FRANKLIN

Brian Morgan Franklin of Rimbey, Alberta passed away peacefully, surrounded by his close family, at the Rimbey Hospital and Care Centre on Wednesday, July 29, 2026, at the age of 64 years.

Brian was born in Midale, Saskatchewan to a large farming family with ten siblings, where he learned to work hard and play hard.  He brought his eldest daughter, Robyn, into the world in Weyburn, Saskatchewan in 1980.  They moved to Calgary, Alberta in 1989, and not long after, Brian met Dana Lovell and they were married in 1994.  Brian and Dana grew their family with the addition of their daughter, Lauren, in 1995; and their son, Lane, in 1997.  They also opened their home to their niece, Raven.  The family was welcomed into the Leedale community when they purchased their acreage in 1997.  Their connections with the Leedale Community Centre led to lasting and treasured friendships that continue to feel like family.

Brian provided for his family by driving truck around central Alberta, as well as his many side projects, where he was known for being a jack–of–all–trades.  He had a talent for finding and acquiring old, forgotten vehicles and bringing them back to life.  Brian also possessed an amazing zest for life; and his adventures included hiking, boating, snowmobiling, camping, and many types of biking with his family and friends.  No trail went unexplored, and anyone who followed along could proudly state that they “survived a Brian hike!” 

Family and friends were Brian’s whole world, and he would help anyone – even if they did not ask.  He was so proud of his children, and was warm and welcoming when they brought their significant others into the family.  Brian’s five grandchildren, Ashton, Chelsey, Luke, Beckett, and Deacon, were some of the greatest joys of his life and Brian always ensured they were included in his adventures.

“Brian was welcoming and loving,

supportive and uplifting,

hardworking and helpful, funny and charismatic.

He is a man who will be truly missed by anyone who knew him.”

Brian will be lovingly remembered by his family:  his wife of 32 years, Dana; his children Robyn (Shane) Kreil, Lauren Franklin (Mark Evans), and Lane (Hayley) Franklin; in addition to his grandchildren Ashton Franklin (Katie Lemens), Chelsey Kreil (Clay Dow), Luke Kreil, Beckett Franklin, and Deacon Franklin.  He will also be lovingly remembered by his siblings, numerous nieces and nephews, several cousins, and many treasured friends.  Brian was predeceased by his loving parents, Stanley and Myrtle; his siblings Wayne and Claire; two nephews Glen Franklin and Kevin Franklin; one niece Colleen Franklin; and a beloved cousin and friend, Duncan Brock. 

A Memorial Service in Celebration of Brian’s Life will be held at the Rimbey United Church, 4931 – 51 Avenue, Rimbey on Friday, August 7, 2026, at 1:00 p.m., with the Reverend Ross Smillie officiating.  He will be laid to rest at a later date in the Bradshaw Cemetery, Leedale.   If desired, memorial donations in Brian’s memory may be made directly to the University of Alberta CurePSP Center of Care, c/o Kaye Edmonton Clinic, 11400 University Avenue, Edmonton, Alberta  T6G 1Z1   (https://www.psp.org/centers-of-care/details/university-of-alberta).  Thoughts and messages to the family may be shared through the condolence area located at the bottom of this page. 

Service and Cremation Arrangements for the late Brian Morgan Franklin entrusted to the care of