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
Jean-Guy Saint-Martin
Ursula and Rex Recksiedler
What an amazing person and what a remarkable life. Bryan spoke fondly of his roots . We enjoyed seeing him in Ottawa and again when he came out to Vancouver a few years ago.
Rest in Peace
Virginia Adamson
I met Bryan when he had “retired” at a time when he and Frank lived a full and busy life. I had tremendous respect for his accomplishments when I eventually learned of them. More importantly though, I respected , his values, her character, kindness and humility. He was a person of high caliber and character. The world was fortunate to have him and I feel very fortunate to have gotten to know him even a little bit. Sending prayers for his safe passage.
Peg Pinkney
Bryan and Frank were the most loving and welcoming hosts to our family at their home in Ottawa, especially during Canada Day celebrations when Maarika and Ali were little.
Both of you will always be remembered. ❤️Peg
My sincere condolences to his family. Brian was my bright collegue in CIDA as DG for Asia when I was DG Francophone Africa.