ELLEFSON, Bryan

BRYAN ELLEFSON 1948 – 2022 Bryan Adolph Ellefson passed away peacefully in the early morning of December 17, 2022, surrounded by love, just the way he lived out his 74 years.
Bryan was born on August 4, 1948, to Barney and Mary (née DeMaere). He grew up in Enchant, Alberta, with his three big sisters, Shirley, Maxine, and Beverly where his dad ran a mechanic shop and his parents drove the school bus. He told great stories about the characters of Enchant, mischievous cousins, tormenting sisters, and his best friend, Vincent Long.
Bryan studied Education at the University of Lethbridge, earning his undergrad in 1971. It was there that he met his love, Linda, and they married in September of 1972. Bryan got a job teaching in Picture Butte, where they lived for 30 years, raising their children, Michael and Jana and growing a community of lifelong friends.
Bryan was a dedicated educator, earning his Masters degree in 1994. Over his career, he served as a beloved high school English teacher, administrator & curriculum coordinator for Palliser Schools, and secondment instructor at the University of Lethbridge. Between 2002-2009, he worked in Edmonton as Assistant Director of Curriculum for Alberta Education. After retiring, Linda and Bryan moved to Creston, BC, where they enjoyed entertaining family and friends, and introducing the community to the concept of “happy hour”, which often extended to many hours of happy.
Throughout his life, Bryan sought out adventures including scuba diving, fly-fishing, photography, horseback riding, spelunking, backpacking, motorbiking, sailing, travel, and took up triathlons in his 50s. Bryan enjoyed great books, great conversations, and gatherings with family. He was thrilled to be a grandpa (Buba) to Ellis and Sacha and share time fishing and camping. Boating was another adventure that Bryan loved sharing with willing participants. He loved navigating the shoreline and bays of beautiful Kootenay Lake.
His family who will lovingly remember his calm presence and ready laugh are his devoted wife, Linda; son Michael (Erin), daughter Jana (Mark), and grandchildren Ellis & Sacha Boschee. He will be dearly missed by his sister, Bev, numerous sisters-in-law, brothers-in-law, nieces, nephews, cousins, and his many colleagues and friends.
In lieu of flowers, buy yourself a beautiful book, sit in the perfect place, and read intently. Smoking a pipe is optional.
A Prayer Service will be held at 7:00 pm, on Thursday, December 22, 2022, at MARTIN BROTHERS RIVERVIEW CHAPEL, 610-4 Street South, Lethbridge, Alberta.
A Funeral Mass will be held at 2:00 pm, on Friday, December 23, at ST. CATHERINE’S ROMAN CATHOLIC CHURCH, 762 Crescent Ave, Picture Butte, Alberta.
Visit www.mbfunerals.com to send a condolence.