With great heaviness on our hearts and trusting in Our Lord’s mercy, we announce the passing of our beloved husband, father, grandfather, uncle, and friend - Brian McGuckin.
After battling cancer, Brian passed away at Abbotsford General Hospital on August 11 at the age of 86.
Brian was predeceased by his father James, his mother Ella, his brother Bede and his sister Catherine. He is survived by his loving wife Joan, his children Anne and Fr. Mark, his son-in-law Robert, his grandchildren Ellen, Tim, and Natalie, and many nieces and nephews (some of whom were deckhands on their Uncle Brian’s fishing boat).
Brian was born in St. Paul’s hospital in Vancouver. He grew up in East Vancouver, attending Our Lady of Sorrows Elementary and Notre Dame high school. He was a star tackle and defensive lineman on his high school football team. After graduating, dad played football down in Washington State before entering the RCMP academy in Regina, Sask. After several years in law enforcement, serving and protecting the people in the Peace River country of Northern Alberta, he came back to Vancouver. Brian would then spend two years discerning the monastic vocation with a community of Trappists at Our Lady of the Prairies monastery in St. Norbert, Manitoba. At that time, Brian was given the name “Brother Patrick” and though it was not God’s call that he remain at the monastery, those formative years spent in Manitoba would shape his devotional life for the rest of his days.
Not too long after returning home again, thanks to the invitation of one of his best friends, Joe Borovich, dad stepped foot on a commercial fishing vessel and immediately fell in love with the hard work and lifestyle of a West Coast fisherman. Brian would eventually invest in his own gillnet boat and - for about three decades – he would be captaining his vessel ‘Sparrow’ up and down Johnstone Straight, the Strait of Juan de Fuca, and the Fraser River.
Brian loved B.C.’s coast and soaking in so much of God’s natural beauty when he was on the water. But that paled in comparison to Brian’s love for his family, for his friends, for all his fellow parishioners at St. Patrick’s parish, and for all his students. Brian was a fisherman during the late spring/summer and a classroom teacher during the rest of the year.
After a few early years teaching in the B.C. interior, our family would settle in Maple Ridge in 1977. Here, Brian first taught at Maple Ridge Secondary School. Our home was deliberately situated very close to a Catholic church and to a number of schools. After retiring from the Maple Ridge – Pitt Meadows school district in 2002, Brian began volunteer teaching for another 15 years up at the Seminary of Christ the King in Mission, B.C.
Dad loved his routine in retirement: prayer and daily Mass in the mornings at St. Patrick’s, prepping for his classes and venturing up to Westminster Abbey, working around his house & garden and up at the church, caring for the grandkids, and being a direct extension of the love of God to so many.
Friends, we warmly invite you to be with us for one or more of the following liturgical ceremonies for Brian:
- Vigil Prayers at St. Patrick’s parish in Maple Ridge (7:00pm Wed., Aug. 20)
- Funeral Mass at St. Patrick’s parish in Maple Ridge (11:00am Thurs., Aug. 21), followed by a reception in the gym. For those unable to attend in person, the Funeral Mass will be live streamed here: m.youtube.com/watch?v=TRsPwgCLsLc
- Graveside blessing and burial at Gardens of Gethsemani Cemetery in South Surrey (3:00pm Thurs., Aug. 21)
October 14th, 2025
Mr.mcGuckin was my favourite teacher at Golden Ears Elementary school .
It was the late 70’s , grade 7 .
He had so much patience and understanding for everyone .
Especially my gf Maria and I who liked to test his patience.
I wish I had the chance to thank him
later in life .
Rest easy Mr.McGuckin
Much love
Treena
September 8th, 2025
It will be impossible to attend a weeknight mass & not hear Brian leading the choir in song.
He did so much for this community - to allow us to have beautiful services & help others in their Holy work.
May he rest in peace.
August 22nd, 2025
Thank you Brian for inspiring me and my family. Over the many years that I’ve known you, you’ve quietly served God and the parish in many capacity. You never seem to get angry. I am awed by your piousness and in making the parish & church your home. You are an epitome of a saint.
You will be remembered in my prayers and please pray for us. I could only attend the live stream of the funeral prayers and Mass as I have a fractured rib from a fall.
Enjoy the company of Jesus, Mama Mary, all the angels and saints. 🙏🙏🙏
August 21st, 2025
So many beautiful memories and tributes for a wonderful man and friend. We have known Brian for some 58 years as the husband of my dear friend Joan and father of Ann and Fr Mark. We have visited them in Maple Ridge and also in Vancouver on several occasions and will never forget the kindness, generosity friendship we shared over the years. Our deepest sympathy to the family and RIP dear Brian
August 21st, 2025
August 21st, 2025
In loving memory of Mr. McGuckin — a kind and gentle soul whose warmth touched everyone who had the privilege of knowing him. He lived with quiet strength, deep faith, and unwavering devotion to his family and his church.
Fly with the angels now, Mr. McGuckin. You will be dearly missed and forever remembered.
August 21st, 2025
"I first met Mr. McGuckin over 45 years ago at St. Patrick’s, where I was learning to be an altar server. Over the years, he was always a steady presence—quietly in the background, yet always ready to listen and offer gentle guidance. Even when my family moved to Ontario in 1985, he was there to join us in prayer and friendship on the morning of our departure. His quiet strength, kindness, and genuine care touched not only my life but the lives of so many others. Mr. McGuckin, your life was a living example of Christ’s love. Rest in peace, and may your memory be eternal. ‘He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death, or mourning, or crying, or pain…’ (Revelation 21:4). To the McGuckin family—you are in my thoughts and prayers."
August 20th, 2025
Father Mark,
Our deepest condolences on the passing of your Dad. He has the same warm smile as you. May his soul Rest in Peace.
August 20th, 2025
It was always wonderful to have the occasional chat with Brian before and after daily Mass in the parking lot or by HG. One of my last and most recent memories and conversation with Brian was about trying some dragon fruit brought to HG for re-distribution. We continue to pray for Brian and the McGuckin family. May Brian rest in the embracing love and mercy of our Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ. Amen
August 19th, 2025
Our deepest condolences to you and your family, Father Mark. Our prayers and warm thoughts are with you and your family. We lift up your father's soul to God and pray for the forgiveness of his earthly sins and his reunification with God in heaven.
August 18th, 2025
Dear Rev. Fr. Mark
Our deepest sympathies at the loss of your dear father, confidante and friend. May he rest in peace. Please convey our condolencs to your mum and sister. Truly dear Fr. I think he's gone straight to heaven. You have a saint in heaven.
just a side comment......you look very much like your dear father. Praise God for you.
Paul Cunha and Enone Lobo
August 18th, 2025
My condolences to you and your family Fr. Mark. It was my privilege to have known such a beautiful soul.
August 18th, 2025
The world has lost a great example of a genuine, human being who truly lived his life in the image of God. There is no doubt that the angels are trumpeting in heaven, with the arrival of Uncle Brian! I will fondly remember my commercial fishing experience on the Sparrow, along the west coast and our many long conversations talking about his beloved grand children, nephews, nieces, Canucks, Lions and politics. His spirit will last forever! RIP Uncle Brian...
August 18th, 2025
Dear Fr.McGuckin:
Please accept my condolences on the passing of your father.
When I first immigrated to Vancouver inf 1957, and became an OLOS parishiner, Brian's name as an ND foortballer was already legendary. Of couse, as one new to Canada, I did not fuly understand the significcance of being a star football player. However, it was noteworthy that as your father pursued his varrious life experiences, I continued to hear about him. It ws apparent that he was held in high regard by all those who knew him, not only for his athletic prowess, but because he ws, above all, a trruly good man - his pasor (father Don Cambell) and the Assistant (Father Joe carney), his classmates, and many parishioners all spoke highly of him.
Though I only had the pleasure of briefly meeeting him, it wss apparent that he was not only a high achieever, but a person held in great respect.
The passing of a loving father and a good maan is always sad. I trust that you can find some consolation in knowing that your father was indeed a wprthy man. respected and loved by many.
Alan Charlton
August 17th, 2025
To Fr. Mark and Family,
Please accept our deepest sympathy. Brian and everyone he left behind are in our prayers.
Vince, Naomi & Gaia
August 17th, 2025
We rejoice that Brian used all the given talents to glorify our Lord till the last days. We celebrate his journey accompanied by so many kind souls. we especially appreciate with our gratefulness that Brian and Joan raised, nurtured and shared Fr. Mark to many of us to walk the further journey to witness the love of our Lord!
Alleluia
August 17th, 2025
Our deepest condolences to you and your family. Your father was an incredible person, and his influence will live on through the lives he touched.
May your father's memory continues being a blessing to you and your family.
Our thoughts and prayers are with you during this time.
Alex Orellana & Elena Rapalo Orellana
August 17th, 2025
While we shed a tear at every beautiful tribute, sad to have never met Brian, we know his son who is so much like his dad.
Our deepest condolences for your profound loss.
Linda and Jean Noel
August 17th, 2025
Uncle Brian,
As I sit and reflect on your passing, countless memories come to mind. I think of the times we spent fishing together aboard the mighty Sparrow and the short but meaningful conversations we often shared throughout the years.
You were an outstanding example to everyone you encountered; your positive and genuine nature left a lasting impression on me, one that I have tried to carry into my own life.
The seeds for my love and respect for the sea were planted by you, and they have grown ever since those first days of fishing. You were truly a gem in a world of many stones.
To me, the highest honour one can receive in life is to be remembered as someone who made a difference.
Uncle Brian, I can say without hesitation that you truly did make a difference.
Thank you for being you.
With love,
David, Debbie, and family
August 17th, 2025
Many a tear will continue to fall in this grieving period BUT AS TIME PASSES you will remember your dad And his advice to you.
Their memory never leaves you.
Be thankful for such a dad when so many never experience their love.
August 16th, 2025
My sincerest condolences to you Joan and your family - this is certainly a big loss to you all, but you can rest in peace that he is in heaven for sure and looking after you all! I am one of his best friends ‘Mario’ s cousin so was in contact with him socially over the years, Brian was a wonderful person and an exceptional example of a very Catholic ambassador.
August 16th, 2025
Brian will be greatly missed. Brian was a beautiful man kind soul.I will never forget all his help with both my Mom and Dad's funeral.My prayers are with his family. REST IN PEACE 🙏
August 16th, 2025
I use to wear my Canucks jacket to Mass and arrive there early. Often the door was still locked. When it did open Brian was there and greeted me with such kindness in his voice every Sunday. He would comment on the play of the Cancks but never with any negative comment. Always with hope no matter what. This even continued after stopped wearing that jacket to Mass. Joining Brian and a small group of parishioners every Sunday morning to pray the Liturgy of the Hours was a beautiful way to prepare to celebrate the Mass. You will be miss. Rest in Peace Brian.
August 15th, 2025
Uncle Brian, you are so loved. I don’t remember a time in my life that you weren’t there for me. You will be terribly missed but your memory will always be a blessing to all who knew and loved you.
August 15th, 2025
The world has lost a great example of a genuine, human being who truly lived his life in the image of God. There is no doubt that the angels are trumpeting in heaven, with the arrival of Uncle Brian! I will fondly remember my commercial fishing experience on the Sparrow, along the west coast and our many long conversations talking about his beloved grand children, nephews, nieces, Canucks, Lions and politics. His spirit will last forever! RIP Uncle Brian...
August 15th, 2025
Brian, may you rest in the peace and light of God’s eternal love.
It’s clear you raised a remarkable son whose faith and compassion are a testament to your life.
My heart and prayers are with you, Father Mark, and with all your loved ones during this time of deep sorrow.
August 15th, 2025
Brian, May you rest in peace.
Heartbroken for a great son you have raised.
My prayers are with you Father Mark and all your family and friends at this sorrowful time.
Know that God has a plan for us all.
Sorry for your loss.
Blessings Alex
August 14th, 2025
May you rest in peace in the Lord's hands, Sir Brian. You lived a fulfilling life, and now may our Lord Jesus Christ, Mama Mary and the Angels welcome you to GOD'S kingdom.
We're thankful for your son, Fr. Mark, a wonderful pastor at St. Francis de Sales, who's a blessing to our Parish Community.
August 13th, 2025
Joe and I are both heartbroken to hear of the passing of our dear friend Brian. After leading by example for so many years; I'm certain when he heard the Lord's call ... he undoubtedly answered without hesitation.
Bless him.
One of our fondest memories of Brian's warmth and goodness occurred nearly 33 years ago when we had our 3rd son baptized.
After the service Brian made a point of coming to us and warmly welcoming him into our faith family at saint Patrick's. We didn't know Brian at that point - but I knew we would.
Brian was a regular on the lawn mower/gardening circuit at St. Pat's and would often stop and chat for a bit. Always taking time to hear our little family stories and share some of his own.
He was a good man and we were blessed to have known him.
Brian was a such a strong pillar of God's love in our community.
May you rest in the Lord's peace which you so justly deserve Brian.
We will miss you.
Joe & Joanne Antoniak
August 13th, 2025
May you rest in peace. 🙏 Such a beautiful soul. 💖
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