Obituary for Brian Panek
PANEK, Brian William
April 17, 1958-March 1, 2022
It is with profound sadness and heavy hearts that we announce Brian’s peaceful passing due to complications of Multiple Myeloma.
Anyone who knew Brian knew that he had a zest for life and loved to travel and try new things, but his favorite place to be was puttering in his garage, listening to classic rock and having a cold Miller Highlife from his beer fridge.
He was a jack of all trades and loved building and/or fixing almost anything. It made him happy when he could help other people with his skills or knowledge, but he always appreciated learning things from others as well.
Brian’s kindness and love of people was always on full display even when he felt sick or in pain. On more than one occasion he would see an elderly lady walking along the sidewalk with bags of heavy groceries and turn the car around to offer her a ride.
Sports played a big part of Brian’s life growing up. He loved playing lacrosse, hockey, baseball and golfing. He was a diehard Maple Leafs and Detroit Tigers fan and would often text his friends during the games whether it was to celebrate or commiserate.
One of Brian’s many talents and passions was gardening. He had the amazing skill of not only maintaining beautiful gardens and plants, but he recently became obsessed with orchids. He researched how to nurture them through their dormant period and have them bloom beautifully once again.
Throughout his life, beginning in childhood as a hobby with his Dad Casmer, he was an avid aquarium enthusiast. Brian traveled with friends to various cities in pursuit of the perfect addition to his fish tanks. Most recently he took up this hobby again and I would like to thank the wonderful staff at Foremost for helping him to fulfill his vision.
He didn’t want to be defined by his cancer and health struggles but the last 6 1/2 years were the most difficult years of his life. He fought hard with a smile on his face but would often privately express his frustration at having to be taken care of, or not being able to help others as much as he would’ve liked as was his way.
Brian is survived by and loved for eternity by his wife and partner-in-crime of 28 years, Faith
He is the incredibly proud father of Matthew (Matcha-Matic) (How about those Tigers?)
Beloved Son of Casmer and the late Mary Panek of Windsor
Much loved big brother to Kathy McDowall and Robert Panek (Anne)
Proud Uncle to Colin McDowall (Kristina) and Tyler McDowall (Tori) and Alexander Panek
Much loved son-in-law to Brian and Janet Wardlaw and Robert Stares
Brother-in-law to Clinton Wardlaw (Trish), Kelly Jackson (Harvey), and Greg Wardlaw (Charles-Anne)
Special Uncle B to many extended nieces and nephews with whom he had so much fun.
Big thank you to his Mamma-cita for indulging Brian and driving him around town when he decided he wanted something at the last minute. He so appreciated it and loved you very much.
Special nephew to his Auntie Nancy who always got his hints and baked him whatever his heart desired.
Over the last 6 1/2 years Brian has been taken care of by many doctors and nurses whom we cannot thank enough. The family would like to thank Dr. Hill, Cindy Sheaves, and Shelley Thomas. Melanie Ambeault, Dr. Spadafora, Dr. Voutsadakis, and Dr. Beuhner. Nurses from ADCP, Laura, John, Shelly, Louise, Jennifer, Kelly, Lawson and Katie. Please forgive us if we missed someone.
Brian received wonderful home care over the years as well. Thank you so much to Rochelle who became like family, Leo and Michelle.
I also need to thank our friends who have been so supportive whenever we needed them. They were part of our journey. Brian’s honorary sister Yolanda, Rick, Kristen and Glenn, Susan and Leslie, Kelly and Dave, Nikki (Matthews Bff), and his myeloma buddy Brent.
Brian, Matthew and I have been so grateful throughout this difficult journey. Many blessings were sent our way. Love, prayers, food and desserts, rides, messages, and offers of help.
In lieu of flowers the family asks that you donate to Tracy’s Dream or the charity of your choice (Payable to or online to). We thank you all, we love you all. Please do a kind deed someday in honor of the kindest man we know.
A come and go celebration will take place Tuesday March 8, 2022, from 11:00am-2:00pm at O’Sullivan Funeral Home.
April 17, 1958-March 1, 2022
It is with profound sadness and heavy hearts that we announce Brian’s peaceful passing due to complications of Multiple Myeloma.
Anyone who knew Brian knew that he had a zest for life and loved to travel and try new things, but his favorite place to be was puttering in his garage, listening to classic rock and having a cold Miller Highlife from his beer fridge.
He was a jack of all trades and loved building and/or fixing almost anything. It made him happy when he could help other people with his skills or knowledge, but he always appreciated learning things from others as well.
Brian’s kindness and love of people was always on full display even when he felt sick or in pain. On more than one occasion he would see an elderly lady walking along the sidewalk with bags of heavy groceries and turn the car around to offer her a ride.
Sports played a big part of Brian’s life growing up. He loved playing lacrosse, hockey, baseball and golfing. He was a diehard Maple Leafs and Detroit Tigers fan and would often text his friends during the games whether it was to celebrate or commiserate.
One of Brian’s many talents and passions was gardening. He had the amazing skill of not only maintaining beautiful gardens and plants, but he recently became obsessed with orchids. He researched how to nurture them through their dormant period and have them bloom beautifully once again.
Throughout his life, beginning in childhood as a hobby with his Dad Casmer, he was an avid aquarium enthusiast. Brian traveled with friends to various cities in pursuit of the perfect addition to his fish tanks. Most recently he took up this hobby again and I would like to thank the wonderful staff at Foremost for helping him to fulfill his vision.
He didn’t want to be defined by his cancer and health struggles but the last 6 1/2 years were the most difficult years of his life. He fought hard with a smile on his face but would often privately express his frustration at having to be taken care of, or not being able to help others as much as he would’ve liked as was his way.
Brian is survived by and loved for eternity by his wife and partner-in-crime of 28 years, Faith
He is the incredibly proud father of Matthew (Matcha-Matic) (How about those Tigers?)
Beloved Son of Casmer and the late Mary Panek of Windsor
Much loved big brother to Kathy McDowall and Robert Panek (Anne)
Proud Uncle to Colin McDowall (Kristina) and Tyler McDowall (Tori) and Alexander Panek
Much loved son-in-law to Brian and Janet Wardlaw and Robert Stares
Brother-in-law to Clinton Wardlaw (Trish), Kelly Jackson (Harvey), and Greg Wardlaw (Charles-Anne)
Special Uncle B to many extended nieces and nephews with whom he had so much fun.
Big thank you to his Mamma-cita for indulging Brian and driving him around town when he decided he wanted something at the last minute. He so appreciated it and loved you very much.
Special nephew to his Auntie Nancy who always got his hints and baked him whatever his heart desired.
Over the last 6 1/2 years Brian has been taken care of by many doctors and nurses whom we cannot thank enough. The family would like to thank Dr. Hill, Cindy Sheaves, and Shelley Thomas. Melanie Ambeault, Dr. Spadafora, Dr. Voutsadakis, and Dr. Beuhner. Nurses from ADCP, Laura, John, Shelly, Louise, Jennifer, Kelly, Lawson and Katie. Please forgive us if we missed someone.
Brian received wonderful home care over the years as well. Thank you so much to Rochelle who became like family, Leo and Michelle.
I also need to thank our friends who have been so supportive whenever we needed them. They were part of our journey. Brian’s honorary sister Yolanda, Rick, Kristen and Glenn, Susan and Leslie, Kelly and Dave, Nikki (Matthews Bff), and his myeloma buddy Brent.
Brian, Matthew and I have been so grateful throughout this difficult journey. Many blessings were sent our way. Love, prayers, food and desserts, rides, messages, and offers of help.
In lieu of flowers the family asks that you donate to Tracy’s Dream or the charity of your choice (Payable to or online to). We thank you all, we love you all. Please do a kind deed someday in honor of the kindest man we know.
A come and go celebration will take place Tuesday March 8, 2022, from 11:00am-2:00pm at O’Sullivan Funeral Home.