11/20/2025
William Brian Anema
September 7, 1945 - November 8, 2025
It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of William Brian Anema on November 8, 2025, in Kelowna, BC, at the age of 80 years.
Brian was born on September 7, 1945, in Winnipeg, MB to parents Marika and Nicholas Anema. He loved the outdoors. His activities included hiking, backpacking, fishing, hunting, camping, boating, x-country and downhill skiing, as well as gardening. Brian was very skilled in many areas and worked several different careers in his lifetime which included dairy farming and construction. He worked as a driller in many locations throughout northern Canada as well as a year in Saudi Arabia. Brian earned his landscaping certificate in Guelph and then worked on golf course maintenance until ending his working career running his own landscaping company. After retiring from the workforce, Brian and Edith moved to their property on Lake of the Woods, Kenora where Brian’s construction skills were used to build their retirement home while continuing his fishing, camping, boating and hiking activities. Brian and Edith spent their winters being snowbirds in Roadhaven Resort in Apache Junction, AZ where Brian built their AZ room and was a hike leader for the hiking club. In recent years, Brian enjoyed traveling to Costa Rica, Ecuador, Peru, the Galapagos as well as going on many cruises. In 2018, Brian and Edith finally settled in Creston, BC.
Brian was predeceased by his mother Marika, father Nicholas, brother Peter Anema, sister Marguerite Hammett, and brother-in-law John Hammett.
Brian will be lovingly remembered by his wife Edith Anema, stepchildren and their families Tim Madder (Jenelle, Tristan, and Trinity), Debbie Penner (Josh, Riley, and Tyler), Chris Madder (Laura, Ashley, and Zachary), nieces Marlene Theissen and Laurie Douglas, and nephew Craig Hammett.
There will be no Celebration of Life Service to be held at this time.
Cremation took place in Creston, BC.
In lieu of flowers, friends wishing to make a memorial contribution may do so to the BC Diabetes Foundation, #400 – 210 W Broadway, Vancouver, BC, V5Y 3W2.
Condolences for the family may be offered at www.crestonvalleyfuneralservices.ca