THRUSH, Brian William
July 31, 1945- March 7, 2017
It is with heavy hearts that the family of Brian William Thrush, 71, of Sylvan Lake, announce that he peacefully passed away on Tuesday, March 7, 2017 with his wife Joyce, sister-in-law Catherine and his children at his side after a lengthy and trying illness with asbestosis. Born in Beckingham, County of Kent, England, the oldest son of Arthur and Doris Thrush, and brother to Shirley (Robert), Brian spent his childhood on the family farm near Virden, Manitoba before moving to Drayton Valley, Alberta where he met his first wife, Shirley Mae Christensen. Together they had three children: Avaline (Bruno), Jay, and Jody (Corrie). Brian served with the Royal Canadian Navy from 1963 - 1965. After working in the oil patch for a few years, he became a plumber, something he did right until the end, working primarily in Sylvan Lake, Red Deer, and Central Alberta. In 1978, he met his second wife, Joyce Elaine Bassett. They've lived their entire married life in the same house in Sylvan Lake, Alberta. He was a member of the Royal Canadian Legion for over 50 years. He volunteered at the Sylvan Lake Curling Club, serving many years as their president. He loved his family, curling, golfing, fishing and camping. Brian was a quiet man, well known and liked for his honesty, strong work ethic, willingness to lend a helping hand, compassion and rapier wit. Remaining to honour his life and cherish his memory are Joyce, his loving wife of 39 years, his children and their partners, his grandchildren: Emma, Laura, Grace, Reece, Isabella, Alexander, and Aubreyanna, his sister, Shirley (Robert) Gooler, brother-in-law Jim (Carol) Bassett, sister-in-law, Catherine Bassett Rose, step-family-in-law the Burnats and Osadczuks, his nieces and nephews: Arthur (Shannon), Mark, Tracy-Lynn, Shaun (Katie), and Shanlee (Wade). Our loss is heaven's gain.
A celebration of Brian's life will be held on Saturday, March 25, 2017 at the Royal Canadian Legion Branch 212, 4916 - 50th Ave., Sylvan Lake, Alberta. All are welcome to attend a short program from 2:00 p.m. to 2:30pm and remain for a time of fellowship and memories afterwards. If desired, memorial tributes may be made in Brian's honour to the charity of the donor's choice. The family also appreciates all comforting words and prayers sent to them directly via Facebook or email.
Cremation has been entrusted to Rocky Mountain Crematorium, Rocky Mountain House, AB. Condolences may be forwarded to www.sylvanlakefuneralhome.ca
SYLVAN LAKE AND ROCKY
FUNERAL HOMES AND CREMATORIUM,
your Golden Rule Funeral Homes,
entrusted with the arrangements.
403-887-2151