Brian 'BJ' Duchene

Mr. Brian Joseph Duchene

The Duchene/Bottle/Darling Family announce with deep sorrow his sudden passing at TBRHSC at the age of 46 yrs., with his family at his side.

Most beloved son of Bella Bottle & Larry (Carol) Duchene.

He is survived by his step-father Ray, brother Bobby (Priscilla), Sister Merry Ann (Andy).  Extremely proud uncle of Bryan (Hazel), Hannah, Alex, Mya, Landon and Lenaya.  

His extended family Tom(Lisa), Curtis (Jodi), Selena (Earl), Calvin, nieces/nephews Cameron, Tasha, Rex, Nina, Maia, Joelle, David, Ceyana, Brody, Brennan.

He also leaves behind his deeply loved family of Spruce Apartments in Nipigon.  

Brian is predeceased by his Grandparents Roger & Jenny Duchene, Uncles Sandy, Gary, Bobby, Donny.  Uncle Greg Bottle.

Brian was born in Geraldton and began a high speed life in Jellicoe.  The busiest lil boy anyone could have imagined; with a curious mind and speed that took him places that family scrambled to find.  In an instant he was gone, and the entire town would watch for his escapes.  Many phone calls were received saying BJ arrived at a neighbour’s house and is having milk and cookies until he could be picked up.

Brian moved to Thunder Bay, an even larger place to explore.  He successfully navigated half way across the city to knock on the door of his mom’s friend.  Another time he was brought home in the back seat of a police cruiser, when they caught the Houdini.

Brian moved to Attawapiskat with his family where he continued his education, graduating from High School.

Brian, his mom and lil sister moved to Geraldton, where he made good friends with Greg.

In 2010 Brian moved to Spruce Apartments in Nipigon, a move initiated by his decreased mobility.  Once in his forever home, surrounded by his new family, BJ grew into the man BRIAN and reminded anyone who used his boyhood name of BJ.

Brian has been a teacher since the day he was born.  His unlimited strength & perseverance proved the doctors life expectancy timelines were of little concern to him as he blew through all of them.

Pure happiness and deep love poured out of him.  With pride of his Ojibwa heritage he gathered his loved ones on his lawn for his own indigenous day pow wow to birth his drum.  He easily combined his love for his Creator/God by attending St Mary’s Anglican Church until Covid changed his ability to attend.

It took the pain of Rheumatoid Arthritis to slow him down.  You might catch a grumpy side of him but it’d be quickly forgotten once you smiled at him.  Brian’s humour was infectious having inherited Grandma Jenny’s zest for laughter.  He was a trickster and near impossible to get a regular picture without bunny ears, crossed eyes or a tongue sticking out to make everyone laugh.  Laughing with loved ones brought him the most joy.  

Brian will be immensely missed by his Nipigon family & friends; his Grandparents Paddy & Nora Darling; his Uncles John, Richard, Bernard; Aunts Gloria, Alice (Ray), Carol (Chris), Patsy, Beverley (Francis), Maryann; Denise and many cousins.

As we send Brian off on his journey we know how quick he will catch up to all his ancestors and be warmly welcomed. 

The funeral services will be held at Fawcett Funeral Home in Geraldton on Monday, 29th January 2024.  

A closed casket visitation from 9:30-10:00; service 10:30-11:30, Interment at Beardmore Pinegrove Cemetery, luncheon at the Beardmore Complex.