Brian Leslie Bottrell

Obituary

Brian Leslie Bottrell

January 12th, 1958 - November 6th, 2024 

It is with broken hearts we announce the peaceful passing of our beloved husband, father, grandfather, brother, cousin, uncle and friend, Brian. At the age of 66, Brian passed with his loving wife Diane by his side after a brave battle with cancer.

Left to cherish his memory is his wife Diane of 37 years, daughters: Michelle (Denis Durand), Samantha (Jared Simpson), grandchildren: Tessa and Owen Durand and granddaughter Simpson to arrive in March 2025. Brother: Hal (Lil Bottrell), sisters: Merle and Heather Bottrell, aunt: Kay Watson, father-in-law: John Hanslip, sister-in-law: Sheila Hanslip, brother-in-law: Ken (Anita Hanslip), as well as numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, and cherished friends.

Brian was predeceased by his parents: Margaret and Dan Bottrell, brother: Edward Bottrell, grandparents: Ivy and Harry Bennett, Margaret and Godfrey Bottrell, and mother-in-law: Shirley Hanslip.

Brian was born on January 12, 1958 at the Eriksdale Hospital and attended both Hartfield School and Eriksdale Collegiate, where he graduated in 1975. Brian started working on the family dairy farm alongside his father and brother Edward at a very young age. In 1992 Brian, along with Edward, purchased the farm from their father Dan and continued to work together until they sold the dairy herd in December 2016. After which, Brian continued to farm the land until 2023. Brian’s love for the land and devotion to his work inspired everyone who knew him.

Brian was also known for his dedication to the community as a long-standing, dependable volunteer with the Eriksdale Fire Department, where he was always ready to lend a helping hand. Brian joined the fire department in 1975 and over the last 49 years spent countless hours attending calls, participating in training, and volunteering in community events. While on the department, Brian served as fire chief from 1994-1998 and continued in his role as deputy fire chief until his passing. 

In his younger years, Brian was determined to get his pilot’s license and found joy in the skies flying his own small plane with a sense of adventure and freedom that marked his character (even though he had a fear of heights!). His love for the outdoors continued throughout his life, and he could often be found going on motorcycle rides and snowmobile outings with close family and friends, as well as sharing side-by-side rides with his beloved wife and grandkids. Brian also enjoyed reading, music, fixing machinery and solving mechanical problems, and spending time out hunting. Over the last few years, Brian was excited to be able to pass his love and knowledge of the hunt down to his daughter and sons-in-law.

Above all, Brian was a man whose love for his family was boundless. Known for his kindness, generosity, and gentle spirit, he will be missed dearly by all those he knew and loved. 

The world is a little dimmer without his warm presence, but his legacy of love, strength, and service will live on in the hearts of his family and the countless friends and neighbours whose lives he touched. His memory will forever be a blessing to us all.

A service to honour Brian’s life will take place at 2:00 p.m. on Saturday, November 30, 2024 at the Eriksdale Recreation Center with Reverand David Fielder officiating, and a luncheon to follow. A private family internment will take place at a later date. 

The family would like to extend their gratitude to Dr. Perrin and the medical team at Cancer Care Manitoba, as well as Dr. Faragalla, Dr. Young, Dr. Agili and the wonderful nursing staff at the E. M. Crowe Memorial Hospital for their exceptional care and compassion - it did not go unnoticed and was always very much appreciated. A special thanks also goes out to John and Karen Gray for their care and compassion. 

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made in Brian’s name to one of the following organizations, or a charity of your choice. 

• Eriksdale Firefighters Association 
  • Box 477, Eriksdale MB, R0C 0W0
• E. M. Crowe Memorial Hospital Guild
  • Box 474, Eriksdale MB, R0C 0W0
• Cancer Care Manitoba