March 6, 1961 - March 6, 2021
1961-2021 ~ Brian John Evernden was born March 6th, 1961 in Lethbridge, AB and he passed peacefully on the morning of his 60th birthday at his home near Edson AB, with his loving wife at his side.
What a privilege for Brian to grow up on the family farm living in the same yard as his grandparents, where his mom kept an abundance of pets and his dad had a shop where anything could be fixed.
There was dirt-biking in the fields and camping holidays with friends in the summer; hockey and snowmobile parties in the winter and large family gatherings at every opportunity.
Just after his graduation from Rimbey High School, Brian worked for the AB Gov't in various locations, during which time he became a journeyman electrician. He then operated an electrical business, in the Rimbey and Hughenden areas for a few years, which he later sold.
The next move was to Ft. McMurray where he was employed as an operator of a natural gas facility. In 1997 he moved to Peers, AB working in the construction of a natural gas storage facility, which he then managed until the time of his passing.
Brian and his wife, Jacquie, also owned and operated Great Northern Oilfield Services Ltd. and Wolf Lake Services, which had a fleet of gravel trucks and construction equipment. During these years, Brian was a strong supporter of the little community, participating in local activities and generously giving help to others wherever he saw a need.
In his wife's words, "Brian was the most caring husband and my best friend." Together with family and friends, Brian and Jacquie really enjoyed their life: snowmobiling, curling, quadding, football and hockey games, concerts, and travelling! A favorite holiday was to spend time in Dana Point, California, where he took his boat out on the ocean to fish and relax.
A gifted singer and versatile musician, Brian had so much fun sharing his talent with hundreds of people of all ages. He began entertaining in his early teenage years as a member of the family band and this continued down many avenues until his passing. He even occasionally did show band sets in full costume to impersonate Willy Nelson and Elvis Presley.
Brian's repertoire ranged from 1940's tunes, which he learned from Grandpa Spen, to the latest hits being aired. In addition to playing for countless dances and cabarets, he entertained in hospitals and for charity events, travelling from one end of the province to the other. His music will remain among our happiest memories of him.
Brian leaves to mourn his devoted wife of 24 years, Jacquie; his son, Jason Evernden (Kelsey Brett); his daughter, Megan (Jeff) Winward; and son, Jesse Bedard; grandsons, Ethan and Kade Evernden, Tom Winward and granddaughter, Kenzie Brett; his parents, Jack and Ruth Evernden, of Rimbey; and his brothers, Cameron (Lorna) and Gregory (Cathy); his mother-in-law, Shirley Bedard, of Lethbridge; brothers-in-law, Corey Bedard and Dean (Tricia) Bedard. Brian was also loved and will be so missed by a close, extended family of nieces, nephews, uncles, aunts, and cousins as well as the many friends he made over the years.
He was predeceased by his grandparents, Thomas and Sarah Evernden and Spencer and Ethel Muddle; uncles Mirl and James Evernden, Herb Peterson, and Glenn Olson; cousin Barry Peterson; and father-in-law, Marcel Bedard.
A funeral service and then interment in West Haven Cemetery, Rimbey will take place at a later date. If friends desire, memorial donations may be made directly to The Alberta Cancer Foundation and messages of condolence may be shared on the funeral chapel website or emailed to: office@foothillsmemorialchapel.com
Funeral arrangements are entrusted to The Foothills Memorial Chapel, Edson, AB.