It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Brian Alexander Golish, our beloved Dad and “Poppa”, on May 26, 2026.

Brian was born on April 12, 1931, in Mannville, AB, and spent his childhood on the family farm. He was the second eldest of 7 children. Brian grew up surrounded by cousins and some say that when Brian, his brothers, and his cousins went to town, they stirred up trouble. Brian met his future wife, Emma Jackson, at a community dance when he charmed her away from her date – his brother! He married Emma and they welcomed a daughter, Shandra, in July 1957. They welcomed two more daughters, Wendy and Glenda, in November 1958 and January 1962. Brian was a heavy-duty equipment operator, building highways throughout Alberta. Brian and Emma provided a comfortable and loving home for their three girls, taking them on many road and camping trips including Disneyland and Texas!

Brian became a grandpa in January 1982, when his granddaughter, Karissa, was born. Brian loved being a grandpa and it brought out a goofy and loving side of him that his family hadn’t seen before. He welcomed another granddaughter, Sharah, in November 1983.

Brian retired in 1993. He and Emma moved to Medicine Hat to be closer to Shandra, Karissa, and Sharah. Brian and Emma spent their retirement gardening, camping, and staying close with family. They enjoyed visiting Glenda in Victoria and Vancouver. They also loved working on Walnut Ridge, a vineyard in Oregon owned by Wendy, and their son-in-law, Jim. Brian and Emma went down for harvest and Brian could often be found riding the blue tractor. In 2006 and 2009, Brian and Emma became great grandparents to Karissa’s sons, Liam and Conley. The boys spent their early years being cared for by them.

Emma passed away suddenly on January 29, 2012 and Brian had to navigate the last chapter of his life without her. Much to his family’s surprise, he did a lot of living after she was gone! He took many trips with his daughters - to Vegas, Memphis, Nashville, Palm Springs, and Lake Tahoe to name a few. He became a great grandpa again to Sharah’s children, Emma in 2015 and Alex in 2017. In his last years, he socialized and enjoyed going to the mall for coffee.

Brian was an avid gardener. Brian also had an infectious laugh and great sense of humour. He loved getting together with family and friends for a drink. Brian was present at family dinners and gatherings and was close with his daughters, granddaughters, and their spouses. He was a loving and gentle man who showed kindness to all.

Brian was predeceased by his wife, Emma; his daughter, Shandra Klaudt; and his siblings, Doris Tansowny, Tommy Golish, Bud Golish, Jack Golish, and Patsy Smyth.

Left to cherish his memory are his children, Wendy (Jim McGavin) and Glenda (Garry Vossler); son-in-law, Dayle Klaudt; brother, Bob Golish; grandchildren Karissa (James) Parsons and Sharah (Andrew) Kershaw; and great-grandchildren, Liam, Conley, Emma, and Alexander.

In keeping with Brian’s wishes, there will be no formal funeral service. The family will gather privately to celebrate his life.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Brian’s memory to St. Joseph’s/Carmel Hospice in Medicine Hat.

The family also asks that you simply raise a glass and share a favourite memory of Brian with a loved one.