Obituary of Brian Donald Spielman

Brian Donald Spielman passed away on June 7, 2018, at the age of 64 years.

If you had the privilege of knowing Brian you will know that he will be greatly missed.

  Brian was born in Calgary, Alberta on November 25, 1953. While he was growing up in Calgary he developed an interest in running, music and grew in his faith. In his senior year he became the Alberta High School X-Country champion and the following summer he landed a job at the CPR as a labourer. This would begin a lifelong passion for the railway, especially the Canadian Pacific Railway. Brian loved history and the stories of the past.

  In 1972, he began attending the University of Calgary. He graduated with a Bachelor degree in Urban Geography and English/Canadian Literature. He continued running and competed all over the country, winning many of the races he ran. He was narrowly edged out of a spot on the Canadian Olympic team.
  Brian began a job at Beak Consultants, an Environmental Company, in the graphic arts department. He worked throughout Alberta and NWT. He later attended seminary in Saskatoon and Dubuque, Iowa earning a Masters of Theology degree.

  Brian had a passion for politics. He worked as a manager for civic, provincial and federal campaigns. He served on the mayor’s committee under Ralph Klein, working to locate the site for the Saddledome in Calgary. He also served as Yvonne Fritz’s aldermanic assistance until he himself ran for a seat as alderman. Brian also served as store manager for Augsburg Fortress Bible Store in Calgary.

  In 1983, Brian married Bonnie Arends. Two daughters were born to this union. Solveig and Epiphany. Brian became a stay at home dad and loved his role. During this time he taught guitar, coached running and was a school volunteer. He also began a furniture restoration and repair business out of the home.

  In the year 2000 Brian married Nancy Hart and her three boys, Jonathan, Thomas and Luke and thus began their blended family. They embarked on many things together including travel, music and woodworking. For the past 18 years they have enjoyed many happy times together, becoming a deeply connected family.

  Brian began work at Charlie Killam School as an educational assistant. This was not a job for Brian, but a ministry. He loved those he worked with and loved the students. He encouraged people to believe they mattered and he changed lives. He made a difference. Maybe yours was one of them.

  With his family, surrounding his bedside at home to say goodbye, he left this world with a smile on his face and hope in his heart. We mourn his passing but celebrate the promises of God and eternal life in Him.

Brian is survived by his wife (and BFF) Nancy and their children, Jonathan and (Shalene) Hart, Solveig and (Jean-Marc) Giffin, Thomas Hart, Luke and (Samantha) Hart, Epiphany Spielman and grandson, Judah Giffin. His sister Debbie McKeown and brother Troy Spielman; as well as many other family members and friends. He was predeceased by both his parents Donald and Lieselotte Spielman, his brother Darell and his favorite uncle, Fred Krause.

A Funeral service has taken place on Saturday, June 23, 2018, at 2:00 p.m., from CityLights church in Camrose. If you are unable to attend the service, it will be live streamed on CityLights Church of Camrose facebook page at 2 p.m.

If you are inclined to give a donation, we suggest the Cross Cancer Institute, or the Charlie Killam Band program at https://ca.gofundme.com/brian-spielman for kids who are unable to participate due to lack of funds.