We're here to help in Vancouver — (604) 857-5779

All Obituaries

Leave a Message

Share by Email Share by

Brian Harold Birchall

November 26, 2014

BIRCHALL,Brian Harold
August 27, 1951 – November 26, 2014

Brian died on Wednesday, November 26, 2014, 19 days after being diagnosed with cancer. He was the eldest son of Betty and the late Wes Birchall of Cochrane, AB.

Brian was born in Calgary and raised on a dairy farm NE of Cochrane where he was active with the Bearspaw 4-H Dairy Club. He attended the University of Alberta and graduated with a BSc in Agricultural Economics in 1978. He started as a Landman at Norcen Energy in 1979 and enjoyed a successful 27-year career in the oil and gas business. Brian’s passion was farming and he had a small herd of cattle on a quarter section NE of Airdrie. After his retirement from Anadarko Canada in 2006, he was able to expand the herd and build a new home NE of Cochrane. In 2012, Pat’s heart attack was a wake up call to not put off anything they wanted to do. They travelled extensively in the past few years and made many good friends and memories. His community spirit led him to volunteer for the Cochrane Ag Society as President and the Airdrie Wildrose Constituency Association as a Director. He loved his horses and was able to do a lot of riding in his retirement. Thanks to the staff of Unit 93 at Rockyview General Hospital for the exceptional care Brian received.

Brian is lovingly remembered by his wife, friend, confidant and partner of 34 years, Pat (nee Jansen); their daughters, Alexa and Stephanie; his brothers, Larry (Ruth), Grant (Twila), Kent (Anthea); Pat’s siblings, Marianne (Carson Schultz), Elaine (Craig Horner), Helen (Jack Sabin) and John (Helen) and their children and grandchildren.

A Memorial Service will be held at the Madden Community Hall, Madden,AB on Saturday, December 6, 2014 at 11 am. Brian was always very proud to wear his cowboy hat out in public and we would be pleased if you wore yours to the service in his honour.

Directions from Calgary to Madden Community Hall:

Take 566 W (Twp Rd 262W) for 6.9 km

Turn Right on Symons Valley Rd NW (AB 772 N) for 9.2 km

Stay straight on Symons Valley Rd NW for 21.6 km

Continue straight on RR 30 for 900 m

Messages of Condolence

Pat and girls, I was fortunate to know Brian from the community, university, work and volunteer hours spent together. He always had the courage of his convictions and altruistic motives. I will miss our conversations - both concurring and disagreeing - and his good cheer. I am so sorry that he was not with you all far longer, as I am sure he is too. God bless

- Alan Kidd

Brian passing leaves a big hole in our hearts. He will dearly be missed by me and many. So many times shared around the campfire, laughs, stories, a good dram of scotch. Such good memories. With love and hugs

- Carol Stock

Our thoughts go out to the family. We met Brian & Alexa on a ride across the British Block. Such great memories. May your special memories help ease you in this very difficult time.

- Murray & Mavis Palmer

Dear Pat & Family, We where so sorry to read about Brian's passing. Memory is a beautiful place where loved ones are reunited. May you feel a gentle hug each time you remember him. Our thoughts are with you at this time. Love, Russell, Patricia & David Wiechnik

- Russell, Patricia(McKendrick) & David Wiechnik

Our deepest sympathy to Pat & the girls. How quickly life changes. I keep thinking of our last visit. Hope to talk with you Pat after life settles a bit. Love Auntie Joh

- Johanna van Veen

Oh my! I know you three and many, many others are missing him already. It was a privilege to meet you all. Brian and I hit it off at the very start, and as I read his obit I learn a few other reasons, one being 4-H. I grew up with it and give a lot of credit to this organization for who I am. I would have been proud to wear my Breast Cancer White Hat in his honor. My prayers and thoughts are with you. You have been blessed albeit way too short. You have a trunk full of wonderful memories. Deepest Sympathy, Wilma United Church Spiritual Care Rockyview.

- Wilma Clark

Pat, Alexa Stephanie We are terribly saddened by your sudden loss. Always enjoyed speaking with Brian whenever we ran into him at UFA or about town. When Bob Cornish mentioned Brian's illness in church two Sundays ago he was lifted up in prayer. Brian will be fondly remembered and not forgotten for the great guy that he was in life. Just the biggest hug to you all Marion and Glen Collin

- Marion & Glen Collin

I'm very sorry to hear about Brian's death. Although I've not seen Brian for many years and did not know him well during my years in Cochrane, I remember him fondly from the many deals we did together during his Norcen years. Brian was one of the good guys. My condolences to his family. Erik

- Erik DeWiel

I worked with Brian from 1979 to 2001' Norcen and Anadarko. He was a great guy. My thoughts go out to his family. He will be sadly missed.

- Diane Buker

Dear Birchall-Jansen Family. Please accept my condolences with Brian's sudden passing. I worked briefly with Brian at Union Pacific and was quickly swept up by his enthusiasm. It wasn't until I read Brian's obituary that I realized that I had my family name in common with Pat's maiden name. I wish you all strength during this difficult time.

- Robert Jansen

Dear Pat, Steph, Alexa and all of Brian's family, we were so sad to hear of Brian's death. We think of you every day and hope his strength and courage is still helping you through this time. It is all so hard to believe having seen him so recently, still with his great voice and laugh as he came up the stairs. That's how we will remember him, our favourite cowboy. Love to you all.

- Willie and Mike Jennings

Dear Pat, Alexa, & Stephanie, I am deeply saddened to hear of your loss. I will remember Brian for his cheerfulness, a hearty laugh and his love of family. May you feel the healing touch of every thought and prayer, and in time, find comfort in beautiful memories. With heartfelt sympathy

- Leila MacKenzie

Dear Larry and Ruth, it is so hard to lose a sibling. My love and prayers to you and your family. Take Care.

- Lois Reid

Brian was one of the first people I met when I transferred into Agriculture at the U of A, and I always appreciated his friendliness and his leadership abilities. Meeting up with him on the ride across Suffield in 2000 was a great opportunity to rekindle the friendship and create new memories. The blue circle on the 2005 ride was the best one thanks to Brian, I could not have done it with out him.

- Lorne Cole and Suzanne Hawkes

My sincerest condolences to Pat and the rest of Brian's family. I worked with Brian during the Union Pacific and Anadarko days and was shocked and saddened to hear of his sudden passing. They don't make people like Brian anymore. Great great memories of him. So sorry for your loss.

- Andrea Serjak

So Sorry to hear of Brian's sudden passing.I have happy memories of Agriculture classes together and the times we happened to see each other at different agrologists events. With deepest Sympathy, Ernest Smith

- Ernest Smith

Our deepest sympathy to all the Birchall family, I have been a peer of Brian's since we started in the Land profession in the late 70's and always enjoyed running into Brian and catching up. He was enthusiastic, honorable and a great role model for young people starting out in the business. Agriculture kept his feet firmly planted in family values. The Suffield ride was a memory that will always include Brian and Alexa. He was one of the good guys and we will miss him.

- Paul Jonassen

To All of Brian's immediate and extended family members. I am very sorry for your troubles. I first met Brian while at U of C. and recall his phone call at 1AM one winter night inviting us city slickers out to watch the birth of a calf. What a great experience. And Pat, I recall Brian bringing you as his date to our house party. I regret not being able to attend the memorial service but my thoughts and prayers are with all of you

- Don Whitehead

Our condolences to you and your family, Pat. I remember fondly both Brian and your family from many years ago. Our thoughts are with you as you travel this sudden, unexpected journey.w

- Charles and Jenny Westra

Pat--- so sorry to hear about Brians passing. He was a great friend at university and on the trail rides across the block. We will wear our hats in his memory. The memories of his sense of humor and smile always at-the-ready will keep us with him. My wish for you is that you can do that as well. Take Care.

- George & Jan Armstrong

Subscribe to updates

Please enter your email address to subscribe to new updates. A confirmation email will be sent to verify your subscription.