It is with deep sadness that we announce the passing of Brian George Gilhooly on February 22, 2023, at the age of 85. Left to cherish his memory are his wife of 62 years Diane, sons Michael (Betty) and Darren (Brenda), grandchildren, Gavyn (Marie), Kaitlyn, Evan, and Thomas. Fondly remembered by his brother Herb (Darlene), sister Marjorie and brother-in-law Ron Grams, as well as many very close friends and acquaintances.
Brian was born on June 8, 1937, in Regina, SK to William and Madeline. He was predeceased by his parents and his sister- in-law Jeanette Grams.
Brian and Diane were married on July 23, 1960. Brian spent two years in the RCAF before beginning his lifelong career at the B.C. Telephone Company. After his retirement, Brian and Diane spent a lot of time on the water in their sailboat enjoying many adventures with friends and family. They were avid travellers and would travel south to Arizona in their travel trailer.
Brian was one of the founding members of the Langley Fermenters Wine Club. He was elected to the executive committee as President in 1976 and continued to play an active role. His passion for wine was showcased in the wine he produced, many of which won awards. He was also an avid gardener and spent countless hours in his garden. His tomatoes were his pride and joy.
Above all, Brian was a family man. Family was the most important thing to him, and this was evident in the way he put his family first. Brian was an inspiration to all who knew him. He possessed a quiet strength that was rare, facing life’s challenges with courage and dignity.
A Come and Go gathering will be held to celebrate Brian’s Life on Saturday, March 25th from 2 – 5 pm at Fairfield Lane (Amenities Room), 20750 Duncan Way, Langley BC.
The family would like to thank Dr. Rita Wittmann, as well as the doctors and nursing staff at St. Paul’s Hospital ICU and CF Clinic for the care and compassion he received.
Cremation has taken place. In lieu of flowers, should friends desire, donations can be made in honour of Brian’s memory to the CF Clinic Equipment and Patient Enhancement Fund #01866164. You can speak to a staff member at the clinic directly through the main clinic office at 604-806-8522 or alternatively visit the website below.
Donations | Cystic Fibrosis Clinic (providencehealthcare.org)
March 30th, 2023
John and I had the pleasure of knowing Brian through the Langley Fermenters. He was a source of knowledge for me, but most importantly, he was a source of endless encouragement... (and encourage, he did, as I never perfected a good bottle of wine like he did!)
His soft gentle spirit and huge smile is something that will forever be embedded in my heart! It has been an honour to have known Brian. John and I will miss him dearly!
As a sailor, I sign off with this:
I am standing upon the seashore.
A ship at my side spreads her white
sails to the morning breeze and starts for the blue ocean.
She is an object of beauty and strength.
I stand and watch her until at length
she hangs like a speck of white cloud
just where the sea and sky come
to mingle with each other.
Then, someone at my side says;
“There, she is gone!” “Gone where?”
Gone from my sight. That is all.
She is just as large in mast and hull
and spar as she was when she left my side
and she is just as able to bear her
load of living freight to her destined port.
Her diminished size is in me, not in her.
And just at the moment when someone
at my side says, “There, she is gone!”
There are other eyes watching her coming,
and other voices ready to take up the glad shout;
“Here she comes!”
And that is dying.
Rest In peace that passes all understanding Brian
March 25th, 2023
To my hero,
Dad, there are no words to describe how much you will be missed.
To quote Winston Churchill; “We make a living by what we get, but we make a life by what we give”
Fair winds and following seas
March 24th, 2023
I have always admired my Brother-in-Law Brian's character and heart, and will always remember him. Brian left us too soon, but taught us to be strong so we would be prepared for times like this. He helped make the world a better place. I have known Brian for forty five years or more and
he would help anytime he was asked. R.I.P. Brian and join your #2 wife jeannette and Doris and keep the party going.
March 23rd, 2023
Brian was a Prince of a man...always friendly and gracious. I met Brian thru Gord Butters in the mid 1980's and after 20 years of wine making, garden parties and Christmas dinners with the Langley Fermenters, I can't remember Brian without a glass of wine and a smile. For the last 20 years we were 'email friends' exchanging jokes, raunchy pics and thoughtful messages. I will miss that... and Brian's youthful sense of humor. My sincerest condolences to Diane and the Gilhooly family
March 20th, 2023
It was an honour to call Brian my father-in-law for a time and I am grateful that he was my sons' grandfather. Brian was a good, generous and principled man and I will miss him. I loved him.
March 15th, 2023
It was my pleasure and privilege to have known Brian for more than Fifty years. I worked for Brian with CTS, then He introduced me to winemaking and then joining the the Langley Fermenters. Over the years, our friendship grew. Whether it was boating, winemaking, or the many social events in his back yard, the memories will be remember by me and many others. Brian,s easy going manner and friendly smile, made him a person, that made it easy to call him my friend.
Sadly, i am going to miss my dear friend.
My condolences to Di, Darren and Brenda & Family, Mike and Betty & Family.
Gord and Jackie
March 12th, 2023
I had the privilege of being in Brian’s company many times over the years. Thinking back on those years and the man that I knew my words could not full express the strength of character I had come to respect.
For this I will borrow the words of John Walter Wayland (1899) and the definition of
“ The True Gentleman “
"The True Gentleman is the man whose conduct proceeds from good will and an acute sense of propriety, and whose self control is equal to all emergencies; who does not make the poor man conscious of his poverty, the obscure man of his obscurity, or any man of his inferiority or deformity; who is himself humbled if necessity compels him to humble another; who does not flatter wealth, cringe before power, or boast of his own possessions or achievements; who speaks with frankness but always with sincerity and sympathy; whose deed follows his word; who thinks of the rights and feelings of others rather than his own; and who appears well in any company, a man with whom honor is sacred and virtue safe."
Sincerely missed but not forgotten…..
March 11th, 2023
Our deepest and most heartfelt condolences to Brian's family & friends. We were fortunate to meet Brian and Diane at our lake in Kenora, ON a few summers past, where we enjoyed wine and nachos lakeside and a day on the water. Brian was the type of man that could put anyone at ease. We are thankful to have spent some time with him. Our thoughts are with his loved ones. May he rest in peace
March 10th, 2023
Ron & I have very fond memories of Brian throughout our Langley Power & Sail Squadron days. Brian always had that ready smile, a chuckle or story to relate whenever we saw him. He truly embraced sailing.
We had many extraordinary times boating to our beautiful BC marine parks/bays together, all wonderfully memorable with fine people such as Brian & Diane.
We send our sincerest condolences to all of Brian’s family & friends, at this very sad time. May God bless & give you strength. It’s your time to rest in peace, Brian ⛵️
March 9th, 2023
I first met Brian at some Langley Power and Sail Squadron functions. I remember us having a potluck dinner in his and Diane’s backyard. I’ll remember him as a very happy easy going guy and always had time to chat. I boated with him on many CPS cruises to the local Canadian and US islands. RIP Brian. You’ve earned it buddy. Hugs Terry & Maribel Watling
March 9th, 2023
I remember meeting Brian for the first time in their big house in Langley. Sitting on their back porch drinking kiwi wine (so nice) with Jeanette (my best friend ever), I don’t think Brian and Dian could believe all the things I said talking about my family. Brian laughed so hard. He was such a generous, kind hearted person. Always stopped and had a chat on the phone when I called, talked about his wine, his boat and many times about his family whom he loved so dearly. The one thing I will always remember is our chats about coffee. He like myself thoroughly loved a good cup of coffee. Not to many people make a decent cup but he sure did. ☕️ I will miss him and our chats, along with Jeanette. They are now together with Doris I can picture it all😇🍷
March 8th, 2023
Brian and I spent many good times together in the 1960-70's working for CTS and BC Tel. My condolences to Brian's family. Brian will always be remembered as a "nice guy".
John Matkovich
Write a Tribute
Please Note: Your tribute will NOT be posted until reviewed and approved by one of our staff.