Brian Maldwyn Jones
Brian Jones passed away on December 2, 2017 at 88 years of age. A coal miner’s son from Newbridge, Wales, he brought song, sports and a love for the outdoors with him when he arrived in New Sarepta, Alberta in 1956. He eventually made his way to Edmonton, where he met and married Elaine Quilley. He started teaching in Edmonton at Highlands school, the start of a 35+ year career at EPSB.
Brian was a creative, dedicated and skilled educator who introduced media literacy to his students long before most people had a computer or digital camera in their homes. He spearheaded development of water polo and rugby at Bonnie Doon high school. He ended his teaching career at Ross Sheppard high school.
He was proudly Welsh and delightedly shared his country’s traditions with friends and family. He was co-founder of the Druids rugby team, active in the Welsh choir, a soccer coach, and a spellbinding weaver of tales of ghosts, pirates, pookas and life in “the old country.” To help raise funds for the Lendrum Parent Advisory Committee, he appeared as hooded fortune teller who read many a Tarot card for curious neighbours at the annual community fair. Most fascinating for Brian was that he ended up coaching minor hockey, when as he reminded anyone who would listen, that the closest to ice he had ever been in Wales was when it was found “in my Scotch.”
Brian also worked diligently on the Cardiac Athletic Society of Edmonton (CASE) to raise awareness about the need for cardiac care and organ donation in Alberta, and even petitioned the Minister of Health to be more active on this critical topic. Always on the go, he found the time to enthusiastically support his wife and children, Bronwen, Megan and Bryn, throughout many travels, adventures and life experiences.
He was generous, open minded and truly concerned for the welfare of others. As a result, he enjoyed rich and warm relations with the many people he interacted with throughout his life.
We r so sorry for your loss Elaine, Bryn and family, Bronwyn and family, Megan and Emma. Brian certainly was a pleasure to visit with and a great Grandpa.
To all of Brian ‘ s family,
Barry and I and our family are sincerely sad of the passing of Brian.
He was a wonderful interesting person who had a great sense of humor.
We first met your father, husband at Westminster school where he taught our Geoff in a n English class. He always took time to chat about our son and about issues of the day I’m our city. He looked at learning in a special way. He just wanted children to learn in their own way.
We will always remember him for the involvement in the Cardiac group along with his very delicious Welch biscuits!
We hope your memories of him will bring you smiles and much happiness .
Sincerely
Barry and Clara Latham
Bronwyn
Please pass along my condolences to your entire family. Brian was until relatively recently a very active member of CASE, where he liked playing volleyball but not quite as much as he loved golf especially when your mum was able to join us. He was instrumental in welcoming me into CASE and touting all the benefits of maintaining our fitness. He encouraged me to become more active within the organization. Brian leaves us with lots of good memories and he will be missed by his CASE buddies.
Gary Duguay, President, CASE.
I was very sorry to hear of your loss. Brian was a good friend and a spark plug leading the CASE group in many of their activities and even leading classes when our instructor was unable to attend. We all miss him.
My condolences to the Jones family. My thoughts are with you.
Peter and I are deeply saddened on hearing of Brian’s passing. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. Please accept our sincere condolences.
Bryn Shannon and boys So sorry for your loss. You are in our thoughts and prayers.
To Elaine & Family,
Please know that Maureen & I are saddened to learn of Brian’s passing. He left an indelible mark on huge numbers of people of all sorts. His professional & personal life can rightly be characterized as a life lived to the fullest – giving as well as taking what life offered on its terms – as a teacher, athelete, writer, confidante. I shall miss him knowing that he will successfully overcome whatever awaits.
Sincerely,
The Fleigers
My sincere sympathy to you Elaine and your family. Loved hearing his stories about Wales as my Grandma came from there. Have used her recipe for Welsh Biscuits many times.
You are all in my thoughts and prayers.
My sincere sympathy to you Elaine and your family. I loved listening to Brian’s tales about Wales as my Grandma came from there. Still use her recipe for Welsh Biscuts.
Please know you are all in my thoughts and prayers.
Elaine
Patti and I were deeply saddened to hear of Brian’s death. We met at my initial visit to the case exercise class in Feb of 2001 and became close through volleyball, golf bar b ques and Christmas parties. We even sat down for an ale or two. Brian was a special friend and I will miss him.