Obituary of Brent Clifford Anderson

Brent Clifford Anderson of Brandon, Manitoba, passed away Wednesday, September 19, 2012. He died while awaiting organ donation, after a courageous struggle with Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis. He faced his illness with grace and dignity, and not a moment of complaint. Brent was born on September 11, 1960 in Hamilton, Ontario, the second son of Orton and Jessie Anderson. He grew up with his parents and siblings in Saskatchewan and Manitoba. As a boy he enjoyed baseball, hockey, and spending time on his cousins' farms. In his teens, Brent attended Crocus Plains High School, studying photography, and acting in school plays. He learned to golf and ski with his Dad and continued to enjoy both throughout his life. After high school he worked as a Nurse's Aide at the Brandon Mental Health Centre and eventually went on to graduate from Psychiatric Nursing in 1983. Brent worked as a Psych Nurse for 28 years and was respected and admired by residents and co-workers alike. From the time he was young, Brent had many friends with whom he shared so much of the joy of his life; camping, concerts, back yard barbeques, and travelling. Brent truly enjoyed his life and always brought a spark to every party. Brent met Melanie Maginel, the love of his life, while they were both working at BMHC in 1986. They were married in February, 1988 and were thrilled to be blessed with two daughters, Erin (November, 1990) and Holly (February, 1993). Their 24 years of marriage was filled with fun, adventure, laughter, and love. By far the most important role in Brent's life was as a devoted family man. He was known for being a "softie" – the kind of husband and father who would do anything for his "girls." His marriage with Melanie was built on mutual respect and love, full of shared interests and lots of humour. Brent was also a loving and caring son and brother. His love and respect for his family was revealed in quiet, consistent ways. Brent is survived by wife Melanie; daughters Erin and Holly; parents Orton and Jessie Anderson; brother Jeff Anderson (Carole); sister Susan Anderson (Jamie Musselwhite); sister Nancy Berg (Howard); mother-in-law, Janet Maginel; brother-in-law, Dean Maginel (Jackie); brother-in-law Darren Maginel (Allison Manning); eleven nieces, two nephews, three great nieces, and two great nephews. He is predeceased by father-in-law, George Maginel. A funeral service will be held on Tuesday, September 25, at 2:00 pm at Central United Church, 327-8th Street in Brandon. Private interment will follow the service. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to: Canadian Pulmonary Fibrosis Foundation, 47 Squire Bakers Lane, Markham, Ontario, L3P 3G8 or on line at http://www.canadianpulmonaryfibrosis.ca/donate/or to a charity of your choice.