Brien McCandless

1946 - 2020

 With saddened hearts we announce the unexpected passing of Brien Henry McCandless, beloved husband, father and grampy in Taber on Tuesday, August 25, 2020 at the age of 74 years.

 As a result of the restrictions regarding COVID-19, and the government’s recommendations, a private funeral service was held at Southland Funeral Chapel, Taber on Friday, August 28, 2020.

 Relatives and friends were invited to meet with Brien’s family  at the residence of Kyla and Curtis Ross between 8:30 P.M. and 10:00 P.M. 

 Brien is survived by his loving wife Jane; daughter Kyla (Curtis) Ross of Taber and their children Trey (Jaela), Walker and Cooper; daughter Brianna (John) Pulkinen of Livelong, Saskatchewan and their children Kovan, Seija and RJ. He is also survived by his brother Michael (Barbara) McCandless and their children Matthew (Nisha) and children, Kathleen (Jim) and  children and Elizabeth Robin (Mike) and children; brother Chuck (Nancy) McCandless and their children Ethan (Dione) and children, Cara (Bruce) and Annaliese (Dennis) and children; brother-in-law Derrich (Trish) Wright and their children and grandchildren. He has numerous family members still living in Ireland and Northern Ireland. 

 He was predeceased by his parents Warren and Lou McCandless and by Jane’s parents Ivan and Willa Wright. 

 Brien was born in Londonderry, Northern Ireland on June 30, 1946. He immigrated to Canada, settling in Winnipeg, Manitoba in November 1956 with his two younger brothers, mum and grandmother. They joined his father who had already come to Canada six months earlier to find work. The McCandless family were known to open their hearts and home to others as they made their way to Winnipeg from their native Ireland. Brien was raised in a musical family and sang tenor with the Hymn Sing Choir that aired on CBC.  He sang with numerous church choirs, choral groups, with dear friends and family and when asked, he would sing for a funeral or a wedding or other special occasions.  

 Brien came to Lethbridge on a holiday in 1975 and decided to stay. It was in Lethbridge that he met Jane and they married May 6, 1977. Brien worked in numerous sales positions including Woodwards, Penner’s Mens Wear and Wright Home Furnishers until he started with Frito Lay in 1985. He remained with Frito Lay until he retired nine years ago. While visiting his friends at Southland Funeral Chapel, he was offered a job as a funeral assistant that he couldn’t refuse. He had a way with putting people at ease. 

 He will be remembered as a caring, fun-loving, joke-telling gentleman who made long lasting friendships throughout his life. There wasn’t a person he could walk by without starting a conversation. He was very proud of his family and enjoyed telling everyone about his grandchildren. 

 This past year, he enjoyed his time in Coleman with Jane. They recently bought a side-by-side and ventured through the trails and up the mountains making great memories with their Green Mountain RV Park friends. He will be sorely missed by all who knew him. 

 Our family wishes to sincerely thank everyone who has stopped by, brought food, flowers, cards, hugs, stories and shared memories over the last several days. Brien was well loved and the outpouring of support has still been overwhelming. 

 We can't forget to thank all of the first responders who did everything they could to save him. And lastly, to Scott, Darryl and staff at Southland Funeral Chapel for their support and friendship during this difficult time.