Obituary of BRIAN JAMES KNIGHT

Brian James Knight
June 27, 1957 - April 15, 2024

After a brief battle with cancer, it is with great sadness and very heavy hearts that we announce the sudden passing of our dear husband, father, grandfather and brother Brian. He leaves to mourn his wife Jan, son Darcy (Kirsten), son Trevor and granddaughter Abigail along with his brothers, sisters, nieces, nephews and brother and sister in law. He was pre-deceased by his brother Justin, sister Bunny (Lorraine), father Harry, mother Violleta and niece Mandy.

Brian grew up in Transcona and eventually moved to his parents farm in Glenboro, MB. for a few years. He made many friends there and eventually graduated from high school. He met Jan in 1980 and they were married in 1983. They bought a home in Transcona in 1985 and shortly after welcomed their two sons.

Brian worked very hard his whole life to provide for his family. In 1988 he became a journeyman pipefitter while working at CN Rail. He loved the railway but was laid off due to budget cuts. He moved to VIA Rail for 3 years on a term position. After VIA, he was hired on with New Flyer Industries where he worked for 25 years until retirement. Although he didn't miss getting up early and the hard work, he missed his dear friends at New Flyer terribly.

Brian was first and foremost a dedicated and loving husband,father and grandfather. He enjoyed the simple things in life. Family meant everything to him and nothing gave him greater joy than to spend time with his wife, sons, daughter in law and granddaughter.

He gained his love of the outdoors from his Mom and Dad spending hours hunting and fishing while at the farm along with his brothers, sisters, nieces and nephews .

When his sons got older, summers were all about camping and boating as a family and with dear friends. Hours were spent in his boat with a fishing line in the water, sitting around a campfire, playing competitive games of cribbage or ladder ball and, more often than not, fixing a broken motor of some kind.

His love and dedication to his sons was immeasurable. No matter how tired he was at the end of a tough work day he was ready to be their cub scout leader, soccer, hockey or baseball coach. Brian and Jan enjoyed the boys' friends and missed them when they moved into their own homes. He was mentor, teacher and a Dad who was always there for them.

He was a teddy bear of a man and people were drawn to him and his twinkling blue eyes. He was a loyal friend and always willing to give a helping hand to anyone who needed it.

Brian loved to dance with Jan, especially polkas. He enjoyed home cooked meals, especially Ukrainian or Filipino food and, he loved his Tim Horton's French Vanilla Cappuccino.  He will be missed at the drive-thru for sure.

During his 4 years of retirement, he was able to finally relax while camping, playing crib, ladder ball and working on puzzles with Jan. Most of all he cherished all the extra time with his family and his granddaughter.

He lived his life centered around love, faith and generosity. He was a wonderful and loving husband, father, grandfather, family man and friend.

Brian will be forever missed by all who knew and loved him but he will never be forgotten as he lives on in our hearts.

The Knight family would like to thank the staff on E6 at St. Boniface Hospital for their wonderful and compassionate care, especially Dr. Lana who supported Brian through this diffcult journey from the day we arrived in Emergency until the moment he passed. Thank you as well to Dr. Li, Grace, Joana and Linda for your kindness and care for both Brian and Jan during a very trying time. You are truly angels.

Jan, Darcy, Trevor and Kirsten would also like to thank all of our friends for their kind messages of support during this time.

In lieu of flowers you can make a donation to Cancer Care Manitoba or a charity of your choice.

A Celebration of Brian's Life will be held at 1:00 pm Friday May 3, 2024, with a light lunch and reception to follow at Cropo Funeral Chapel, 1442 Main Street, Winnipeg, MB