Brian was born January 2, 1953 in Peace River, Alberta. He grew up in the Peace River and Grande Prairie area until the age of 17 when he joined the Navy. He spent 6 years proudly serving aboard the HMCS Provider. He settled in the Grande Prairie area enjoying his family, friends, and work; he loved driving truck. He met his best friend and love, Merry and they were married August 7, 1998. They lived in Logan Lake and Cache Creek, BC for years before moving back to Grande Prairie in 2012. Brian loved to go camping and quadding, with a passion for fishing. If he found enough time and the right spot, you could find him panning for gold, too. He loved movie nights with his son Clayton, and had a weakness for cookies and baking of any kind; to Brian, there was no such thing as a bad cookie. Quite often his favorite niece Tracy would receive a call with a request for her pickled eggs and polar bear drops. He will always be remembered for his wild sense of humor, and his unconditional love, not just to family but with all his friends. You’d always be greeted with a hug or a great big smile. Brian will be missed greatly by his wife Merry; children Katherine (Doug) Campbell, Tina (Marty) Stierle, and Clayton Moore; father Hank (Eileen) VanTamelen; siblings Sherry (Gerald) Eady, Nelda VanTamelen, Leila VanTamelen, Keith (Sharon) VanTamelen, Henry (Wella) VanTamelen, Phil (Julie) VanTamelen; grandchildren Mason (Kaitlyn Rogers), Laryn, Piper, Tristan, Ryder; uncles Bill VanTamelen, Jon (Sarah) VanTamelen; aunt Ingrid VanTamelen; many nieces and nephews, as well as great nephews. He was predeceased by his brother Robert, paternal grandparents Edward and Elizabeth VanTamelen; maternal grandparents Percy and Sadie Perry; his mother Mary Jans, and son Jon Henry VanTamelen. At Brian’s request, no service will be held. He wanted no tears; just smiles and laughter as friends and family reminisce and share the great memories of him.