Brian Michael Donnelly
It is with great sorrow that we announce the passing of Brian Donnelly on 20 October 2022. The youngest of four children, Brian was born in Montreal, Quebec in 1947. He grew up in Lachine and graduated from Bishop Whalen High School. His childhood summers were spent at the summer house in Masonville, maybe his favourite place on the planet and where he ultimately met his future wife Mary Ellen. After marrying Mary Ellen, they bought a house and had three children Paul, Tim and Ange. In 1982 the family re-located to Alberta as Brian accepted a position and started working for the Alberta Government. After many years he moved on to Miller Thompson LLP until his retirement in 2011.
Brian was a man of many passions. An avid sportsman, he played hockey, football, baseball, broomball, slo-pitch, and golf. Brian also enjoyed coaching and volunteering for various sports organizations. He happily spent many hours driving his children to their sporting events and was a constant supporter in the stands. Above all Brian loved family summer vacations spent camping and exploring North America. No family tent-trailer trip was ever complete without at least one: “JC, Mary Ellen!”. Brian and Mary Ellen also enjoyed their many adventures across the pond in Europe.
In his retirement he enjoyed spending summers in Edmonton marshalling at the Victoria Golf Course, fly-fishing, and creating artwork, and above all spending winters in Arizona with Mary Ellen. The warm winters were welcome, and Brian and Mary Ellen spent time making new friends, playing cards, enjoying happy hour, and swimming in the pool.
Brian was a son to Catherine(deceased) and Michael Donnelly (deceased) and survived by his sisters Doreen, Audrey, and Carol.
Brian is survived by his wife of 52 years Mary Ellen Donnelly, son Paul (Verna), son Tim (Marie-Louise), and daughter Ange (Mike). As well as his five grandchildren: Gemma, Penelope, Sadie, Nate, and Evie.
He will also be greatly missed by his extended family of in-laws: Peter (Susan), Chris (Bob), Carol (Bill); as well as his nieces and nephews: Marianne (Jeff), Kathryn (Robert), Mark, Mike (Ellie), and Andrew (Kaila).
There are not enough words to fill the silence he has left behind. We grieve his loss and miss him more than we can ever say.
We would like to thank the dedicated staff at the Sturgeon Community hospital for their compassion and professionalism.
In lieu of flowers, the family has asked that you use the power of your voices and your votes to improve the state of healthcare in Alberta.
The service will be held at Trinity Funeral Home (10530 116 Street, Edmonton AB) at 2:00 pm on 28 October 2022.
For those unable to attend a live stream is available, please use the following link: https://www.rispektmedia.com/brian-donnelly-october-28
To Mary Ellen and all of your families. Please accept my deepest sympathies as you mourn the loss of Brian. I ‘ve known Brian since we both went to Bishop Whelan HS in the 50’s and 60’s. We had many great times together and he was a great football and hockey player. Remember him living beside the softball diamond in LaSalle Park. We, Brian Benjamin and Brian got together in Toronto a few years ago to toss a couple of beer and remember the good times we shared.
I will share this with my contacts Mary Ellen. Cherish your precious memories. RIP Brian.
My heart felt sympathy, I knew Brian from Miller Thomson and had the honour of calling him friend, I will miss his friendship, advice, humour and our mutual love of camping and Montreal. Brian will forever be with you in the wonderful memories of yesterday’s.
Our deepest sympathies to you Mary Ellen and all your family. We always enjoyed our many Barley Boys get-togethers with you and Brian. He was a great guy and I know will be greatly missed.
My deepest condolences to.the family. Big hugs
Our sincere condolences to the Donnelly family. I remember Brian from my Bishop Whalen and hockey in Lachine. RIP Brian.
Sincere condolences to the entire Donnelly family.First met Brian when he first moved to Lachine.Went to Bishop Whelan and played on different football teams thoughout our teen years together.Always a smile and a hearty laugh!
R.I.P Red!
Our deepest sympathy Mary Ellen and family. Glad we have the opportunity to get to know Brian over the years.
Lori and Wayne Husak
My sincere condolences to all family. Went to school with Brian at B.W.H.S. Brian was a kind nice person . He once helped me find a ring I had lost in the school yard. Thanks Brian. May you Rest In Peace.
Ange, Michael and family: Sorry for your loss and the difficulties you have been going through in last little while. Take Care and know I am thinking about you.
Aunt Debbie (Uncle Randy)
Rest in peace dear Brian, it was our pleasure to meet you and have a lot of fun with you. Our sincere condolences to Mary Ellen and family convey Gerhard and Simone 🥲
It was with great sadness that we read your news of Brian’s passing. He was a man who seemed to have lived a very full life with much love for his family and adventures. Please accept our sincere condolences for your loss.
My condolences to the Donnelly family on Brian’s passing. Had many good chats and laughs with him at Alberta Finance. May he Rest In Peace.
Mary Ellen, Chris and Carol
We are so sorry for your loss. We hope that you find some solace in your memories and the big wonderful family you have around you.
So very sorry for your loss. Thinking of you all.
Sending our warmest embrace. Love you all and feel a deep sadness for your loss.
Dear Mary Ellen,
My thoughts are with you and your family during this very sad time.
To Mary Ellen & Family I was dismayed to hear of Brians passing! Please accept my condolences Doreen Walker
To Tim and family, I’m very sorry for your loss. Please accept heartfelt condolences from my mom and I.
I have fond memories of Brian. We worked together at the Alberta Govt. He was a very funny caring and compassionate man. He spoke his about his family with such pride.
His ervice today was a fitting tribute.
I hope all the wonderful memories you have will provide comfortable in the coming days.
Patti Hysert
My heartfelt condolences to Brian’s family, and especially his children. Working with Brian for so many years, and the great stories he would share about You, in essence, his friends and coworkers often felt like we knew you..I had many a laugh with Brian, and on those days that I was down, he always found a way to bring me up, even it was the “ the Brian way “
Peace be with you
Erin ( govt of AB, retired)
To the Donnelly family,
I’m was truly saddened to learn of his passing.
Working with Brian at Alberta Government was a true joy. He was always giving you a reason to smile and laugh. He was always there to listen and assist if necessary. I always appreciated his sincerity and will miss his smile.
He was a proud family man. He always spoke of all of you. His family was his world.
My prayers are with all of you.
Sincere condolences to you, Mary Ellen, and your family in the loss of your dear husband, father and grandfather, Brian. Bob and Nora told me of Brian’s passing and I was so very sorry to receive the bad news. You are in my thoughts and prayers.
Carol (Feeley) Lloyd