**In Loving Memory of Richard Russell McBrien**

It is with deep sorrow and joyous remembrance that we celebrate the life of Richard Russell McBrien, who was called home suddenly, yet peacefully, on May 26, 2025, at the age of 81. Born on September 16, 1943, Rick lived a life full of love, dedication, and faith that touched all who had the privilege of knowing him. Some of us may have called him “Rick, Sir, Mr. McBrien, Mr. McB, Coach, Coach McB, Sweetheart, Dad, Gramps and Grandpa... But no matter what you called him, know that he loved and cared for each and every one of you very deeply.

Richard’s remarkable career as an educator and mentor began at Saint Patrick Elementary school in Pincourt Quebec as a physical education instructor. His passion for education grew and led him to Vaudreuil Catholic High School where he served primarily as a mathematics teacher as well as both Vice Principal and Principal. His impact on students and faculty was profound as he nurtured a community rooted in learning, respect, and motivated action.

A sports enthusiast and former football coach on campus, Rick channelled his zeal into a successful basketball coaching career beginning in 1978. An icon in both juvenile girls and boys high school programs and in the AAA basketball college community, he brought many of his teams to championship status. Highlights include a total of 13 Provincial Championships with his VCHS juvenile girls and boys teams, Vanier Lady Cheetahs to Provincial Silver Medals in ‘91 and ‘92 and a 4th Place finish at the Nationals in ‘92, and John Abbott College women's team National Championships in ‘96 and ‘97. He was also recognized and awarded the CEGEP Provincial Coach of the Year in 1991.

With his heavy-handed, tough love, whip-you-into-shape approach he changed the lives of many young students and athletes. One thing was certain, the tougher he was on you the more he cared.

Rick was an Orthodox Roman Catholic who attended church every Sunday and on Catholic holy days throughout his entire life. Adopted by devout and loving parents at the tender age of 4, his mother and father instilled in him a deeply connected and profoundly spiritual relationship with God, Son and Holy Spirit that inspired him to uphold the values of the Church his whole life long. His spiritual strength and devotion provided a sanctuary and guiding light for his family and friends alike.

Richard and Renée Major's love story, his only wife and best friend to the end, began in their youth and blossomed into a journey of commitment and adoration. They were married on September 5, 1964 and thoroughly enjoyed many years as a young, vibrant couple in love. When the time was right, they had two beautiful children, Jennifer and Sean, and devoted themselves entirely to parenthood. His legacy continues through his cherished grandchildren, Justyn, Taylor, Summer, and Riley, whom he adored deeply as they did him.

Rick is survived by the love of his life Renée Major, daughter Jennifer McBrien, grandson and BFF Justyn McBrien, son Sean McBrien and his wife Jenny, along with his treasured granddaughters Taylor, Summer, and Riley. As we mourn the physical loss of our Dad, Gramps and Grandpa, we celebrate the indelible mark he left on all of our hearts—a testament to a life truly well-lived.

In honoring Richard's memory, we are reminded of his resonant laughter, gentle wisdom, and huge heart. We are comforted in the knowledge that his soul has found eternal peace, and may his spirit continue to guide and inspire each of us throughout our lives.

A private memorial for Richard will be scheduled at a later date so, at this time, we ask that in lieu of cards or flowers please consider donating, on his behalf, to this link below to financially assist a close family friend's 2 year old nephew in Venezuela who is in dire need of heart surgery in two weeks.

Every small donation will help tremendously.

https://www.gofundme.com/f/jesus-enrique-get-open-heart-surgery-in-venezuela?attribution_id=sl:2adcb35a-9c65-4936-bc87-ea77b9475920&lang=en_US&ts=1750888326&utm_campaign=fp_sharesheet&utm_content=amp13_c-amp14_t2&utm_medium=customer&utm_source=native_options

You may also email transfer to Jesus’s aunt if that is preferable at:
hernandezvaleriab@gmail.com

This is a cause that has recently come to our attention and we instantly knew the reason why. Our father would have wanted more than anything to help this family.

Thank you all in advance for donating in memory of our father.🙏

A few words from Sean:

I would like to personally thank Sean Mc Allister, Mike Leclair and Mathieu Prevost for what you did for my father, sister and I. This is something we will never forget and my father is smiling down on you.
Cory Duhamel, my brother and best friend. You are something special and words cannot express how grateful I am that you are in my life. I will forever be in debt to you for the way you took care of business and of my sister during these hard times. The love you showed for my father and my family is the purest of loves and I will cherish the thought of it forever.

Dad,
Thank you for the life you provided us and for the father you were. You will surely be missed but always remembered. Please watch over my girls and take care of Jen, she really needs you! Rest well because we will be wrestling again one day. But until then, I hope and pray to see you in my dreams.

Forever your Son,
Sean