Obituary of Dr. Brian Eric Garland
The family of Dr. Brian Garland announces with heavy hearts and profound sadness his passing on November 25th, 2024, at the age of 81 after a period of failing health at the Saint John Regional Hospital. He never gave up and left us with grateful hearts and joy for his having lived a full, purposeful life filled with so much bounty.
Born on Jan 6, 1943, in Saint John, N.B., Brian was the son of the late Jean (Flewelling) Garland and Eric Lloyd Garland and was predeceased by his beloved wife of 52 years Dianne (nee Penny) and by his brother Paul.
Brian is survived by his 3 daughters; Dr. Jennifer O’Dea (Frank) St. John’s, NL, Dr. Jocelyn Garland (Jason Budd) Kingston, ON, Jillian Wong (Roger) Lake Country, BC and also by his 6 grandchildren: Jack & Mary Kate O’Dea, Madeline and Alex Budd, Garrett & Reagan Wong.
He is also survived by his loving partner Mary Cook with whom he found renewed happiness and companionship in his final years.
Brian grew up in the “old north end” of Saint John and graduated from Saint John High School in 1961 and Dalhousie University Medical School in 1969.
In his younger years he was an avid athlete, especially in basketball. A major highlight was that he, and his basketball team, the CYO Monarchs, were inducted into the Saint John Sports Hall of Fame in 2014.
He practiced full services Family Medicine for 50 enjoyable years at his medical office in West Saint John which was also the location of his family home. He was extremely valued as a family doctor and patients would on occasion knock on his door before or after his scheduled office hours to receive care. He was commonly sought for medical advice and would provide help to his patients even while running errands.
He was a proud, loyal member of staff at the Saint John Regional and St. Joseph’s Hospitals. As an active member of the New Brunswick Medical Society, Canadian Medical Association and Saint John Medical Society, he was heavily involved in committees involving economics and served as Chair of the Economics and Negotiations Committee at the New Brunswick Medical Society for many years. Retired in May 2019, he remained extremely interested in health care issues and in the last few months of his life, continued to share his opinions regarding health care issues of the day.
He loved nature and bird watching (especially cardinals and eagles) and played golf passionately. He never missed watching a golfing major and managed to visit in person The Masters, Pebble Beach and St. Andrews, Scotland.
He and his beloved wife Dianne loved to travel, especially cruising the oceans or by riverboat in Europe which took them to places all over the world. No matter where they cruised, he would find a beach, and swim. He truly loved all ocean swimming whether the water temperature was 60 versus 90 degrees F, and anything else that could be done in, around or on the water.
But he always said his favorite place to be was at his “ON GOLDEN POND” family cottage overlooking the beautiful Kennebecasis River in Quispamsis.
He was a family man, known as a wonderful husband, father and grandfather who absolutely adored his grandchildren, wife, and his children who were all the crown jewels on his crown of life. He considered his family the center of his life, throughout the entirety of his life. In addition to his immediate family, Brian’s life was enriched by his “extended family”, with enduring lifelong friendships with the Keating, Patterson and Simon families.
The family wishes to thank sincerely those who gave their time, care and support over many years, especially his partner, friends, doctors, nurses and caregivers. We are forever grateful.
Arrangements have been entrusted to Brenan’s Funeral Home, 111 Paradise Row, Saint John, E2K 3H6, (506-634-7424). A private remembrance for family and close friends is being planned. In lieu of flowers, for those considering donations to the memory of Brian, the family would appreciate donating to the Compassionate Grief Centre or a local charity of choice. Online condolences can be placed at www.BrenansFH.com
“The reality is that you may grieve forever. You may not ‘get over’ the loss of a loved one; but you learn to live with it. You will heal and you will rebuild yourself around the loss you have suffered. You will be whole again but you may never be the same. Nor should you be the same nor would you want to.”
-Elisabeth Kubler-Ross
