One part man, one part myth but a living legend through and through, Brian Thompson passed away ever so peacefully surrounded by his family on Thursday Dec 4th, 2025.

Everyone who crossed his path came away with a “Brian Story”. Husband to his precious wife, Bev, “Dad” to their five children, and “Papa” to 16 grandchildren, they were all able to collect and accumulate these stories in the greatest quantities. Yet, he had a vast extended family and even more “friends-who-are-family” that out number those and now everyone has their part as a curator of his so many wonderful tales and adventures. We take immense joy knowing that Brian’s stories are going no where.

Brian humbly but proudly described himself as a “Dirt Farmer.” Not to be lost though, he was also a self-made businessman, he drove truck, he worked as a trucking dispatcher and had no limits to his skills as a mechanic and handy man. Brian worked hard so that he could truly live as his favorite pastime as the skipper of his fleet of boats for generations of Thompsons, and of course, anyone who deserved to be onboard, towed or dragged behind his vessels. He had a lifetime of summers at White Bear Lake, and when he and Bev officially moved to White Bear, the entire year was filled with family.

Also at his core, Brian was proud to be from the Saskatchewan prairies, born and raised in Carnduff. He loved where he came from and was a proud representative of it whenever he left it, which he would only do but for a few days here and there. In his travels, he also found himself loving the Moose Mountains and of course, The Lake on White Bear First Nation, where he made connections with the original Keepers of the Land.

As he was bigger than life, it is hard to process this loss. We know that there are so many of our lost loved ones greeting him now and that gives us solace. And we also know it will not be hard to keep him alive in our memories, whether it’s thinking of him playing cribbage, filling up the boat tank with gas for the kids and grandkids or as serving as the designated driver to keep loved ones safe. Whether arguing politics, sitting reading a book or watching a movie on his belly with a bowl of popcorn or quietly helping someone in need, we are fortunate that Brian left us all so many lasting images.

The celebration of Brian's life will be held at White Bear Lake (north of Carlyle) on Saturday, July 18, 2026 at 3:00 p.m. A program and BBQ will follow. The celebration will be held on a sandy beach. Please bring your own lawn chair. Directions will be placed near the entrance.

In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to the fundraising efforts for the new High School in Carlyle: The Carlyle Community Complex Foundation: contact carylehasit@gmail.com for info
or send cheques or cash to Box #179, Carlyle SK S0C ORO.