We regret to advise of the death of Warrant Officer Edward John Brien, CD (Ret’d), at home in Chilliwack BC on 25 March 2022, just short of his 92^nd birthday, after a long illness.

Ed was born in Coachman’s Cove NL. He began his working life as a teenager and continued working well into his 70s. Ed enlisted in the Canadian Forces with the Royal Canadian Engineers in 1958 and served a full military career of 21 years as a Field Engineer. He spent much of his military career with 1 Field Squadron in Petawawa ON and in Germany with 4 Field Squadron.  After retiring from the Canadian Forces, Ed retired in Chilliwack and worked with the Public Service for another 12 years as a Correctional Officer at the Kent Institution.

He was an industrious, resourceful fellow who could repair almost anything and who firmly believed that “if a job was worth doing, it was worth doing well!” He had a wonderful sense of humour and was the happiest puttering in his garden, enjoying a game of Scrabble after dinner with Loretta, or clapping along at a Newfoundland-style kitchen party. Ed served St. Mary’s Parish of Chilliwack for many decades in various capacities including as head usher. He was also a member of the Knights of Columbus.

A funeral Mass will be celebrated at St. Mary’s Parish on 1 April 2022 at 2:00 pm. Ed’s family is suggesting a donation to either the Canadian Lung Association or the Canadian Red Cross for the people of Ukraine. Online condolences can be sent to the Chilliwack Progress.