Major Family
Would like to wish the Family my sincere condolences. Brian was a great friend to my cousin Lisa Martinek they are now going to get caught up on the news.
MAJOR, Brian John
1969 - 2023
It is with deep sadness to announce the sudden passing of our beloved Brian John Major. Brian passed away in his apartment on May 13th, 2023, age 54, after a long, fulfilled life conquering Friedrich's Ataxia.
Dear son to Magella and Russell Major, brother to Stephen(deceased), Bruce(deceased), Phillip(deceased) and Christine. Brother-in-law to Andre Perrin and uncle to Nicole and Alexander.
Bri, Brainer, Pots was an award-winning athlete, his accomplishments included holding a national record for shot put with the Panthers Track and Field team where he also competed strongly in discus and javelin. He held 6 Ontario Championship wins with the Stingers Wheelchair Rugby team ‘92-’97, plus a Quebec Championship in ’99. In 1990 he also won the National Championship for sledge hockey.
Brian was an avid cyclist and toured all over town on his arm-propelled trike. His smile and charisma convinced many of us to join him on multiple 150 km MS Bike Tours that he participated in. He loved Costco and would often take his bike right into the store and somehow make it home with all of his deals.
Brian worked at Standards Council of Canada for 9 years and loved making his co-workers smile. Upon his early retirement he began planning winters abroad and enjoyed attending Paralympic Games, snorkelling and dancing the night away. He travelled extensively through Thailand, Australia, New Zealand, China, Cuba, Mexico, France, Greece, Turkey and South America. His adventures included many challenges, some funnier than others and his perseverance saw him through time and time again.
He loved music and volunteered at most of the Ottawa music festivals. He liked sneaking in a friend or two under the guise of ‘helper’ to enjoy the concert with him from the accessible viewing decks. He took backpack preparations for his Bluesfest fun very seriously and often tipped backwards with the weight of his bag. He was a proud mule.
Brian had a very sweet heart and enjoyed kind surprises, meaningful gift giving and making others laugh with his cheeky jokes and post-joke smile. He was an expert in recognizing that ‘laughter was the shortest distance between two people.
Thank you to all of his dedicated Personal Support workers who ensured he was able to live his life independently on his terms, with love and support for many years including many trying times. Thanks also to all of those friends and family who visited, called and stopped for a chat with Brian.
Brian you are deeply loved and will be missed forevermore. Keep smiling old blue eyes. Thank you for teaching us the power of the chair, it’s wicked!
Donations: In-lieu of flowers, donations to Muscular Dystrophy Association and Ontario Disabled Games are appreciated.
Service Details:
Date: Friday, June 2, 2023Place of Interment: Notre-Dame Cemetery, 455 Montreal Rd. Ottawa, ON K1K 0V2 Phone: 613-746-4175 - Section RR, lot 12 - near Montreal Road entrance. Note: Gate is open. Please note there are no bathrooms on site. Upon arrival at the main gate all cars will line up and be guided to the plot together.
Time: 1-2 pm Funeral Service will be conducted at this time.
Visitation: none
Celebration of Life Reception following interment:
Location: The Lafayette, Byward Market 42 York Street, Ottawa, ON- Wheelchair accessible entrance, bathroom is able to be wheeled into but not fully accessible.
Time: 2:30 pm – 4:30 pm