Obituary of Brian James Selinger

Saturday, November 9, 2013, we lost a kind and gentle soul. Brian was 64 years old. He had recovered from surgery for colon cancer and was optimistic about his prognosis when he passed away suddenly on his tenth day of chemotherapy. He leaves to mourn: his beloved wife and best friend, Lynne; his son, Kris and wife, Melissa of Regina; his daughter, Carolyn and husband Craig Clifton of Calgary; two precious granddaughters, Madeline and Bridgette Clifton; a sister-in-law, Kathryn Ursaki; his mother, Rose; his brother Richard (Eleanor); his brother Gordon (Denise); his sister Brenda; his sister Michele (Paul Legrand); his sister Joanne (Scott Symon) and many nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his father, Edward; his nephew, Darcy Selinger; and his darling niece, Anne Hastings. Brian grew up on a farm near Lajord, Saskatchewan, where he learned the value of hard work and the skills required to fix anything. His high school years were spent at Notre Dame in Wilcox, where he learned to play football under the watchful eye of Përe Murray and won the 1966 provincial football championship. Brian met the love of his life, Lynne, in 1968 in a biology class at the University of Regina. He completed his Bachelor of Education degree and a few years later, his Diploma of Education. His teaching career began in Lipton, Saskatchewan, where he taught for one year. The remainder of his 30 year career was spent in Regina as a biology and science teacher with Regina Catholic Schools at O'Neill High School and Miller Comprehensive High School. Brian enjoyed coaching curling, baseball and football. Brian was grateful for the many students and staff who touched his life. He retired in 2001, and when Lynne retired in 2004, they moved to Vernon, B.C. to build their dream home in the forest and to enjoy cross-country skiing, curling, hiking, biking, kayaking, camping and beaching. Brian took great pride in the home and yard he built. He was a wood-working enthusiast and happily took on projects for friends and family. He also found time to volunteer on the executive of the Vernon Outdoors Club, to teach curling skills to school children through the Vernon Curling Club, and for the last several years, to produce the paddlewheel boats provided to children at the Okanagan Landing Regattas. Brian's more than 40 year marriage to Lynne was an inspiration. He was a role model for his children demonstrating patience, compassion, honesty, humor, and devotion to his family. His children and his grandchildren were his greatest source of pride and accomplishment, and his love for them was immeasurable. The greatest blessing he received after his diagnosis was to welcome his granddaughter, Bridgette, into the world on October 17, and to be able to spend the first ten days of her life with her and with Madeline before starting his chemotherapy. Memorial services will be held in both Vernon and Regina at a later date. In lieu of flowers, the family would appreciate memorial donations to Plan Canada or to any other charity that will assist children.