courageous battle with breast cancer. Brian was first and foremost the cornerstone of his family and took great pride in his three girls; his soul-mate and wife of 25 years, Mary Anne and beautiful daughters, Alex (23) and Angie (17). In addition to his immediate family, Brian is survived by his two sisters, Bev Ivans (Gordie), and Janice Weinmaster (Bruce) and brother, Kevin Crookes (Gloria) as well as numerous nieces, nephews and grandnephews. An avid pilot, Brian was most comfortable in a cockpit or relaxing at his hangar at the Springbank Airport. Those that knew Brian well, will always remember him for his well developed sense of humor, charm, wit and hospitality. Even in the most challenging days of his ten year battle with breast cancer, Brian would find the strength to visit and invariably shift the focus from his illness to his friendship with his visitor. When reflecting on his life outside of his family, Brian was extremely proud of the relationships that carried him through his career. He worked in the oilfield service industry and spent 25 years building Hallmark Tubulars Ltd. with his good friend and mentor, Ron Northcott. While at Hallmark, Brian developed and maintained relationships with an eclectic group of international friends, with his Japanese business partners and with numerous associates in the oil and gas industry. Brian was also very loyal to his close friends. After moving to Calgary in 1983, Brian maintained a close connection to his childhood Kelowna buddies and went on to develop new bonds with his neighborhood friends and with his extended family "VECH". A man of integrity and faith, Brian championed the effort to find the cure with the Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation between 2002 and 2009 and was instrumental in the building of St. Michael Catholic Community Church in southwest Calgary between 2008 and 2011. During his time at St. Michael, Brian developed close relationships with the clergy, staff and many parishioners. The Crookes family would like to express their sincere appreciation for the support provided by St. Michael Catholic Community, Dr. Dean Ruether, Kate, Susan and the entire staff at the Tom Baker Care Centre, Dr. Falk, nurse Andrea O'Brien and the palliative home care team and the staff at Rockyview Hospital. Finally, to VECH, G1, G6, G8, the "Walkers", Jayne and the meal providers… thank you, thank you, thank you… your love and support will never be forgotten. Relatives and friends are invited to Prayers and Tributes at St. Michael Catholic Community Church (800 - 85 Street S.W.), today, July 5, 2012 at 7:00 p.m. Funeral Services will be held at St. Michael Catholic Community Church (800 - 85 Street S.W.) on Friday, July 6, 2012 at 11:00 a.m. Condolences may be forwarded through www.mcinnisandholloway.com. If friends so desire, memorial donations may be made to St. Michael Catholic Community Building Fund or to the Breast Cancer Supportive Care Foundation, Suite 414 Hillhurst Building, 301 - 14 Street N.W., Calgary, AB T2N 2A1 (Telephone 403-270-2242 www.breastcancersupportivecare.com). In living memory of Brian Crookes, a tree will be planted at Big Hill Springs Park, Cochrane.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
65 Entries
John Gray
June 13, 2020
Hello Marry Ann
I never knew this site was on here and ironically I stopped in at the hanger the other day. Saw the door open - talked to a young guy who has his plane there. Looking around, seeing a few of Brians models - where Brian - Doug and I use to just chat brought back good memories. Can't believe it has been so long since then.
I so hope you and your girls are doing well.
David Robinson
June 10, 2013
I just stumbled upon this obituary quite by accident, and I'm devastated. I knew Brian many years ago, when he was living in Osoyoos BC and working for his father's irrigation supply company. We had a lot of fun times together. Brian even took me up with him on occasion, when he was banking flying hours for his instrumentation rating. Wonderful memories of flying over the Okanagan Valley!
Brian was one of the most pleasant, genial, and genuinely NICEST people I've ever known. I'm terribly sorry for his loss.
Les Anderson
September 12, 2012
I am saddened and sorry to learn of Brian's departure...
August 21, 2012
Thinking of you all and sending love, strength and hugs.
Robert, Kathy and Sarah Andrews
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Phil & Wendy Olinger
July 31, 2012
Mary Ann, Alex and Angie,
We are sending our sincere condolences to each of you and your extended family members. We learned of his passing a week ago otherwise would have been there for the funeral. Brian was such a wonderful guy and will surely be missed by many. We hope that the memories you hold most dear will help you through this sad time.
pamela levens
July 15, 2012
Dear Mary Ann,
What a generous spirit Brian had. I remember standing in your Borrego kitchen, and briefly commenting that Greyson would love to see his remote helicopter in flight. What a surprise when it appeared on our doorstep the next day.
I know he loved that helicopter and just know that every time Greyson takes it out and up, it's soaring closer to Brian.
We love you and can't wait for you to come "home" to Borrego.
Pamela, Kurt and Greyson
July 11, 2012
Dear Mary Ann, Alex and Angie,
Ginger and I are thinking of your family and praying for you daily. You ALL were so special to us and know that Brian will never be forgotten He was a heck of a man/father/son/husband and FRIEND!!
Love,
Ginger & James Stephens
Houston, TX
Merly Guenette
July 10, 2012
Dear May Anne, Alex and Angie,
We are thinking of you during your time of loss.
Although it is never easy, and we are never fully prepared for the loss of a loved one,
We can take solace that...the memory of a loved one will live on forever, and Brian will never be forgotten.
Take care,
Merly, Bob and Melissa
July 9, 2012
Mary Anne, Alex,Angie and all Brian's Family, deepest condolences from Desley and Noel in Bowen, Australia. Devistated to hear this terrible news, always hoped that he would beat it.
Loreen Feser
July 9, 2012
Dear Mrs Crookes and family,
Our thoughts are with you during your time of loss. I remember Bryan as an eloquent speaker for male breast cancer and recall his presentation for Positively PINK a few years ago. I know he inspired many.
Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Loreen Feser
Nurse Consultant
Calgary Breast Health Program
July 9, 2012
Mary Anne, Alex and Angie,
You are in our thoughts and prayers as you grieve Brian's/your Dad's death.We will always remember him as one of the "Three Amigos" spearheading the St. Michael's Capitol campaign, and his great sense of humour, and commitment to his Parish.
With our love and prayers,
Don and Angela Swenson.
Augusta, Georgia
Barb Dickie
July 8, 2012
Dear Mary Anne, Alex & Angie,
Our most sincere thoughts & prayers have been with you All during these extremely emotional & challenging times.
Brian was truly a Remarkable Man with a Wonderful family.
The love, warmth , strength & courage evident prior & at Brian's service was Amazing inspirational & heartwarming.
We will cherish those many fond memories. Thinking of You , prayers & Hope to see You soon.
Fondly, Barb, Jesse & Reilly
George Heng
July 8, 2012
Dear Mary Anne,
I didn't know Brian all that well, just from a business capacity but he struck me as a fine leader, boss and client. I believe that he left nothing undone in his life, and although it may not seem so now, time will heal all wounds.
My very best wishes to you and your family.
Take care,
Connie Bradatsch
July 7, 2012
Mary Anne, Alex and Angie
We are so sorry to hear of Brian's passing. We will miss his big smile and love for life and his family. We really enjoyed conversations with Brian whenever he came into the gallery. Take care, Connie, Grey and Deanna.
Derek Petruk
July 7, 2012
Dear Mrs. Crookes, Alex and Angie,
I am very sorry to hear of your loss. I remember Brian's presentation on breast cancer at WIC very well and I remember Alex: such a nice Head Girl. My prayers and thoughts to your family.
Be Strong. Derek, WIC janitor.
Anita Livingstone
July 6, 2012
Thinking of you at this difficult time. I met Brian when we were both speakers at the Survivors' Parade. May you find peace in your memories of him.
Malcolm Hay
July 6, 2012
Dear Mary-Anne, Jacqueline and I still recall the wonderful retirement party you and his Hallmark colleagues organized for me six years ago. I thoroughly enjoyed all those business dealings with Brian, especially the mill trips. A really great guy! Condolences to you and your family from Malcolm Hay, ex. Shell Canada Limited.
Suzanne Burgman
July 6, 2012
MaryAnne, Alex & Angie,
I am so sorry to hear the news of Brian's passing.
Although it has been many years since I saw him, I still remember what a positive and vibrant person he was. He loved his family so much.
My heart goes out to you in this very difficult time. I am so sorry for your loss.
Suzanne Burgman
Laurie Rabatich
July 6, 2012
Mary Anne, Alex & Angie,
Your St. Michael's family is so very sorry for your loss. We will hold Brian in our hearts as our community has lost a wonderful gentlelman. It was a privilege to work with Brian on the capital campaign.
May you be strengthened by our prayers in these difficult times & know we are thinking of you.
Laurie Rabatich & family.
Steve & Ulla
July 6, 2012
Mary Anne, Angie and Alex,
So sorry for your loss. Knowing Brian and all of you has been a huge positive influence on our lives and we thank all of you for that. A true mentor and friend in all situations - that was BC. The best man we have ever had the pleasure to know. Stay strong and know that we are here for you.
Steve & Ulla
Lorne Gray
July 6, 2012
Mary Anne, Alex and Angie,
I am so very sorry to hear of your loss of Brian. During a lifetime you meet many people and Brian was a very special client and friend. Coffee at the hangar with Brian was always somthing I looked forward to.
Lorne Gray
July 5, 2012
Dear Mary Anne, Alex, and Angie,
We know tonight you are having the prayer service for Brian and your Borrego Springs friends want you to know we are with you in spirit.
You learn so much about someone when you work for them and Brian just always saw the "big" picture and didn't sweat the small stuff. He was incredibly kind and always grateful for a job well done. He radiated a joy for life that just cast a magical spell on all those that interacted with him.
My favorite memory of Brian was when he was down here playing in a member guest tournament with my husband. They won the tournament and Brian was so excited he was just like a kid with his first trophy. He wanted me to showcase this trophy in their home.
Last May of 2011 when we saw him we had a lovely dinner in La Jolla and knew it would be our last time seeing him. It was a wonderful evening that we will never forget and feel so lucky to have had that time with Mary Anne and Brian.
We will be waiting here in Borrego for you girls with open arms and to shed some tears together. He loved you so much and we just ache for you loss.
We love you, Mary and Ed Purvis
Lourene Roode
July 5, 2012
Dear Mary Ann, daughters and family
I have only known Brian and you for the initial two days in Rockyview Hospital, but you have all touched our (my) heart(s). My sincerest condolences with the loss of your remarkable husband, friend and dad.
Dr. Lourene Roode
Yasuhiro (Jimmy) Yakushiji
July 5, 2012
Dear Mary Anne, Alex and Angie:
Our thoughts and prayers are with you at this sad time. Brian was a great business partner for me and super advisor in my life. It is really sad to lose him. I will come and see you in the near future to share your loss... Jimmy Yakushiji and Family (Kaori, Shota, Ayaka and Kenta)
July 5, 2012
Dear Mary Anne and Family
Our thoughts and prayers are with you during this sad time. May each day you all find greater strength and courage. With our sincere condolences ...Shirlee, John, Kristen, Tanis, Scott Lamacchia
Rikki Karba
July 5, 2012
Mary Anne, Alex and Angie: So very sorry to hear of your loss. I worked with Brian at Hallmark and must say I learned so much from him. What a great loss to the industry. My thoughts are with you all...
Mike & Jan Holmes
July 5, 2012
Mary Anne, Alex and Angie:
We are very sorry to hear the news of Brian's passing, please accept our heartfelt condolences.
Brian and his family were a big part of my family's early years back in the '50's and '60's in the Okanagan, and many of my fondest childhood memories include Brian and his siblings. Even at an early age, he was clearly an exceptional individual.
Your loss is shared by many and he will certainly be missed. Our thoughts are with you during this difficult time.
Hallmark Tubulars Family
July 5, 2012
All Hallmarkians are mourning the loss of our leader. Brian will always be in our hearts and will be forever remembered for inspiring us and mentoring us to become better people. The world is a better place because of Brian and his legacy lives on. Our sincerest condolences to the entire family.
Derek, Jean, Courtney, Morgan & Devon Bickell
July 5, 2012
Mary Anne, Alex and Angie,
I have great memories of Brian through our business relationship over the years, and will cherish the laughs we had along the way.
I will be forever grateful to have known him. Our hearts are with you.
Monica & Dave Kemppainen
July 5, 2012
Mary Anne, Alex, and Angie:
Please accept our most heartfelt sympathies for your loss. Our most sincere thoughts and prayers are with you.
Brian was a very special person who we were lucky to know. His passing has caused a huge void in our lives.
The Kemppainens
July 5, 2012
July 5/2012
Maryanne, Alex and Angie:
Our thoughts are with you through this difficult time.
Val, Ian, Matt and Vanessa Brown
Barb & Ted Bridgewater
July 5, 2012
Mary Anne, Ted and I are so deeply sorry to hear of the passing this week of Brian. We enjoyed the spontaneous round of golf up at Predator with you and the evening following. It was our first meeting of Brian and it seemed we had known him forever, he was so easy to be around. We want you to know we are thinking of you and the girls.
Ken Hornby
July 5, 2012
Mary Anne and family
I never knew a better person than Brian. My sincere condolences.
Jim and Candace Johnson
July 5, 2012
Mary Anne, Alex and Angie we are very sorry to hear the sad news and offer our heartfelt condolences. As a leader Brian was a Strategist, Mentor, Talent Scout, Architect, Builder, Coordinator and Champion but above all he had integrity and will be missed very much. Our thoughts are with you.
Greg Friend
July 4, 2012
As I scrolled down on my facebook page..it hit me hard....right in the face and gut....the passing of an amazing man Brian Crookes Past President and CEO of Hallmark Tubulars Ltd.
I was honored to have worked for Brian, have many great conversations and most of all talk to him as a friend.
I remember arriving at the Calgary office to do my Safety Meeting and Brian was in his office working away...he would always find time to stop what he was doing and spend time one on one with no interuptions to see what was new in business and personal.
I have to say, I'm shedding a many tear right now becuase this was a man that shaped and touched so many employees lifes with Hallmark, mine included. Brian always appreciated hard work, the extras that people did. Mr. Brian Crookes thank you for your guidance, your talks, and laughs.....you will always be remembered. God Bless.
Greg, Vicky, Ryan and Cory Friend
Keri McLaughlin
July 4, 2012
Dear Mary Anne, my condolences to you and your family. I enjoyed many conversations over the years with Brian across the counter at Second Cup.
Glenn & Carla Kubasek
July 4, 2012
Please accept our most heartfelt sympathies for your loss. Our thoughts are with you and your family during this difficult time. We have truly lost a very special man.
Peter & Houida Cavanagh
July 4, 2012
We were very saddened by your loss. Brian was a great person and inspiration to many people. We will miss him. Hopefully your many memories will give you strength. Peter, Houida, Clayton & Melissa.
July 4, 2012
Dear Mary Ann.
My condolences to you and the girls on the passing of a friend and business associate. What a Guy! and a pleasure to deal with during my time at Husky.
Betty & Carl Powell
Diane Martin
July 4, 2012
My condolences to the family. I know Brian from the Survivors parade and from the Dragon boat team.
Diane Martin - Survivor
Damian Ward
July 4, 2012
Dear Mary Anne,
Our sincere condolences to you, and your daughters. I first met Brian in Singapore, at the start of his 10 year battle with cancer. What a spirit, what a selfless, eternal optimist. Thanks for taking time with me, Brian. You taught me more than you think.
Damian
Maura McGowan (Nill)
July 4, 2012
Mary Anne, Alex and Angie: So happy to have shared the occasional adventure with you and Brian, the Vavras and other friends - to watch as you all together created the memories you have. As my brother Liam said: Another pilot lost.
Our most sincere thoughts and prayers are with you.
- Maura and the Nill boys
July 4, 2012
Dear Mary Anne, Alex and Angie,
Our hearts go out to you in your time of sorrow.
God Bless,
Tim, Julia, Ben and Sam Gill, Los Angeles
Susan Warrender
July 4, 2012
Dear Mary Anne,
I'm so very sorry to hear about Brian's passing. I can't even imagine how much you will miss him but he gave you two terrific daughters. I can't imagine that there is anyone out there that ever met him that didn't think he was a wonderful person. He always made me feel welcome and we had a few laughs playing bridge together. I think of you more often than you will ever know.
Elizabeth Collins
July 4, 2012
Beloved Maryanne, Alex and Angie,
May you find the courage to go forward for the next few weeks. Your knowledge, love and memories of the gentleman that is your husband and father will sustain you thereafter. He will always be with you in thought and deed. A light has gone out of the world but Brian's star will shine forever in the heavens. A profound sadness is shared with you. Sincerely, Elizabeth Collins.
Debbie Lau
July 4, 2012
I worked at Hallmark for 7 years while Brian was there. He was always so compassionate and caring about the people that he employed and was friends to all.
You'd never know from his demeaner that there was anything wrong, only after getting to know him and all the many things that he was so passionately involved in that he was dealing with such great pain.
Mr. Brian Crookes - I aspire to accomplish the kind of things that you did and to inspire as much love and passion as you have in your incredible life. You accomplished so much with so much visible passion.
Our thoughts and prayers are with all Brian's family and loved ones during this difficult time.
May you be at peace and pain free with the angels up in Heaven!
Nicky
July 4, 2012
Maryanne, Alex and Angie,
My sincere condolences on the recent loss of your husband and father. I have been thinking these last 24 hours since I heard the news about the ten years I knew and worked for Brian. I have many, many memories of a good man and boss! Sending up prayers for you as a family now, as you cope with the empty space in your lives. Certainly he will remain forever in your hearts.
Simone Kerby
July 4, 2012
Dear Marianne, Alex & Angie,
We are deeply saddened to hear about Brian's passing, and want to extend our heartfelt sympathy to you. Brian is one of those guys that left an impression (a good one!) on everyone he met and we were fortunate to have your family come into our lives. Our hearts ache for your loss, but we can tell you all have the strength to carry on in the way Brian would want you to. You are in our prayers.
Simone and Jim
July 4, 2012
To Mary Anne, Alex and Angie. Our prayers and support are with you. Brian was a grace-filled witness to all. I am honored and forever blessed to call you friend. Love Mike, Hilary, Jonah, Niall, Argentina, Liam and Isabel.
Maureen Ross
July 4, 2012
Mary Anne, Alex and Angie,
You know how much we love Brian and are so saddened by his passing. We know his suffering is over and he is with our Lord and for that we are truly grateful. We will miss his smiling face at Little Chef on Sundays, his welcoming hugs and handshakes at Mass and his presence at all functions that had friends and family together. He was a true gentleman and a kind soul. Our prayers are with you today and always, just as they always have been.
God bless all of you!
Tom, Maureen, Emma, Liam and Sam
Cherene Schiller
July 4, 2012
Mary Anne, Alex & Angie,
My deepest sympathy. Brian was a very special person and will be missed by so many. May your many fond memories help heal your hearts. My thoughts will be with you on Friday and the many hard days to follow.
Charlene and Guy Jarvis
July 4, 2012
Our thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief. May your memories bring you comfort.
Colleen Gray
July 4, 2012
Marianne Alex and Angie,
We are deeply saddened by the loss of Brian . Our thoughts love and prayers are with you all.
Sincerely Colleen, Stephanie and Kelsey gray.
Sharon Quinton
July 3, 2012
Marianne, Alex and Angie:
I'm so sorry to hear about Brian, I understood that he was sick but didn't realize how soon he would be gone. I always saw him as a very caring and compassionate man that was there for anyone that needed him. He will be missed by those that had the opportunity to spend time with him and will forever be grateful for his generousity towards us. We can't imagine the loss that you must be feeling at this time and know that we will always remember him fondly for his smile, his sense of humor and his generousity of spirit. Our prayers and thoughts are with you as you go through this difficult transition in your lives. With all sincerity, love Colton and Sharon
July 3, 2012
Marianne, Alex and Angie
II have such fond memories of Brian even though I only spoke to him about a dozen times. It was apparent to me from the first visit that his family was the most important thing in his life. I know he was so proud of all of his girls. His suffering is over, I am praying for all of you during this most difficult and challenging time.
With Sympathy
Bonnie MacRae-Kilb
Lynn & Tony L'Heureux
July 3, 2012
Dear Marianne, Alex & Angie and all of the extended family. Brian touched a lot of lives. He was a role model for me in my battle with cancer and he was such a real guy. He will definitely be missed by many, but he will also be alive with the memories and love he spread everywhere. May God comfort you. Brian is with our Saviour. Lynn and Tony
July 3, 2012
Mary Ann, Alex & Ang,
We are thinking of you all today and always with kind and loving thoughts. Brian was a very classy man who will always be missed.
With love,
Karen, Mark, Patrick and Brendan Williamson
July 3, 2012
My Dear friends in Christ, Marianne, Alex, Angie, " The King will answer, "Whenever you did it for my people, no matter how unimportant they seemed, you did it for me" Mathew 25:40
My love and heart to you for your Brian and daddy. God Bless You Cathy Carlisle
July 3, 2012
Dear Marianne, Alex, and Angie,
A wonderful man and a great loss.
Our thoughts and prayers are with
each of you during this difficult time.
With Love from Peter, Celeste, Julia,
& Olivia
July 3, 2012
Dear Marianne, Alex & Angie
So sorry for your lost, our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Sincerely, Judy & Mark
Tracy Armitage
July 3, 2012
Dear Mrs Crookes, Alex and Angie,
I am so sorry to hear about your loss. My thoughts are with you during this very difficult time.
Sincerely,
Tracy Armitage
Greg Silcox
July 3, 2012
Dear Marianne,Alex & Angie
Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
He was a great friend.
Sincerly Greg & Johanne
July 3, 2012
Dear Marianne, Alex & Angie;
Our thoughts & prayers are with you.
Sincerely, Wendy & Barry
July 3, 2012
Our thoughts are with you, what a tremendous loss.
Love from Maureen, Kelsey and Jodi Taylor
Pip Webb-Briscoe
July 3, 2012
Dear Marianne, Alex and Angie,
I am so sorry for your loss. There are no words to express how you must be feeling. But I have such a strong memory of Brian's presentation to WIC about breast cancer - how he told the assembled audience that the cancer had made him reevaluate his priorities, and made him appreciate the most important thing in his life: his family. He loved you very much, and that love will never die.
I am out of province, but I will be with you in spirit on Friday.
All my love, Pip
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