Edward John Brien

March 27, 1930 - March 25, 2022
Ed passed away at home on Friday, March 25, 2022, surrounded by his loving family, after a long illness.
He was born in Coachman's Cove, Newfoundland, to John Bryan and Mary Ann Bryan (nee Philpott) and was the youngest of 12 children. Ed began his working life as a teenager and continued working well into his 70's. His career included 32 years in the Public Service with 21 of those years in the Canadian Forces as a Field Engineer.
Ed married Loretta Brown (nee Young) on May 27, 1961 in St. George's, Newfoundland and took on responsibility for Loretta's 2 & 1/2 year old daughter, Karen. The couple had three children: Linda, Janet and David. Ed's military career took the family to Germany and Ontario before settling them in Chilliwack, BC. Ed and Lori enjoyed more than 61 years of married life together.
He was an industrious, resourceful fellow who could repair almost anything and who firmly believed that "if a job was worth doing, it was worth doing well!" He had a wonderful sense of humour and was happiest putting in his garden, enjoying a game of Scrabble after dinner with Loretta, or clapping along at a Newfoundland-style kitchen party!
Ed was a committed family man and a devout Catholic. He served St. Mary's Parish of Chilliwack for many decades in various capacities including as head usher. He was also a member of the Knights of Columbus.
He is survived by: his loving wife, Loretta; children - Karen (Tino), Linda, Janet and David (Lily); grandchildren - Caitlyn (Matt), Emily and Michael; and great granddaughter, Claire; as well as his sister, Sue Downey and many, many nieces, nephews and cousins.
Remembered with great love and gratitude, may he Rest In Peace.
In lieu of flowers, Ed's family is suggesting a donation to either the Canadian Lung Association or the Canadian Red Cross for the people of Ukraine.
A funeral Mass will be celebrated at St. Mary's Parish on Friday, April 1st at 2 pm.