It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Brian John Arlo North, age 78, at the VGH; with family by his side, this strong, beautiful man left this world.
Brian’s memory will be forever cherished by his loving wife Dolly; his children Dana (Dave), Darin, Michael (Bernadine) and Jacqueline; his grandchildren Max, Luke, Katrina, Trace, Vaida, Raven, Mike Jr, Chase (Taylor) and Kira; his great grandchildren CJ, Alex, Sapphire and Tanisha; his sister Danika and her family; his cousins, In-laws and many close friends.
Brian was born in Trenton, Ontario and spent his early years in Manitoba. His family moved to Inuvik, NWT where he completed high school. He attended UofA where he grew a love for media at their campus radio station. That sent him to Ryerson and a degree in Radio and Television Arts. His career began with CBC North and then he formed MacKenzie Media; bringing cable tv to Yellowknife. The business relationships formed then are strong friendships today.
In 1983 Brian and Dolly “retired” to Victoria, BC. His mother emphatically stating – you do NOT retire at 39!
Brian and Dolly loved to travel and embarked on many trips; pleasure, adventure and golf. A long-time member of the Victoria Golf Club, whether playing well or not, he loved golf.
He was passionate about movies and music. He never missed the Oscars; saw every nominated film and replicated Wolfgang Puck’s Academy menu for family and friends.
Brian’s greatest joy was spending time with his family. From grand events celebrating special occasions; to Hockey, Football games with Darin in Edmonton; or Dana and family in Vancouver; a rousing game of canasta with his nieces; or in true Jones tradition an impromptu game of 99 or up and down the river. He loved to make opportunities for us to gather together to create precious memories.
Brian was a strong man; loving, kind, compassionate and generous. He brightened any room with his beautiful smile, his laughter, love and joy. His life and presence was an absolute gift that we will all miss deeply and forever cherish.
Brian was predeceased by his parents Fred and Vivian North, his grandparents, aunts, uncles, cousins, niece, nephew and son-in-law.
Brian was a strong community supporter and gave much of his time volunteering to help enrich the lives of others. In lieu of flowers, please give of your time or make a donation to a charity of your choice.
A special thank you to the staff at Royal Jubilee Hospital and VGH for your care and support through this difficult time.
Cremation has taken place. A memorial gathering will be held at a later date.
Until we meet again Brian, We love you always
Condolences may be offered to the family below.
McCall Gardens
www.mccallgardens.com
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Cindy Mercer
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Wendell and Bessie Pollard Dolly and the North Family,
Our heartfelt condolences for your loss. We will always have fond memories of Brian.
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Coleen and Al McDonald Dolly, Al and I are both saddened with the news of Brian’s passing. We have fond memories of numerous brunches in Yellowknife, laughs and drinks at the racquet club, a road trip in your van to go skiing and most recently a get together in Victoria for dinner at a lovely Italian restaurant. We enjoyed a visit by Brian on his own here in Yellowknife shortly after that and Al and he talked sports and we introduced him to a brandy laced vodka which he loved. We will keep these memories close to our hearts and in this time of sadness, remember that Brian’s life was made richer because of his love for you, the kids and grandkids. Take care Dolly.
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Weston and Connie MacAleer Brian was a special person to us. He was a friend, a business partner for over 50 years and a person for whom I had tremendous respect. We have so many happy and joyful memories with he and Dolly.They were such a great couple. We will miss Brian in many ways,and extend to Dolly and the North family members our sincere condolences.
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Carol Barber Dear Dolly, What a wonderful tribute you wrote for Brian. He never spoke about all he had accomplished & most would never know about the volunteering. He truly was an outstanding person and we will always remember & miss him. Love to you & the family.
Carol & Art
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George Tuccaro Our heartfealt condolences in the loss of a Yellowknifer in Brian North. He was a mentor to many who started out at CBC Yellowknife.
Thank you Brian for all your help. May you rest in eternal peace.
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Bob Carr I remember Brian well. He was announcer/ operator at CBC Northern Service in Yellowknife when I arrived in 1972. Soon he left CBC North to form McKenzie Media and CABL-TV on 49 Street. He started CABL with programs recorded on audio tape, shipped to Yellowknife from a recording outfit in Edmonton (?). Later MacKenzie Media converted over to Satellite TV with Telesat Canada installing a large satellite dish on 50th Street. He and MacKenzie Media did well with CABL-TV. Rest in Peace Brian & condolences to his family.
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Les Bryan To Dolly , Dana, Darin, Mike and your whole family we are so sad to hear of Brian’s passing. He was a great guy and we loved to hear his laugh and be in his company. Dolly I know this is a tough time for you and you had so many great memories with Brian keep those memories alive. He is with you in spirit. Our condolences Les and Irena Bryan
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Ursula Bragg My thoughts are with you and your family Dana. I’m so sorry for your loss my dear friend. xo Urs
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John & Josie Schofield Dear Dolly:
Always enjoyed Brian’s company,and will miss him on the golf course and in the clubhouse.
Our sincere condolences to you and the family.
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Sheila and Peter Hart Peter and I send our heartfelt condolences to Dolly and family. Our time together in Yellowknife will always be in our fond memories.
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James A Moreshead Dolly and Family,
Brian was an amazing human being and a wonderful person. He loved you, Dolly and was good to his friends and family. We were very fortunate to have met Brian and shared some fun times together. He will be missed and remembered fondly.
Jim and Irene Moreshead
(Lucia’s sister and brother-in-law)
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Bev Matthews I am devastated but this news. I am so glad I got to see when I was in Victoria just a month ago. He was laughing and joking. I will miss him very much. Best wishes to you and Dolly.
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Michelle Dana – My deepest sympathies to you and your family.
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Gerry Kisoun Sincere condolences to the family and friends of Brian. May you rest in Eternal Peace.
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Heddy bing I am so very sorry Dana. My sincerest condolences
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Mykaela Haarstad So very very sad to hear of the loss of such a great man. He was funny and I always enjoyed spending time with him and even though I didn’t get to see him over the last many years I always enjoyed seeing the adventures he and dolly embarked on, he was like another part of our family and I know he will be greatly missed.
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Bob & Marg Thompson We’ll miss his consideration, kindness, conversation and his friendship. Loved travelling, playing cards and golf with Dolly and Brian. Always ready for an adventure with musical venues, restaurant meals, and day trips! Love to all of his family. Our heartfelt sympathy to each and every person that had the privilege to know him.
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Donna Meyer Dear Dolly and family. We send our most sincere condolences on the loss of this remarkable and kind gentleman. Brian exuded a quiet kindness and warmth of spirit. When I read of your children, grandchildren and even great grandchildren- I know he has left a wonderful legacy through his life. May memories of shared love, adventure and togetherness bring you comfort moving forward. Love from Donna and Ray
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Steve Hamilton Very sad new. Heart felt condolences to Auntie Dolly and the North family.
Rest In Peace Uncle Brian
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Barbara GrahamNorth Cousin Brian was always so thoughtful and generous to his “old Aunts” whenever he came to Neepawa to visit. Pick them up, take them all for dinner. Visit with them. So kind to them.
Rest in peace Brian. Condolences to all.
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Bev Graham He will be missed. I loved hearing his comments on Facebook.
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Marcel and Edie Potvin We were so saddened to hear of Brian’s untimely passing. He was such a gentleman and a friend. He had the broadest smile. You and your family have our deep sympathies for your loss. If there is anything that we can do, please reach out to us. You are in our thoughts.
Edie and Marcel Potvin
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Jen (Turner)Lemire and family Our deepest sympathies to the entire North family.
Jen (Turner) Lemire and family.xoxo
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Cindy Cleroux I am heartbroken to hear this sad news. Brian was a kind loving man and always had a smile on his face. I will miss the family visits and playing cards with him. My sincere condolences to all of the North family. He will be missed. I Love you Dolly xo Even though I am not there, I want you to know that I am thinking of you and sending you hugs. If there is something I can do from Ottawa, please let me know.
Cindy xo
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Janet Imhoff I am so sad to hear of Brian’s passing, my thoughts and prayers go out to his families and friends.
I had the pleasure to work alongside with Brian as he volunteered with the Health Equipment Loan Program at the CRC. Every Monday morning and the odd other weekday we always had great conversations about our golf games. I will miss your smiling face.
Cindy Mercer
Dolly and Family
I’m so sorry to hear Brian had passed…dad and Brian always had a good friendship as well as you and the family…such a fun couple….I now live on the island in Qualicum Beach…just think similar paths huh?….I remember my dad having such great respect for Brian they were kinda similar perhaps that’s why they remained friends…Gary and I send our heart-felt condolences to you and the entire family.
May he rest in peace and hang out with my dad.