Obituary for Brian Gordon Skitch
Brian Gordon Skitch
February 19, 1951 – November 1, 2020
On the evening of November 1, 2020, at the age of 69 years, Brian was called home to be with Jesus his Lord and Saviour. His loving wife Paquita passed away in March of this year. He is survived by his brothers: Allan (Deborah), Kenneth (Darlene), Ronald (Leslie), and David; his stepchildren: Chris (Vicky), Sharon (Dave), Lisa (Dale), Craig (Kerry), and Rob (Christie); his granddaughter Jordain, and many relatives and friends. He was predeceased by his father Gordon, his mother Patricia, and his sister-in-law (Shelley).
Even though Brian had many physical challenges throughout his life, he never let that stand in his way. Brian was the oldest of his siblings. Whatever sports or other activities were going on, Brian was right there with them. His unique approach, fearlessness and determination led him to affectionately be known as the “star attraction”. He coached hockey and soccer, winning awards for his good sportsmanship.
Brian was successful in whatever he put his mind to. He started work at an early age, working part time at Polar Beverages with his grandmother, Christine. On graduating from high school, Brian took accounting courses and worked as an accountant at several companies in Calgary. But accounting was not a passion for Brian. He found his niche working for Carlton Cards, eventually leading to ownership of his own card and gift stores. He started in Beddington Mall and then moved his business to Airdrie, where he ran his card, gift and collectibles store (Brians) for over 30 years. Brian became an integral part of the community and he had many loyal customers.
Brian was a dedicated collector. He loved finding that diamond in the rough, the hidden gem that
others may not see. Brian was an avid Elvis Presley fan. He loved his music, his movies and all
other things Elvis. His collection was known to be one of the largest in Canada. Brian formed a
local chapter of the Elvis Presley Fan Club in Calgary. They held many conventions and dances,
where all proceeds were donated to the Children’s Hospital. It was here that Brian met Paquita,
who later became his loving wife. They enjoyed many trips to Memphis to visit Graceland, and
other parts of the United States. Brian was a devoted husband, and committed himself to being
by Paquita’s side through her struggle with dementia.
Brian had an infectious laugh that brought joy to everyone around him. He had a strong faith in
God and demonstrated his strength of spirit throughout his life. He loved discussions of the bible
and his Catholic beliefs.
Brian was a very loving, caring, and generous person. He will be sadly missed and lovingly remembered by all who knew him. Rest in Peace.
A Funeral Mass will be held at Sacred Heart Church in Calgary on Friday, November 13, 2020 at 2:00 pm. Graveside service to follow at Queen’s Park Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers donations may be made in Brian's name to the Children’s Hospital. To view and share photos, condolences and stories of Brian, please visit www.choicememorial.com.
February 19, 1951 – November 1, 2020
On the evening of November 1, 2020, at the age of 69 years, Brian was called home to be with Jesus his Lord and Saviour. His loving wife Paquita passed away in March of this year. He is survived by his brothers: Allan (Deborah), Kenneth (Darlene), Ronald (Leslie), and David; his stepchildren: Chris (Vicky), Sharon (Dave), Lisa (Dale), Craig (Kerry), and Rob (Christie); his granddaughter Jordain, and many relatives and friends. He was predeceased by his father Gordon, his mother Patricia, and his sister-in-law (Shelley).
Even though Brian had many physical challenges throughout his life, he never let that stand in his way. Brian was the oldest of his siblings. Whatever sports or other activities were going on, Brian was right there with them. His unique approach, fearlessness and determination led him to affectionately be known as the “star attraction”. He coached hockey and soccer, winning awards for his good sportsmanship.
Brian was successful in whatever he put his mind to. He started work at an early age, working part time at Polar Beverages with his grandmother, Christine. On graduating from high school, Brian took accounting courses and worked as an accountant at several companies in Calgary. But accounting was not a passion for Brian. He found his niche working for Carlton Cards, eventually leading to ownership of his own card and gift stores. He started in Beddington Mall and then moved his business to Airdrie, where he ran his card, gift and collectibles store (Brians) for over 30 years. Brian became an integral part of the community and he had many loyal customers.
Brian was a dedicated collector. He loved finding that diamond in the rough, the hidden gem that
others may not see. Brian was an avid Elvis Presley fan. He loved his music, his movies and all
other things Elvis. His collection was known to be one of the largest in Canada. Brian formed a
local chapter of the Elvis Presley Fan Club in Calgary. They held many conventions and dances,
where all proceeds were donated to the Children’s Hospital. It was here that Brian met Paquita,
who later became his loving wife. They enjoyed many trips to Memphis to visit Graceland, and
other parts of the United States. Brian was a devoted husband, and committed himself to being
by Paquita’s side through her struggle with dementia.
Brian had an infectious laugh that brought joy to everyone around him. He had a strong faith in
God and demonstrated his strength of spirit throughout his life. He loved discussions of the bible
and his Catholic beliefs.
Brian was a very loving, caring, and generous person. He will be sadly missed and lovingly remembered by all who knew him. Rest in Peace.
A Funeral Mass will be held at Sacred Heart Church in Calgary on Friday, November 13, 2020 at 2:00 pm. Graveside service to follow at Queen’s Park Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers donations may be made in Brian's name to the Children’s Hospital. To view and share photos, condolences and stories of Brian, please visit www.choicememorial.com.
Listen easy you can hear
God calling
Walking barefoot by your side
Whispering
Love is life, life is love
Take my hand Precious Lord Jesus
The wonder of you
How Great Thou Art