To view the livestream of the service, please click here.
To view the video tribute, please click here.
It is with great sadness that the family of Brian Hesje announce that he passed away peacefully on the morning of December 5, 2021 at the age of 75 years.
He is survived and greatly missed by his wife and best friend, Wynne; daughter, Allison Hesje (Rynhard Venter); step-daughter, Laurie Lee (Paul), beloved grandchildren: Juliette, Brianna and Joshua Venter and Preston and Eric Lee; brothers, Morris Hesje (Angeline) and Murray Hesje (Shirley); and sister-in-law, Bev Hesje. Also mourning his loss are aunts and uncles, nieces and nephews, Maureen Hesje (Allison’s mom) and numerous friends and relatives.
Brian was pre-deceased by his father, John Hesje; mother, Pearl Hesje, and brother, Clayton Hesje.
Brian was born in Birch Hills, Saskatchewan, where he spent his youth happily fishing on the river and enjoying a “prairie boy” up-bringing on the farm. After graduating from the University of Alberta with a B.Ed and an MBA, Brian went on to the world of accounting. From this point forward, his business acumen led him to many positions including CEO and Chairman of the Board at Fountain Tire, and most recently, Director and eventually Board Chair of ATB Financial. Through service on numerous boards, mentorship, and philanthropy, Brian has had a significant impact on many individuals and organizations. Perhaps his greatest contribution has been his wit, his wisdom and his gentle kindness to those he loved.
There will be a Memorial Service held at 2:00 p.m. on Thursday, December 16, 2021 at Connelly-McKinley Funeral Home, 10011 114 Street NW, Edmonton. The REP program will be in effect for those attending in person. To view the livestream of the service, please click here.
Memorial donations may be made in Brian’s name to the Rick Hansen Foundation or to the Alberta Lung Association.
The family wishes to thank Dr. J. Fairfax and her staff, and Dr. Kalluri and her staff for their guidance in managing this disease. May there one day be a way to control or cure Interstitial Lung Disease.
Marti Boyle says
My condolences to Wynne and his children. May he Rest In Peace.
Marti Boyle Larry Ackerl
Judy McClarty Kushnir says
So sorry for your and the family’s loss, Wynne.
Michael Ross says
Wynne, Allison and Family: We extend our sincere sympathy to all of you. Our thoughts and prayers are with you as you mourn the loss of Brian. We wish you many joyful moments as you think about him and celebrate his life. Warm regards, Kathie and Mike
Elizabeth menzies says
Brian taught me math in Grade 9 in Provost, Alberta. It was his first year teaching. We all remember him well and adored his fun outlook on life. My condolences to the family
John PInsent says
To Winnie and the Hesje family. I was deeply sadden to hear of Brian’s passing. He had a tremendous impact on my career and his wit, insights and kindness will be missed by many of us in the accounting community. Brian was always deflective when I mentioned how many fellow professionals his life impacted. I just wanted you to know that it absolutely did!
arlene dickinson says
Brian has left an indelible mark on so many of the people who were lucky enough to have a conversation, meeting or any time at all with him. His wit and humour and sharp business acumen were unparalleled. Sending deepest condolences to his family and loved ones.
Guy Scott says
Dear Wynne,
So very sad to see this announcement.
Although we have not maintained our contact of late, we will always remember his very kind and friendly manner. I counted him as a true friend.
We will miss him.
Hugs,
Shelley and Guy Scott
Joan Thibert says
So sorry for your loss…sending my heartfelt condolences.
Dino Trevisani says
My deepest condolences. He was one of the greats and a true gentlemen.
Richard G Shuhany says
My deepest condolences to the Hesje family.
Brian was a friend and colleague and one fun guy to play golf with.
May you cherish all the great memories for one of the greatest wits in the world.
Dave Caron says
Wyne, so sorry for your loss. In the brief time I had the privilege of knowing Brian his intelligence and wit were very obvious. Just like his beautiful bride for that matter. I have no doubt you will have many many supporters surrounding you in this difficult time.
Dave Caron
Timothy Ryan says
To Winne and family please accept deepest condolences from Jane and I.
We pray that God will give you strength during this trying time. Brian was an inspiration to me and my greatest friend. My life was enriched in many ways through his friendship, fellowship, and counsel. We always loved and
will remember his humor and wit which was always present to brighten ones day. “Unforgettable” ,he will be with us always.
Wally Herle says
Sincere sympathy wishes to you Wynne and the Hesje family on the passing of Brian. He was a good friend of mine ever since we met over 50 years ago at Provost Public. He became a member of our family during his second year of teaching there. Needless to say, he made for a very interesting year.
Brian was truly gifted in so many ways, but his sharp wit was unparalleled. He will be sadly missed by us and his many friends.
Jean-Claude Chatelet says
Although I only met Brian a few times, I imagine the emptiness he leaves behind in your life, Wynne, I share your grief.
Sincères condoléances.
Judy Oborowsky says
Our deepest condolences Wynne and to all the family. We were so sad to hear that Brian passed away – much too soon. He still had lots he wanted to accomplish.
Our guys will never forget Brian’s sense of humour when hunting three times together in Texas, and fishing several times up North and in Brazil.
It was also our pleasure when you and Brian attended the wedding in Hawaii upon our invitation along with Brian’s special humour of choosing the perfect hunting gift for the groom.
We will definitely miss Brian terribly and Wynne please continue to take care of yourself.
We will continue to cherish the moments that Brian formed in our lives.
The Oborowsky’s – Don & Judy; Shonn, Elle & Zoe; Sharleen, Lola, Lennon & Lou.
Adele Maines & Richard McCarty says
Wynne, our deepest condolences for your loss. Brian’s wit, dry sense of humor and generosity will be sadly missed. It was an honor to know him.
Larry Morgan says
To Brian’s family i offer my condolences for your loss of a great, great man. Brian was a part of our golf group of tire guys who met every February here in Tampa Florida for a week of golf and comradery. In the last hour everyone who was a part of “The Rubbermen” have shared fond stories of our beloved friend. Brian’s whit, intelligence and genuine friendship far surpassed his golf game and he will never be forgotten. His love for family, Canada, hockey and the curling sport were quite apparent. WE have all lost a great man, friend and loved one. Larry Morgan
Pat Vaughan says
Condolences to Wynne, Allison and Family. We were deeply saddened to hear of Brian’s passing.
Brian was a great influencer in my life. In the B.ED and MBA time period of his life, he “schooled me” in high school Social Studies and Economics. As time would have it, this started me off on the path of a teaching career of thirty six years. While staying with Brian and Maureen though, I did the “schooling” in the many different sports we competed in. This ranged from, badminton, tennis, golf, table tennis, to bicycling the streets of Edmonton, looking for summer work. Brian, of course would not agree with this last statement one bit.
Colleen and Pat Vaughan.
Clinton Hesje says
Wynne, Allison and Family:. Sorry i could bot not attend. I will remember Brian’s generosity – he bought me my first Oilers jersey-, his willingness to share his free time – the early mornings we shared in Vegas- and that fact he was the only person who liked the pickled watermelon rinds I crafted from scratch. That still makes me smile. He will be missed.
Stanford F Blade says
I first met Brian when he joined the Board of the Alberta Innovates corporation where I was the new CEO. Brian was a mentor – he asked so many good questions and used his dry sense of humour to bring home clear messages on whatever was the topic of the moment. Brian was very gracious in providing thoughtful advice when I went on to be Dean at the University of Alberta. I appreciated his stories of growing up in Saskatchewan-and his many dealings with people in business and government.
Always funny, always making an accurate observation-he will be missed.
Stan Blade
Dean
Faculty of Agricultural, Life and Environmental Sciences
William Connauton says
An amazing man and a special friend. I will forever miss his honesty, integrity, charity and humour. The World needs more Brian Hesjes !!
Brian & Leslie Kirkpatrick says
Brian and I were both shocked and saddened to hear of Brian‘s passing.
Seems like just yesterday we were talking to Brian and sending him pictures regarding a trip that he had been on with Brian and Cory. Our thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time.
Debbie McIntosh says
Wynne and family, I am so sorry for your loss. Brian was a wonderful and inspiring individual who has left an indelible mark on my life and will certainly be missed. I will keep you in my thoughts and prayers.
Garry M Paulson says
Wynne and Allison,
I offer my condolences to both of you. It must be a very sad time for you. Brian was one of a kind and will be sorely missed by many.
Craig Meckelborg says
Brian was such an important part of my life. His humour, wisdom and kindness were shared in a confident and wonderful way. My condolences to his family and friends. Thank you Brian for all the positive moments and memories.
Pat Kirby says
Wynne and the Hesje family.
Jill and I send our sincerest condolences. Although Brian and I hadn’t seen each other for some time, he will always be remembered with great fondness.
Pat Kirby
Rick Cruickshank says
Wynn and Allison
I was privileged over the years to have shared some very open,meaningful and reflective conversations with Brian. His love for both of you and his grandchildren was the greatest gift this life afforded him.
Namaste
Rick
Patty James says
Wynne we were so sorry to hear of Brians passing. Please accept our sincerest condolences. Ron & Patty James
Darrell & Karen Shaw says
So sad to hear of the passing of our dear Brian. I always enjoyed conversations with Brian and learned so much as we chatted. He was a great cousin and always added so much to our family gatherings.
We will miss him dearly. Darrell and I pass on to Wynne and all of the family our sincerest condolences.
Love and Prayers,
Darrell and Karen Shaw
Diane Buchanan says
Winne, Allison and family:
My sincerest condolences on your loss of Brian. I was away at the time of his passing. He will be missed by so many. Brian was a great Albertan and a respected leader.
Sincerely,
Diane Buchanan
Yusuf Karbani says
Dear Wynn, Allison and Family
My deepest condolences on your loss of Brian’s passing. Brian will be greatly missed by all his friends and family as he always made time for all of them in a meaningful way. I met Brian fifty years ago and I admired him for his leadership, business acumen, wit and humour.
Brian will always be remembered With great fondness.
Yusuf Karbani