DES ISLET, Brian Thomas - April 14, 1968 - June 5, 2022
It is with broken hearts that we announce the sudden passing of Brian Thomas Des Islet, on Sunday, June 5, 2022.
Brian was a loving husband to Kristen (nee Kenney) for 29 years and a proud and loving father to his three sons, Nicholas, David and Michael.
He was the favorite nap buddy of his furry boys, Chewbacca and Diesel, who would provide Brian with “structure and guidance” on a daily basis.
Brian was predeceased by his parents, Graham Charles Des Islet and Linda Ann Des Islet (nee Vose).
He was an adoring brother to Elizabeth Azzarello (Jason) and a devoted son-in-law to Laney Maki and Ray Maki (predeceased) and Don Kenney (predeceased) and Charlotte Kenney.
He was a treasured brother-in-law to Michele Juma (Ali), Robert Kenney (Kim), David Kenney (Amanda), Janice Kenney (Peter), Melissa Kenney (TJ) and Don Kenney (predeceased).
Brian was an adored and deeply admired uncle to Sander, Connor (Kaitlynn), Shelby, Emily (Eiren), Anthony, Kaden, Aidan, Kiran, Aaron, Jack and Madeline.
More than anything, Brian loved spending time with family and friends and keeping busy at the cottage up North.
He enjoyed meeting new people and would strike up a conversation with anyone he encountered. His signature “Business Lunches” were a favourite for all the kids in his life. Brian was an avid sports fan and particularly enjoyed watching golf, baseball, football and his beloved Toronto Maple Leafs.
He touched the lives of many children who will always remember him as a fun-loving, kind of crazy, but always devoted coach, astrologer, fisherman and boat captain.
Following his Ph.D. in chemistry from the University of Western Ontario, Brian joined the pharmaceutical industry and steadily progressed from lab chemist with Novopharm to lead Research and Development in Novopharm later Teva Canada as Vice President, Scientific Affairs and, most recently, as Chief Scientific Officer and Vice President for Scientific Affairs at Pharmascience Inc.
Brian possessed a keen intellect, sense of humour and love of sports.
He had a knack for making deep personal connections with people he worked with and came across in everyday life. Brian applied his incredible creativity, practicality and problem-solving ability when faced with challenging projects.
He could distil the most complex issues to their essence and use his interpersonal skills and intellect to solve problems that others could not. He always maintained a refreshingly positive outlook and was much respected and loved by his colleagues and staff.
Brian will always be remembered as an insightful scientist, humanist and leader within the Generic pharmaceutical industry.
A Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, June 18, 2022 from 2pm to 5pm at the ARMSTRONG FUNERAL HOME, 124 King St. East, Oshawa, ON.
Memorial Donations to the Heart and Stroke Foundation would be greatly appreciated by the family.
Final and fitting thoughts from our favourite Sci-Fi fanatic, “I have been….and always shall be….your friend”.
Online condolences may be made at armstrongfh.ca .
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