Brian Ogden

Brian’s wife, Kathy and his family have composed their memoirs below for your viewing and remembrance of Brians’ life.

Kath would like to announce the recent passing of her beloved husband and companion, BRIAN OGDEN on Thursday November 2, 2023. He was an active passionate member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints since our conversion in Bolton,Lancashire, United Kingdom in 1970. He held many positions of service, teaching, and leadership since then. Brian had a self-taught talent of painting Oil on Canvas and each of our families walls are beautifully displayed with all his artwork. One of his great masterpieces was donated to the Banff Springs Fairmont Hotel and was gracefully displayed in the Alhambra hallway for many years and has since been relocated to another room in that majestic Canadian resort of Alberta. (son) Ash, (son) Matthew, (stepdaughter) Philippa emigrated with us to Calgary on the 8th of March 1975. This was a very cold and icy day that we had ever experienced after living in the UK where it was only cold rain that was our experience. Brian and I loved buying new homes as we lived in Calgary and Canmore, Alberta and Kelowna, BC. We had a total of 32 homes that we dwelt in over the years all throughout these areas. We finally returned to our Wentworth Calgary home to retire after so many years. Brian was an avid boy scout when he was younger and started his first job working as a paper maker of fine bible and cigarette papers at Fletcher’s Kearsley as young as age 16. Brian transitioned his career at the age of 19 to the insurance business working with Pearl Insurance. This career path enabled Brian to also share his time and leadership with the church and Sunday meetings, where he served and helped develop the Bolton Branch. When Brian was 21 he was promoted to Fleetwood, England near Blackpool. One day after working one of my night shifts in a nursing home I asked Brian how he would like to move to Canada and near the Rocky Mountains. He said if that was what I would like to do then, go ahead, and make the plans and applications. We sold our belongings our house and two cars and came to Calgary where we started our new adventure.

Vic Ogden (brother to Brian) cherishes his memories of the annual Christmas phone calls with Brian and their conversations. Vic and his family (Joanne and Melissa) immigrated to Calgary 15 years ago after visiting his brother’s family in Calgary and Kelowna and finding the beauty in our city and surrounding area.

Ash (eldest son to Brian) I remember my dad gardening. He loved landscapes and working with landscaping wherever we lived. Whichever home we went to he landscaped and was always out weeding the garden and getting as much sun tanning as he could. When he was younger, he would garden with his shirt off and in shorts. His favourite restaurant on 17th Ave for a long time was Fiore’s and they would set a table for him and they knew his order. He affected all those around him in positive ways. I remember how much he loved Calgary. He would tell the story that when our family landed from England he and my mom saw the foothills and the snow covered Rocky mountains and they said that this was where they would spend the rest of their lives. His love for the Rockys kept him in Calgary and then to Canmore and then to Kelowna and back to Calgary always close by to the Rocky mountains never too far from them. His artwork as an avid painter showed his love for the mountains the lakes and the Okanagan area, but his true talent was being a dad. Someone that I could talk to. His passing has diminished the light of the world by one candle.

Philippa (stepdaughter to Brian). My fondest memories of dad were from when I was a child. Every summer mum and dad would take Vic and I away for the very best camping holidays. We traveled to the most remote parts of Scotland and Wales and pitched our tents directly onto the beach or in a farmer’s field. We once shared a Scottish beach with a heard of highland cattle. Vic and I would spend these days netting rock pool prawns and crabs. The sea water was freezing but dad always managed to encourage both of us to get on in and before long we were happily jumping in the waves. We would end those days with a meal of roasted rabbit or seafood on the beach. On one trip to Anglesey dad was driving down a steep narrow lane when he came to a sudden stop, he hopped out of the car to rescue a small prickly hedgehog which he brought to Vic and I for a look see before putting it back safely in the hedge row. Dad loved all nature and the outdoors. He was a keen scout as a young man, and he taught us how to appreciate our God given beautiful world. His love is reflected in each amazing work of art that he created on canvas, in every magnificent landscape project that he set his hands to and in the beauty of his many homes. In loving memory of Brian, a true renaissance man.

Matthew (youngest son to Brian). My father was a man of distinct character. He was a leader in his career and a patriarch in our home. He was inspired and dedicated to his faith and my mother respectfully. My father was a creator with talents in art, landscape, and business. He taught me many things in life and helped me develop my talents in the insurance and brokerage career when I was only 25 years of age. In my youth I always knew I would enjoy working with others the way he had, I knew I was going to work with him one day. We teamed up in 2010 and his legacy carries on and sustains all those who he interacted with in business and friendships alike. There were principles he explained to me about knowing people, helping others, being virtuous and having integrity. I enjoy being a part in this family and in his creations. I will remember my dad as a leader and a friend. His spirit moves on to his next adventure, exploring and creating a new home in the eternities. “Till we meet again”.

From Bonnie, Brian’s grand-daughter:

In Loving Memory of Grandpa Brian.

Grandpa Brian lived a life guided by his strong religious beliefs. He found solace, purpose, and strength in his faith, and he shared those values with those around him. He was a man of prayer, a pillar of support, and a source of wisdom for his family and community.

He touched our lives in many ways, and we can take comfort in knowing that he has now found eternal peace in the presence of his Creator.

In this final tribute, we remember the strength and wisdom that he shared with us. His memory will forever be cherished as we reflect on the lessons he taught us, the love he gave us, and the example he set. Let this be a testament to the enduring impact of his faith and love. May he rest in peace, knowing that his legacy endures in the hearts of those he touched.

As we say our final goodbyes, may we find comfort in the knowledge that he is now reunited with his Maker and with loved ones who have gone before him; and that his soul has found eternal rest, peace, and joy in the presence of The Heavenly Father.

With love and remembrance,

Your Granddaughter always,

Bonnie