Brian Leo Kosinski

Brian Leo Kosinski was born in Camrose, Alberta December 22, 1949, to Marion and Leo Kosinski. He was raised on the family farm in the Polska area, with his brothers, Larry and Donnie and sister Rosemary. He died peacefully, September 28, 2024, at the Pinawa Hospital and Cancer Care Centre in Pinawa, Manitoba. 

Brian married Inez Robinson in Selkirk on June 7th, 1975 (for those who ask, they met at a party in Edmonton). Missing him deeply are their three sons, Jonathan of Penticton, BC, David in Calgary, AB, and Michael and Ashley of Sioux Lookout, ON and two beautiful grandsons Greyson and Bodhi. 

Brian is predeceased by his father and mother, numerous aunts and uncles, cousins Colleen and Marvin Kosinski, and little nephew Trevor Joel Robinson.

Shortly after graduating from Holden High School, Brian began working with Alberta Treasury Branches; he began filing cheques in Brooks, worked his way up through the ranks from teller to accountant, to assistant manager in Stettler, Lacombe, and Edson, several branches in Edmonton, then Red Deer, to first Branch Manager position in Black Diamond, AB, where we started our family with Jonathan born in 1980, and began a life of community involvement and creating strong friendships. Brian was the Charter President of the newly formed High Country Kinsmen Club. He was transferred to Pincher Creek 3 years later, where David was born, then on to Bow Island in 1986, where Michael was born, and we remained for 7 years before settling in Didsbury in 1993. We had become firmly entrenched in small town life - working, volunteering, and enjoying new strong friendships. Brian was a banker for the people - tough, yet fair - not letting people get over-extended and helping them with sound financial services in the true spirit of the original provincial bank philosophy. He parted ways with what was now ATB Financial and launched himself into a much-loved new career as The Treatz Guy - distributor for Spitz Sunflower Seeds. He had found his true calling - selling products that he, and so many others enjoyed, as owner/operator, responsible for himself and his customers - achieving Salesman of the Year status several times. He was in his “happy place”, even when starting his truck at 6 am on cold winter mornings. He was semi-retired for the last couple of years of working life - a half-time (split shift) contractor for Canada Post between Olds and Sundre - swapping recipes with post office staff and golfing during the day. This is when he became chief cook and bottle washer. Inez never knew what surprise he had in store for her when she came home from work. 

Inez had introduced Brian to camping on their honeymoon and they have been driving and camping across this beautiful country ever since - with the kids, with family and friends, and just the 2 of them. Brian was proud of where he came from while ever curious about other people in other places, their livelihoods and their stories. 

He loved golfing with friends and family, simply enjoying the outdoors and the joking around, with an occasional “great shot”. 

Brian was never one to follow trends or fashion: most of his wardrobe consisted of Spitz, Oilers and EE logos and thrift store finds. He loved good Ukrainian food (as long as it was like his Mom used to make), the Maritimes, for the seafood, beer, and his homemade red wine (which everyone loved).

Growing up he played hockey on the dugout at the farm, and faithfully watched the Original Six. He made a scrapbook of hockey clippings from the Star Weekly and wrote to each of the teams. Only the Montreal Canadiens replied - with autographed postcards from players like Henri Richard and Jacque Plante - so he was a “Habs” fan… until the Oilers came to town. He remained a diehard Oilers and Edmonton Eskimos fan - which was challenging in the 40+ years living in “Flames” country - an ever-loyal cheerer though victories and despairing losses, taking on all the ribbing from friends and family. The only way he would consent to moving to Manitoba was with assurances that he would not have to become a Bombers or Jets fan (even though he had bought Inez their flags years ago).

But, a real passion began at the Edmonton Auction Mart and continued with garage sale-ing at home and everywhere! His double garage in Didsbury never had his car in it - the bargain is the ultimate goal; having what you need (and being able to find it) was success. 

He loved family and would do anything for his boys - always including them in building projects when they were little, cheering at every event - whether it be basketball, volleyball, band concerts, or singing - and supporting their choices and goals throughout their lives. He was a playful Grandpa Bear and most happily built play furniture for them and thoroughly loved getting down on the floor with them.

Brian’s priority has always been to provide for his family, oftentimes sacrificing his own well-being for each of us. He lived life well - with laughter and generosity. A son, brother, husband, dad, grandpa, uncle and friend - Brian always cared deeply about his people, ensuring they were safe and well taken care of. As the days go by, his family will follow in his footsteps and spend their days honoring his legacy while caring for each other. He will be deeply missed and never forgotten. 

 To honour Brian’s wishes - there will be no service. Instead, everyone is invited to find their cheapest beer to toast Cheers and remember him.

www.soberingfuneralchapel.com