Obituary of Brian Abriam

Brian Wayne Abriam of Calgary passed away peacefully surrounded by his loving family at the Foothills Hospital on Thursday, August 23, 2007 at the age of 30. He was born in Calgary on June 13, 1977. He was diagnosed with leukemia in January 2005 and received two bone marrow transplants. He defeated his leukemia and had been in remission since June 2006. He passed away of lung complications from his recovery treatments. Although Brian’s life was cut short, he accomplished so many things and touched so many people’s lives. He excelled academically throughout his life, achieving things far greater than what was expected of him. He graduated from the University of Alberta with a B.Sc. degree in Biological Sciences. After graduating, he started his career as an environmental lab analyst for Bodycote. His coworkers described him as hard working and fun-loving. Brian enjoyed being active and played many sports such as basketball, hockey, skiing, karate, and rollerblading. In addition to sports, Brian had a fondness for a variety of hobbies, such as collecting comic books, building crafts, and cooking. He also had a passion for playing his guitar and drums. Throughout his illness, Brian’s relentless attitude and faith is a true example of human triumph over suffering. His character embodies patience, hope, strength, and courage. What also distinguishes Brian from everyone is his pure heart. In addition to being intelligent and athletic, Brian was humble and caring. He would always think of others before himself. Moreover, many will remember Brian for his humorous and witty personality which was as contagious as his smile. Brian had a profound love for his family. He was the model son and big brother. He dearly respected, treasured, and loved his parents. To his younger brothers, he was a mentor, a best friend, and a hero. He also had a soft heart for his nephews, nieces, and younger cousins Darrius, A.G., Jonathan, Jeziah, Mylena, Julyan, Mateo, Katrina, and Robert. Brian is also loved by his countless friends, cousins, uncles, aunts, grandparents, godparents and other relatives, especially by Marilou, Melva, Beverly, and Gemma whom he treated as sisters. Brian is survived by his parents, Joe and Erlie, and his younger brothers Jason and Gene. Brian was predeceased by his grandparents from the Philippines, Genaro and Socorro Abriam and Mateo and Paulina Balbin. Brian and his family would like to give their sincerest thanks to the doctors, nurses, and staff at the ICU of Foothills Hospital. We are especially grateful to Dr. Chaudry, Dr. Savoie, Dr. Zacharias, Dr. McCrae, and all the amazing and compassionate nurses of Unit 57 and the Bone Marrow Transplant Clinic of the Tom Baker Centre. There are no words to describe how much we appreciate the care and joy you brought to Brian’s life. You truly were his guardian angels. Those wishing to pay their respects may do so at McINNIS & HOLLOWAY’S Chapel of the Bells (2720 Centre Street North) on Sunday, August 26, 2007 from 3:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. and on Monday, August 27, 2007 from 6:00 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. Relatives and friends are invited to Prayers and Tributes at McINNIS & HOLLOWAY’S Chapel of the Bells (2720 Centre Street North) on Tuesday, August 28, 2007 at 7:00 p.m. Funeral Mass will be celebrated at St. Luke’s Catholic Church (Corner of Northmount Drive & Northland Drive N.W.) on Wednesday, August 29, 2007 at 10:30 a.m. Forward condolences through www.mcinnisandholloway.com. In living memory of Brian Abriam, a tree will be planted at Fletcher Park Memorial Forest by McINNIS & HOLLOWAY FUNERAL HOMES, Chapel of the Bells, 2720 CENTRE STREET NORTH Telephone: (403) 276-2296.