Brian Morin, father, brother, friend, and chef, passed away peacefully in his home surrounded by friends and family after living a full and beautiful life. Brian was born, raised and lived his entire life in Toronto. Brian leaves behind his beloved daughters Alison and Julianne, their partners William and Curtis, his devoted former wife Kath, his adored twin Cynthia, his sisters Louise and Suzanne, his dear friend Kathleen, his cherished godchildren Carter and Grace, and his constant companion and protector, Hudson the dog. Brian is predeceased by his beloved parents Desmond and Doreen, and his sister Denise.

Brian was a keen judge of character, a lover of travel and culture, a music enthusiast, a talented gardener, a Blue Jays fan, and one of the world’s worst fishermen. Above all, Brian was an architect of a world for his family and friends where doing the right thing mattered, family came first, hard work paid off, and love was expressed and received openly - especially through good food and drink. His most cherished and proudest accomplishment in his life were his children, Alison and Julianne.

Together with Kath, they created a world that they are proud of. Their home was the centre of many celebrations and gatherings where their mutual love for hosting family and friends shone. Alison and Julianne were brought up in this hospitable lifestyle and were always keen to help and learn from him. They also learned from Brian to live life to the fullest, where he made sure to encourage them to ‘go on that trip’, or ‘take the boat out for a ride’, or to follow his best advice that, ‘water makes the party last longer’. Brian enjoyed summers at the cottage on Gull Lake and the wonderful times with his children, their friends, and family. He built vegetable gardens and planted maple trees for the generations to come. Alison & Will and Julianne & Curtis will carry on these traditions both in their own homes and at the cottage.

As a chef, Brian had a natural talent, very high standards, and an endless capacity for hard work. He enjoyed a successful and creative career as a chef at many Toronto restaurants and hotels. In 2003, he opened his first restaurant, beerbistro, with his business partner Kathleen McGinn. With his gift of bringing people together, beerbistro became the place for him to combine his love for hosting parties, and training and leading, with generous hospitality.

In the past few years, Brian had a slower paced life with much of his time spent at the cottage. Unfortunately, Brian was faced with the relentless progression of Parkinson’s disease, dementia, and chronic back pain. Brian ultimately made the brave decision to end his life peacefully and with dignity through MAiD. He will be remembered and cherished by all who knew him.

Thank you to Ruth & Sarah from Wishstone, and to the many health care professionals for their caring and kindness in Brian’s final months.

Brian’s Life Celebration will be held Saturday, April 20 at Bellwoods Brewery, 124 Ossington Avenue. Tributes/Remarks will be held from 11:00 am - 12:00 pm followed by a reception from 12:00 pm - 2:00 pm. All are welcome. If desired, donations can be made in Brian’s memory to FoodShare Toronto.