Passed away at Saint-Vincent's Hospital on Monday May 20th 2024 at the age of 87. Bryan was longtime partner of 40 years and spouse to the late Frank Emile Kajfes (2016). He will be dearly missed by his sister Gloria and her family in California and Alberta as well as many cherished friends and colleagues.
Bryan had an illustrious and long career with the United Nations, which earned him the Medal of Bravery as the United Nations Development Program Resident Representative during the civil war in Yemen in January 1986. On his own initiative, he was instrumental in evacuating approximately five hundred foreigners from the battle-scarred capital. He organized many rescue missions to bring out those trapped in combat zones, personally provided shelter, food and water to many of those rescued and coordinated the convoys which took the evacuees to the waiting ships. When it was learned that five West Germans were trapped in their embassy in a centre of intense fighting, he did not hesitate to drive into the area to retrieve them. Due to his signal efforts the evacuation of the foreign community from Aden was carried out successfully.
Friends and family are invited to assemble and celebrate Bryan’s life at the Sacred Space of the Beechwood National Memorial Centre, 280 Beechwood Ave. Ottawa, on Thursday June 13, after 9 a.m. Memorial Service will begin at 10 a.m. followed by a reception in his honour.
In lieu of flowers, donations in memory of Bryan may be made to the UNHCR – The UN Refugee Agency.
Digital Guestbook
Eduardo Terranova
Lynn Cochrane
I met Bryan when he joined the Health & Welfare team & worked with my mother Elizabeth Cochrane.We shared 60 years of friendship & fabulous dinners in many locations.
Miss you Bryan, you & Frank are together again.Friends forever💞.
Lise Richer
Cher Bryan, ton départ m’attriste mais il est adouci de te savoir auprès de ton chéri Frank. Je te suis tellement reconnaissante des beaux souvenirs que tu me laisses. Tu resteras toujours dans mes bonnes pensées.
Sally Lawrence
It was a very sad day when I learned of your passing. Rest in Peace, Bryan.
I cherish the memories we shared since we went to school together.
What a lovely friendship we had all those years!
Anne Strang
Dear Bryan, I see you now in Heaven, reunited with Frank. You were an amazing man and friend, as was Frank. Rest in Peace. Love Anne
Nathalie Gervais
Cher Bryan, quelle chance nous avons eu de te connaître. Nous sommes attristés pour ton départ, mais savons que tu as rejoint oncle Franky. Merci d'avoir été dans notre vie! Nous penserons souvent à toi. Repose en paix. Nos sincères condoléances à la famille et à notre belle Lili. Nathalie, Luc, Marie-Julie et Camille xxx
Richard Gold
I fondly recall working with Bryan in the early 70s in the Jackson Building. He had endless energy and it was difficult keeping up to him as he charged around Asian Branch. His desk was overflowing with memos and telexes in no particular order. He was a very kind person and took a keen interest in developing professionalism in new staff. RIP Bryan.
Yvonne (McKay) Doane
My sincere sympathy to Gloria and to all of Bryan's family and friends. It's sad to say goodbye to another one of our Columbia Valley friends. Good memories of times shared will help us heal.
David Chaplin
My sincere condolences to Gloria and her family. Brian was a caring and supportive boss for my first years of work with CIDA.
Anthony Eyton
Because of my own international travels and one time permanent residence in Mexico, I have had no news about Bryan for many decades. My memories date from the time we worked together on the Canadian aid program at the Canadian High Commission in New Delhi. He was an outstanding representative of Canada, and I was lucky to be able to call him a friend. He was such an intelligent, kind and sympathetic person, and people were just naturally drawn to him. I am really sad, now that I have been back in Ottawa for several years, that I did not know he was nearby. My loss, my regrets. RIP to my good friend Bryan.
You leave a deep hole in my heart. How many wonderful memories you leave behind while you lived in New York City and so many in Ottawa. l met you thirty years ago while at the UN. I am so grateful you were in my life. You changed it, influenced and made me a better human being. My darling Bryan, you will not be alone, Frank will be there on your side. Love you both forever!
I extend my condolences to Gloria and her family. Dear Gloria, I heard so much about you throughout Bryan's life. I am so sad we never met. Please allow me to join my heart to yours and your family on this moment. Bryan meant a world to me. RIP my angel.
Eduardo, New York City