Obituary of BRIAN ANDREW SULYMKA

Brian Andrew Sulymka

June 1, 1966 – Dec. 9, 2021

It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of our beloved brother, uncle, cousin, nephew and friend. He was predeceased by his loving parents Lloyd and Irene. Survived by brothers Carl (Cece), Dale (Velvet), Doug (Bonnie), nephews Jeff (Melanie) and Phil, nieces Jennifer, Julia, Kyra, Natalie and grandniece Nadia.

                A developed man of God, Brian’s faith was unwavering throughout his life. This faith was his strength to the end and a great example of God’s love for us.

                Brian’s quiet nature and approach to life was definitely that of a blessed soul. He always found time to interact with his nieces and nephews. Regardless of their ages, Uncle Brian was always fun and engaging. He was always in the favourite uncle category with them.

                Brian worked in various industries over his career always giving his best. Through continuous courses and studies, he became a computer tech which he pursued to the end of his career. When a crossroad decision to leave the province for work came, he decided to rechannel his energies into caring for our mother in the family home. His care and dedication allowed Mom to enjoy her golden years there.

                Brian’s love for gardening and harvesting the rewards was definitely a tribute to all those ancestors that had tilled the land before him.

                Brian’s youth was filled with playing soccer, football and fun at the lake. He loved hiking and camping, and later on cycling. Brian was green before it became popular, cycling to work regardless of the distance. He started curling at an early age which he continued to play his entire life.

                Brian was blessed with the artistic genes in the family and had many hobbies that required immense patience. Wood carving, wood burning and stained-glass works were some of his impressive pastimes. At Christmas time, Brian would spend weeks making numerous ice molds for candle holders which would be lit on Christmas Eve. For Easter, he would skillfully yet painstakingly carve a lamb out of a butter block to symbolize the lamb of God. He enjoyed perfecting methods and finding tools to deal with everyday tasks. He was often very adventurous and relished opportunities to acquire new skills. He was an honest, straightforward guy who worked hard at whatever he set his mind too.

                Brian always put the cares and needs of others first, and was always there to lend a helping hand. And in the last months of his life, he truly appreciated the love and compassion he received from the many nurses and doctors who cared for him during his illness.

Thank you to Father Volodymyr Bashutskyy of Holy Family Ukrainian Catholic Church for his spiritual support during this time.

Brian’s last message to us:

To my family, each one of you is a very special blessing to me, and I have been so lucky to have each of you in my life. I will always be praying for you, to help you on your journey through life.  Please pray for me and your other faithfully departed. Please pray, and remember the rosary is the strongest spiritual weapon ever. God bless you and love you – Brian.

Special thanks to all the nurses and doctors from St. Boniface & Misericordia Hospitals, and the Grace Hospice for their love and compassion in caring for Brian in the last months of his life.

Prayers and Funeral Liturgy both will be held at Holy Family Ukrainian Catholic Church, Grant & Harrow.  Prayers will be held on Thursday, December 16, 2021 at 7:00 p.m. and Funeral Liturgy on Friday, December 17, 2021 at 10:00 a.m.  Interment will follow at Thomson In the Park Cemetery.

Following interment, a family and friends reflection will take place at Cropo Funeral Chapel, 1442 Main Street. 

Proof of vaccination & corresponding ID required.