Brian English, 26, died September 2002 while refereeing a minor hockey game in Elmvale Ontario. Brian was a supervisor and a level 4 referee. As well as his keen interest in hockey, Brian was an avid runner and was in training to run a half marathon at the time of his death.
His chosen profession was that of a teacher. Brian began his career at the high school he had attended, St. Mary in Pickering. After one year he transferred to Stayner Collegiate where he was teaching at the time of his death. Brian loved to coach young people and was in the process of helping to form a girls' hockey team at Stayner Collegiate.
Below is a letter written about Brian by his good friend Shayne MacDonald:
Brian English was one of my closest friends despite the fact that I had only known him for a little over two years. We began teaching together at St. Mary CSS in September of 1999 - we were both "rookies" on the job. Brian and I were members of the science department and immediately you could tell that Brian was a good guy. He cared about those who were around him and would always make himself available for discussions on everything from hockey to how to get that kid at the back of the class to stay quiet and learn just a little bit. When you talked to Brian it was almost as if what you had to say was vital to his well-being regardless of the topic being discussed.
Brian had an almost intuitive sense about him in that he always seemed to know when you needed an ear to listen or a friend to lean on. He would just show up out of nowhere, it seemed, and start off with a, "Hey, what's up?" After a few minutes you wouldn't be as concerned with some of your troubles because he was there to help shoulder the load get you back on track. Brian had a great sense of humor.
Brian was honest, trustworthy and sincere to all he had come into contact with. He had a great deal of compassion and sympathy for those who needed help. His students were his number one concern at the school and he would often spend time after school clarifying the facts with his pupils. He treated all of his students (and players) fairly and honestly and worked tirelessly to help them achieve their goals and perhaps surpass them and set new ones. Of course, he would be the last one to accept any of the credit thrown his way for his work . you could add modesty to his list of traits as well. Brian knew who he was and he would stand by his values and morals regardless of where he was and who he was with.
Brian was an amazing athlete that excelled in many sports including hockey, cross country running and baseball as well as others. He knew the benefits he had received through living and active lifestyle and participating in sport and gave back to both the school and his community through coaching at St. Mary and refereeing minor hockey in the OMHA.
Brian moved to be with his university sweetheart shortly after that first year at Saint Mary. He had accepted a position with Stayner Collegiate, near Barrie, and continued to impact the lives of youth in a positive manner through teaching, coaching and refereeing. Ironically, it was while refereeing a game that Brian suddenly passed away.
Brian leaves with those who knew him memories of a friend that honestly, truly cared for your well-being and wanted only the best for you. He was a person that, in any circumstance, you could fully depend on to be there for you as a friend.
I was blessed to have Brian as a close friend. He is dearly missed by all who had the pleasure of knowing him.
Shayne MacDonald
Saint Mary CSS