Obituary of Brian Veale

August 31, 1934 – Silver Creek, British Columbia

February 21, 2022 – Calgary, Alberta

On February 21, 2022, Brian Veale passed away at age 87 after living a life rich with friends, family, love, laughter and endless curiosity. Mildred (“Millie”) Veale, Brian’s partner and wife of fifty-three years, lovingly cared for him at home during the past eighteen months as he fought lung cancer. Brian will also be dearly missed by his sons, daughters, their partners and granddaughters, Bruce Veale (Michelle); Barbara Veale (Paul); Graham Veale (Kimberly), along with their children Victoria, Naomi, and Geneva; and Nancy O’Hare (Chad). Brian kept a close relationship with and will be remembered fondly by his siblings and their partners, Alan Veale (Janet), Ken Veale, Dave Veale (Mary) and Mary Mackie (Tom). 

Brian was born and grew up in the rural community of Silver Creek near Salmon Arm, BC.  In 1971 he earned a Bachelor of Commerce with a specialty in transportation from the University of British Columbia. Before graduating, his brother Alan and wife Janet, introduced Brian to an adventurous nurse named Millie. They were married in Lambeth, ON during a winter ice storm, December 28, 1968 and started their life together in Vancouver. In 1974, Brian and Millie relocated to the Calgary area where they became integral and valued members of the community and lived on an acreage in the Red Deer Lake area for 46 years. 

Brian, like Millie, had a passion for travel, cultures and an endless curiosity about the world. Whether working in Kuwait or Hungary, rebuilding his 1946 Buick, exploring India, attending talks in Mexico, or flying in his brother Dave’s plane, Brian lived life to the fullest. Not only did he love to do things himself, but he also generously helped others. Brian was actively involved with the United Church, volunteered for Habitat for Humanity and regularly donated blood. He will be greatly missed by many.

A private service will be held. Condolences, memories, and photos can also be shared and viewed here. If friends so desire memorial tributes can be made directly to McDougall United Church, 8516 Athabasca Street S.E., Calgary, AB, https://www.mcdunited.com, Doctors Without Borders, https://www.doctorswithoutborders.ca, or the Canadian Lung Association, https://www.lung.ca.

In living memory of Brian Veale, a tree will be planted in the Ann & Sandy Cross Conservation Area by McInnis & Holloway Funeral Homes, Fish Creek, 14441 Bannister Road SE, Calgary, Ab t2x 3j3, Telephone: 403-256-9575.