Obituary of Brian "BR" Rasmussen

Brian "BR" Jay Rasmussen of Bashaw, formerly of Camrose, passed away on Thursday, January 19, 2017 at the age of 61 years. Brian was born in Camrose, AB in 1955, spending his youth pestering his brother and sisters. He followed in his father's footsteps and was an electrician for many years. He eventually moved into the world of Information Technology where he spent many years as a manager at AFSC before he retired in 2015. Brian was lucky to have found love twice in his lifetime. Brian and Paulette first met at the ages of 14 and 16. It didn't take long for Brian to become one of the Hamann clan. Spending time with the Youth Group or just hanging out with the family. Brian and Paulette had three children, Jay, Mark, and Erin, who they raised to be kind, considerate, funny, and loving people. Brian became not only Paulette's life partner but then was her main care giver until her passing May 11, 2009, as always Brian's total commitment and devotion was until the end. Brian and Carol met and became good friends about 20 years ago while working together at AFSC. They married in 2012 and had a marriage full of love, laughter, and dancing - Carol even learned the famous Rasmussen dance moves! Brian accepted Carol's children, Kathleen and Jordan, as his own instantly and was always available to give advice, teach, or just to talk. Brian discovered a love for travelling when he married Carol, his favourite being Mexico. Although their time together wasn't long enough they have many happy memories. He was handy around the house as he did construction in his younger years. He enjoyed photography, reading up on new things, camping, cooking and creating new recipes, and riding his motorcycle. Brian had a knack for finding the good in every person and situation; his attitude and kindness were contagious. Brian was the person many friends and family relied on for advice - for everything from drywalling to major life decisions to quilting colours, he knew it all, and if he didn't, he made it up as he went. His famous saying was "It'll be fine!" An excellent storyteller, Brian could convince some people of almost anything - right up until he'd grin and laugh. He always had a twinkle in his eye that made you just want to smile. He took a genuine interest in everyone he knew and made us all feel special - unless hockey was playing, then his focus was on it. Brian was one of a kind, an amazing husband, father, grandfather, brother, and friend. Brian will truly be missed by the many people he touched. We know that he is watching us all from heaven and if he could tell us anything, we're sure he'd say "It'll be fine". We will all miss Brian dearly. Left to cherish his memory are his wife Carol; children Jay (Pam) of Edmonton, Mark (Crystal) of Camrose, and Erin (Roger) Ducharme of Spruce Grove; step-children Kathleen Cleveland of High River, and Jordan Cleveland of Calgary; father Donald; seven grandchildren; brother David (Shelly) of Morinville; and sisters Dale (Carvel) Skaret of Camrose, Janice (Bob) Vergeer of Tennessee, and Barbara Rasmussen of Innisfail. Brian was predeceased by his mother Elinor, his first wife Paulette, and grandson Spencer. A Funeral Service was held at 1:00 p.m., Wednesday, January 25, 2017 from Messiah Lutheran Church with Rev. Calvin Skriver officiating. If family and friends so desire, memorial contributions are gratefully accepted to the GSICU (General Systems Intensive Care Unit), E. Garner King Critical Care Unit, University of Alberta Hospital, Walter Mackenzie Center, SPCA, or to the 2nd Chance Trail Ride to assist lung transplant families.