Brian Monks

Dr. Brian Monks was born in Dublin, Ireland. He started playing golf at the age of 9 and he was a keen rugby player in high school and university. He had years of fun and Guinness while playing piano at an Irish pub during his university years.

Following his graduation from medical school in Dublin, he emigrated to Canada in 1968. He spent two years in Toronto where he met his wife Helen, an Australian nurse. They married in 1970 and went to Hope BC where they made special lifelong friends. They then moved to the Coquitlam Burnaby area where they worked and raised their four children.

Brian was an exceptional family physician and was known for his kindness and compassion and the respectful and diligent care he gave to his patients. He worked in his general practice until 2014 and then worked with the elderly at Belvedere Care Home. Immediately following his retirement at the end of February this year he was diagnosed with an aggressive brain tumour.

He was predeceased by his daughter Ashlyn in 2013, and leaves to mourn his wife Helen, sons James, (Kristin), Conor (Marnie), Michael, (Narayani) son in law Corey (Tiffany), and grandchildren, Brooklyn, Abai, Rylan, Eamon, Lyla and Sunday, and in England by his brothers Raymond, Donal and John and many friends and relatives in Ireland.

Brian was very proud of his children and grandchildren and will be sorely missed by them and his numerous good friends - especially his golf buddies. The family appreciates the many kindnesses and support we received from dear friends and medical professionals. He died peacefully with Helen and his sons at his side. Doctors without Borders (MSF) is his favourite charity