Brian Craib , truck driver, veteran
Donation protected
BRIAN HAS SUFFERED A CATASTROPHIC STROKE
His-story
Brian joined the Armed Forces in Nova Scotia when he was 18. He was transferred to BC where he first met Estelle. At a pub in Point Roberts, Estelle and her sister were playing pool as usual. Brian saw Estelle and asked her sister if he could play the next game. She warned him, but he took the challenge. Estelle accepted and beat him soundly. But he was not discouraged. He left his friends, moved to Estelle’s table and with the exception of his peace keeping duties, he never left her side again.
Brian was later transferred to Petawawa, ON and together they headed off to a new phase in life. From there Brian was assigned to peacekeeping duty in Bosnia. He drove an army transport truck over dangerous mountain roads and was known as the “thermometer”. If Brian was calm, no one worried. He returned to Canada safe and sound. After completing 12 years of service, he resigned from the army.
Their Story
He and Estelle came back to BC to take up the life of civilians. Brian worked at various trucking companies, including driving tandem fuel trucks and grocery supply trucks in many parts of the Lower Mainland and Northern BC. Estelle worked as Purchasing Manager for industrial supply companies. Two years ago Brian and Estelle found their perfect home in Scotch Creek; a peaceful place in the interior where they began semi-retirement. Brian continued to drive trucks for highway projects and Estelle planned to work or volunteer in the small community where they now live.
The Sum of It
Brian and Estelle have been together for almost 30 years. Many of you will know Brian as the quiet, hardworking, salt of the earth guy who you could rely on for everything. In our large family, he was the rock, the one who would respond to every family need without fanfare, never looking for thanks or recognition; there wasn’t a one who he didn’t help with a renovation or a move. He was always there to give advice about anything and everything mechanical. Brian’s employers could always count on him to fill in for emergencies and overtime whenever needed. He maintained a perfect Drivers Abstract! Estelle at the same time supplied the hospitality; cooking, baking, entertaining and looking after siblings, nieces and nephews. She is the “fun auntie”.
This Moment
On December 26th, Brian suffered a catastrophic stroke. Until a week ago, he has been in ICU on life support. Today, February 1, he is breathing on his own. He opens his eyes and moves a little but is not yet responsive. We are praying for a miracle for this amazing man.
What's Happening Now
Since Brian was first medevac’d to Kelowna General Hospital, their lives have taken many turns. Brian has twice been transferred to another hospital; Estelle has been moving from hotels to home and back to hotels to be close to him, to visit him regularly, spending many hours encouraging him with stories and hope. Various family members have come to support Estelle and Brian throughout this journey, while others behind the scenes are surrounding them with thoughtful gestures, with love and with prayers.
The Urgent Need
As you can imagine, the unforeseen costs associated with this traumatic event have mounted rapidly. Hotels, meals, travel to cities that are 1-3 hours away from their home, exceptional medical and legal expenses etc. Estelle is working very hard to deal with these extenuating circumstances and plan for the future.
Our Go Fund Me Goal will help Estelle to cover expenses over the next few months. Our family is grateful for whatever support you can give and if you cannot give financially, we thank you for all your good wishes and love.
His-story
Brian joined the Armed Forces in Nova Scotia when he was 18. He was transferred to BC where he first met Estelle. At a pub in Point Roberts, Estelle and her sister were playing pool as usual. Brian saw Estelle and asked her sister if he could play the next game. She warned him, but he took the challenge. Estelle accepted and beat him soundly. But he was not discouraged. He left his friends, moved to Estelle’s table and with the exception of his peace keeping duties, he never left her side again.
Brian was later transferred to Petawawa, ON and together they headed off to a new phase in life. From there Brian was assigned to peacekeeping duty in Bosnia. He drove an army transport truck over dangerous mountain roads and was known as the “thermometer”. If Brian was calm, no one worried. He returned to Canada safe and sound. After completing 12 years of service, he resigned from the army.
Their Story
He and Estelle came back to BC to take up the life of civilians. Brian worked at various trucking companies, including driving tandem fuel trucks and grocery supply trucks in many parts of the Lower Mainland and Northern BC. Estelle worked as Purchasing Manager for industrial supply companies. Two years ago Brian and Estelle found their perfect home in Scotch Creek; a peaceful place in the interior where they began semi-retirement. Brian continued to drive trucks for highway projects and Estelle planned to work or volunteer in the small community where they now live.
The Sum of It
Brian and Estelle have been together for almost 30 years. Many of you will know Brian as the quiet, hardworking, salt of the earth guy who you could rely on for everything. In our large family, he was the rock, the one who would respond to every family need without fanfare, never looking for thanks or recognition; there wasn’t a one who he didn’t help with a renovation or a move. He was always there to give advice about anything and everything mechanical. Brian’s employers could always count on him to fill in for emergencies and overtime whenever needed. He maintained a perfect Drivers Abstract! Estelle at the same time supplied the hospitality; cooking, baking, entertaining and looking after siblings, nieces and nephews. She is the “fun auntie”.
This Moment
On December 26th, Brian suffered a catastrophic stroke. Until a week ago, he has been in ICU on life support. Today, February 1, he is breathing on his own. He opens his eyes and moves a little but is not yet responsive. We are praying for a miracle for this amazing man.
What's Happening Now
Since Brian was first medevac’d to Kelowna General Hospital, their lives have taken many turns. Brian has twice been transferred to another hospital; Estelle has been moving from hotels to home and back to hotels to be close to him, to visit him regularly, spending many hours encouraging him with stories and hope. Various family members have come to support Estelle and Brian throughout this journey, while others behind the scenes are surrounding them with thoughtful gestures, with love and with prayers.
The Urgent Need
As you can imagine, the unforeseen costs associated with this traumatic event have mounted rapidly. Hotels, meals, travel to cities that are 1-3 hours away from their home, exceptional medical and legal expenses etc. Estelle is working very hard to deal with these extenuating circumstances and plan for the future.
Our Go Fund Me Goal will help Estelle to cover expenses over the next few months. Our family is grateful for whatever support you can give and if you cannot give financially, we thank you for all your good wishes and love.
Organizer
Barbara Stuart
Organizer
North Vancouver, BC