PIERZCHALA, Bryan

PIERZCHALA

1955 – 2018

BRYAN PIERZCHALA of Lethbridge, the love of Barb Pierzchala’s life, succumbed to leukemia at Chinook Regional Hospital after a hard fought battle on Thursday, May 3, 2018.

He is survived by his wife, Barb; his daughter, April Bliesner and her children Zoe, Courtney, and Ruby; his son, Douglas (Cayley) and their children Kristina, and Tamara; his brother Ron (Lynda), his sisters Gail (Brad) and Sandy, as well as numerous nieces and nephews. He is predeceased by his mother, Joan, his father, Ted, as well as by his brothers Michael (Kathy) and Donald.

Forty-four years of dedication and commitment to one company and forty-one years of devotion to his marriage are but two examples of the ethics by which Bryan lived his life. When he found something he liked, he stuck with it and gave it his all. When he wasn’t providing for his family, Bryan could be found on his deck tending to his flowers and beloved tumbler tomatoes. Throughout the growing season, he derived great pleasure sharing his bounty with family, friends, neighbors and co-workers.

Bryan was bitten by the fishing bug at an early age and shared his thrill of the catch with his son and buddies throughout his life. His favorite fishing spot was the Crowsnest River. He was a clever man, possessing a droll wit and wicked sense of humor. He avoided confrontation, preferring to remain the voice of reason. Always respectful and conscientious, Bryan was a people person. He was never at a loss for lasting friendships. Bryan loved cooking for family gatherings. Christmas and Thanksgiving weren’t complete without a batch of his cabbage rolls. Many a hot summer’s day was spent on the deck soaking up the sun and enjoying a few “cold ones” while BBQing a roast on the spit.

Bryan was kindhearted, generous, understanding, and compassionate. His positive outlook on life never waned. Even being diagnosed with leukemia didn’t keep him from smiling. Over an 11-month period of time, Bryan waged a courageous battle, and with a stem cell transplant, his goal of becoming cancer-free was almost achieved. Sadly, the disease was too aggressive, but in true Bryan fashion, he took the news in stride and went about his life at a slower pace. His concern was never for himself but for those he would leave behind, especially for his wife, Barb, who was his caregiver throughout his arduous journey. She remained by his side to his last moment.

Bryan wanted to thank every staff member of the Tom Baker Cancer Center Unit #57 and the Tom Baker Blood & Marrow Transplant Clinic. They became like family to him and he treated them that way.

Bryan leaves behind a legacy of love, devotion, courage and dignity. At his request, no formal funeral service will be held.

In his memory, a random act of kindness would be appreciated, and in lieu of flowers, donations to any of the following would be gratefully accepted: Moses Mueller Compassionate Patient Support Foundation, Tom Baker Cancer Center Unit #57, Tom Baker Bone Marrow Transplant Clinic, The Alberta Cancer Foundation or The Leukemia and Lymphoma Society of Canada. Web links for donations can be found in Bryan’s obituary online at www.cornerstonefuneralhome.com

To send a condolence, please visit www.cornerstonefuneralhome.com