Brian Monkman
PAPA
January 20th, 1949- December 15, 2015
Obituary in Winnipeg Free Press
BRIAN VICTOR MONKMAN It is with tears and heavy hearts that we announce the sudden passing of Brian Victor Monkman, age 66, of Loon Straits. Left to mourn are his wife and best friend, Annalee Johnson Monkman, sons Jason MacMillan (Julie) and Brian, daughter Shyan, grandchildren Alistair, Joey, Elizabeth, Francis, and Luella, brother Lester (Dawn), sisters Wendy (Bert), Jeannie, Marlene, and several nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends. He was predeceased by his parents Priscilla and Victor, and sisters Thelma, Muriel, and Judy. Brian was born January 20, 1949 in Loon Straits, and though he travelled widely and lived in many places in his lifetime, Loon Straits was the only place in the world where he was truly "home".
He owned and operated several businesses over the years: Captain Hook Marine, Can-Saw Custom Cutting, and most recently Monkman Island Hideaway. He most recently worked for the East Side Road Authority, and Bloodvein First Nation.
His passions were working with people and wood and both found a home in his work with Frontiers Foundation where he developed the Standing Tree to Standing Home Program. He served on the Board of this organization until the time of his death. Brian was quick with a joke and loved to tell funny stories about the people he knew.
He had a great interest in people and was always finding ways to learn new things from those he met. In recent years, his grandchildren were a great joy to him and he loved each one dearly. This world will be a poorer place without him. Cremation has taken place. A memorial celebration of Brian's life will be held at Pine Falls Legion Branch 54 on Monday, December 21 at 1:00 p.m. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Society For Manitobans with Disabilities
The reality that Brian is gone is hard to grasp. Being so sudden and having been taken due to an accident gives one no time to prepare for the sudden absence. I'm thankful that we went to Manitoba last Christmas to be with all the family so that both Francis ,Alistair and myself had the opportunity to get to know him more.
He had such a zest for life and constantly was getting people to laugh as he had a whole hearted chuckle. I had the privilege to enjoy several "golf tournaments" on the family island which one can see from these pictures the attire was a show stopper.
It was evident that he loved his family dearly and his grandchildren easily gravitated towards him.
I will miss this gentle wonderful man.
Guest Book
- Dear Anna, Sorry to hear your beloved husband Brian passed away. "Please accept our sincere condolences for the loss of a gentle giant. May the Great Spirit keep him in peace. Marco A. Guzman, Executive Director
- Unfortunately I never met Brian, but I had talked to him many times by phone. He was a good friend to my son and he will be truly missed. My thoughts and prayers go out to Anna and her family. Sincerely, Liz
- Posted by: Elizabeth Brown, Ontario (Mother of Wayne Brown (good friend of the family)) on: Dec 21, 2015
- Sorry to hear about Brian's sudden passing. He was a good man who gave to the community. And had so much more to give- Posted by: Brian Murray on: Dec 21, 2015
- I worked with Brian at ESRA and he was a wonderful man. So friendly and caring. He loved life and I am sure his family will miss him very much. My sincerest condolences to his family at this difficult time. He was well loved.
- Posted by: Norma Spence (colleague) on: Dec 21, 2015 
- Thinking of Brian's family. Brian was one hell of a good guy, he will be missed by all who knew him.
- Posted by: Tammy and Chico (Friends) on: Dec 21, 2015
- So sorry for your loss Anna.
- Posted by: Lea-Anne Zinke & Family (Neighbor) on: Dec 20, 2015 - Thank you for the storytelling and friendship. I will remember the stories told about Loon Straights. I will forever be grateful for the experiences of Monkman Island. Till we meet again buddy! Shavon Sinclair
- Posted by: Shavon Sinclair (Friend ) on: Dec 20, 2015 - A friend and good person to talk to when he stayed the God's River Lodge where I met him while doing his training. Enjoyed his company. Farewell my friend and RIP.
- Posted by: James McKay (Considered a friend) on: Dec 20, 2015 
- He was a great man, taught a lot of people, made friends with everyone that he had met. I am grateful that I had the chance to work with him, passed on his passion for working with making homes, lumber, I wouldn't have the skills I have if it weren't for you big man. Had a big heart. Rest in peace Brian Monkman, gonna miss you.
- Posted by: Cameron fontaine (My mentor, friend) on: Dec 20, 2015 
- Dear Anna: our hearts go out to you and your family at this very difficult time! I only met Brian once in Canso but I knew he was a true soul mate for you!! I did try to phone but had to leave a voice message!!! Even thou we live far away and do not keep in touch I want you to know our thoughts are with you!!! Love and friends always! Kate & Joe
- Posted by: Kathy (MacDonald) & Joe Jamieson (Friend) on: Dec 19, 2015 - Brian will be truly missed for his great sense of humor and quick wit. I always appreciated listening to his stories while sitting in his veranda looking out over the lake at Loon Straits. His bushcraft knowledge and experience were absolutely remarkable. Brian will be missed by many. Anna I am so sorry, time heals many wounds, hang in there, I will be thinking of you.
- Posted by: Bob Kovachik (Friend) on: Dec 19, 2015 
- I had the pleasure of working alongside Brian with the east side road authority. Brian was always happy and a real treat to be around. He was an amazing man who shared many a story and taught me so much about the land. I had the pleasure of visiting his home and witness first hand his amazing craftsmanship. He will be missed.- Posted by: Todd Martin (Friend) on: Dec 19, 2015
- I first met Brian in the Post Office in Pine Falls, and enjoyed the talks we had when he would come in. Then we met up again when he started coming in to win all the meat draws at the Legion. Brian and Anna were always so outgoing and friendly that you couldn't help but look forward to seeing them come through the door. He will truly be missed by all his comrades at Branch 64.
- Posted by: Joan and Jim Kleyh (Friends) on: Dec 19, 2015
