Brian John Groves
November 8, 1954-October 24, 2022
Brian passed away peacefully with his family by his side, after a 3-year battle with melanoma. The world will never be the same without his kindness, caring, knowledge and humour.
Brian was born in Australia, graduated from the University of Sydney and began his career in exploration as a geophysicist in Australia before moving to Canada to continue his mining career. He moved from exploration into management with AMAX Minerals, Noranda, Placer Dome, Temex Resources Corp, Spanish Mountain Gold Ltd and Genesis Metals. Brian also held positions as an officer for Claude Resources Inc., a director for Christopher James Gold Corp., a Director of the Prospectors & Developers Association of Canada, Independent Director of Kootenay Silver and Riverside Resources Inc. Brian had a close working relationship with the Williams Lake First Nation Band and Chief Ann Louie.
Brian enjoyed spending time with his family, “watching the wind”, listening to good music and observing the world around him. He was a wealth of information and shared it with those around him. He was the most loving, caring husband and father.
Brian will be missed by his wife of 39 years, Biruta; his sons Nicholas (Kate) and Evan, his Aussie family -brother Bruce (Karen) and many aunts, uncles, nephew and cousins and his brother-in -law Alex and mother-in-law Waltraute.
A special thank you goes out to Lesley, Brian’s palliative care nurse; Dr. Kip; Pastor Jane Gingrich and all our friends who have been so supportive throughout Brian’s illness. We would like to express our gratitude to the amazing staff at Marjorie Willoughby Snowden Hospice. You made Brian’s transition to heaven a peaceful and comforting one. You are amazing.
Brian was never one to like a fuss. His wish therefore was for a small private dinner with family and a few friends only.
In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the Marjorie Willoughby Snowden Hospice (Kamloops).
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john-mark staude
Brian was an amazing friend, a mentor, leader, geologist, explorer and director. He helped us at Riverside from our start and continued to be with us for 15 years until now. Brian consistently helped keep us on the right tracks. He had an innate feel for relationships, particularly with First Nations and his time with the Williams Lake Band was a perfect fit for his commitment to fairness, true Australian and Canadian values of equality and justness.
Brian was a mentor to many of us and particularly to me and my family, as Brian met my family members, invited us into his home, into his heart and life. Brian was open and caring to others and will be deeply missed, and ALWAYS remembered.
His spark of creativity has ignited and propelled many of us in our careers and he is greatly appreciated. John-Mark Staude, CEO Riverside Resources Inc.
Taru Kemppainen
We had the pleasure of knowing Brian briefly, but his kindness and gentleness made a great impression. We are deeply saddened by his passing, but rejoice in the knowledge that he is home in heaven with no more pain. He will be missed. May God’s peace and comfort surround you all.
Paul and Taru Kemppainen
Ann Loyie
Brian was a very kind soul. We enjoyed working him during his involvement with Spanish mountain gold. He was one of the first to engage WLFN during the exploration phase. Condolences to his family. Councillor Ann Louie WLFN
John Londry
Hi Biruta
It was with such great sadness that we heard of Brian’s passing. Brian will be remembered as a good friend and a colleague whose knowledge and advise was always respected. Our deepest condolences.
John and Mary Londry
John & Lyda Gardiner
I was saddened to hear of Brian’s passing. Always one to speak his mind, he was full of insight, intellect and humor. May you know Brian’s soul touched many, and we are enriched from his involvement in our lives. Condolences to the entire family.
Larry Yau
Biruta, Nicholas, Evan and other family members of Brian’s:
My deep condolences. Brian was our leader at Spanish Mountain for many years and was instrumental in advancing our project beyond early stage exploration. Everyone here at Spanish Mountain, who had the privilege of working with Brain, is saddened by his passing and will miss him a lot.
I will always miss his friendship and our many deep conversations about work and life over dinners and the Aussie reds he expertly recommended.
Sincerely,
Larry
Patti A Bartolucci
Dear Biruta, Nicholas and Evan and family – was saddened to learn of Brian’s passing from cancer. Know that his suffering is ended and he is at peace must be a comfort to you and those who knew him well. Know that you are all in my thoughts and prayers.
Mary Kelly
Brian was such a warm, caring, quiet person. He was a pleasure to be around. My heart breaks for you and your sons Biruta. Hugs Mary Kelly
Ann Weller
Dear Biruta, Nicholas and Evan and Family,
My deepest condolences to you all. I will always remember Brain’s gentle nature and kindness; and him cheerfully always welcoming another Spirit Warrior into his home.
My thoughts and prayers are with you all. May God’s peace comfort you.
God Bless
Ann Weller
Sally Cuthbertson
Biruta, Nicholas and Evan,
I am very very sad to learn that Brian has passed away. I remember him as a caring husband and father and a very likable person. My thoughts are with you and I wish you strength in this very hard time in your life.
Jackie
Dear Evan, Biruta and family, Our deepest condolences to you on the loss of Brian. May God keep you all in his loving embrace. Love and prayers Jackie, Rob and family
john newman
i am very sorry to hear of Brian’s passing. He was a good mate. My sincere condolences to his family
Judy Brennan
James and i aare thinking of you Biruta and family at this sad time for you Take care Judy and James Brennan
John Brassard
He was my Colleague, my Mentor, my Friend.
My sympathies are with you Biruta and your family. Brian was an exceptional person that will be missed by all that knew and loved him.
Ken Robertson
Dear Biruta, Nicholas and Evan,
I’ve only just learned the sad news that Brian has passed away. Please accept my heartfelt condolences. I first met Brian in 1984 while I was working for Noranda Exploration out of the Bathurst, New Brunswick office and you were in Timmins. I always looked forward to getting together for lunch, dinner, coffee or at his office. The last time we got together he talked about driving in the Targa Newfoundland. That sounded like a great experience. Brian’s sense of humour always brightened the mood of a meeting. He never let me forget our forced march during the PDAC in Toronto. I will miss his presence.
My sympathies are with you. Please take care of yourselves.
Ken Robertson
John Sullivan
I met and Brian shortly after he arrived in Canada and he was with Amax in Timmins. Amax participated in a joint venture with Hudson Bay Exploration, who I worked for in Val d’Or. Later I met him now and again with Noranda then again with Genesis. An excellent geophysicist and fine fellow. He has passed far too soon and will be missed.