Brian was an amazing and courageous man who defied the odds given to him. He was stronger and more determined than any doctor could ever predict. Sadly, he lost his five-year batt le with liver cancer at age 58, on the morning of Sept. 23rd. He was at home and surrounded by family and friends who loved him.
Brian was born in Grangemouth, Scotland and came to Canada with his family in 1957. He grew up in Nanaimo where he met and married the love of his life, Dora Cornish, in 1971. He is survived by his wife, their two sons, Aaron and Craig, Craig’s wife Christy (Palmer) and their children, Abby, Zoe and Ethan. He is also survived by his mother, Esther Dishkin, his brother Norman Dishkin (Pam Lukinuk), and his sisters, Irene Simpson (Roy Matt hews), Valerie Halliday (Erik), and Heather Wilson (Bill) along with many nieces, nephews and great-nieces and nephews. His father, Arthur Dishkin, predeceased him.
Most of Brian’s working life was spent doing various longshoreman positions and he was a well-liked and valued employee. Over the years on the docks, Brian made many life-long friends. Being with family and friends and enjoying his acreage in Ladysmith fi lled Brian’s days. He really enjoyed walking to the neighbours’ to chat over coff ee. Brian’s imaginative and creative sense of humour was well known to friends and family alike. He also loved to travel and he and Dora visited many diff erent countries, but the highlight of their travels was the holiday aft er his last chemo treatments. Th ey went to Disneyland with Craig, Christy and the grandchildren, Abby, Zoe and Ethan, followed by a relaxing Mexican cruise. Brian knew how to make every day count.
Th e family would like to thank the doctors and nurses at Nanaimo Regional General Hospital, the Palliative Care and the Cancer Clinic along with Dr. Babuin. We’d also like to give a very special “Th ank You” to Dr. Doug Kuramoto, Brian’s naturopathic doctor and friend. Doug helped Brian to stay strong throughout his treatments and gave him encouragement and support. Th ere will be a Celebration of Life Open House on Saturday, October 2, at 1:00 at Brian and Dora’s home - 13040 Cameron Road, Ladysmith. In lieu of fl owers, please donate to the Canadian Cancer Society in Brian’s honour.