Brendan Wiens
Obituary
Brendan Wiens, age 34, was surrounded by loving family when he passed away peacefully at Riverview Health Center on June 10, 2026.
Brendan was predeceased by his grandfathers, Jacob Wiens and Ray Klippenstein, as well as his cousin Dominic Wiens.
Left to cherish Bren’s memory are his partner Katherine (Kat) Allen, Brendan’s dad Allan, mom Ruby, brother Dylan (Amanda) and nephews and niece, Jacob, Teddy, Jesse, and Robyn. Also Brendan’s grandmothers, Anne Klippenstein and Rita Wiens, together with many uncles, aunts and cousins on both sides. Kat’s parents, brothers and their children and many wonderful friends also hold a very special place in their hearts for Brendan, whose kind, sweet and witty demeanor warmed all in his presence.
Brendan was born on September 10, 1991, the younger of Al and Ruby’s two sons. He had a simple and joyful approach to life and enjoyed many aspects of small-town living in Niverville, where he went to school from Kindergarten to Grade 12, graduating in 2009. His life was full of great friends, from both school and various sports teams. He was a hardworking, athletic, competitive and conscientious student. Though a quiet person by nature, he was also gifted with a clever and well-honed sense of humor and loved making those around him laugh.
As a young boy, Brendan spent many wonderful, fun-filled summers with his family and cousins at their cabin on Bird River. Endless hours of bug, frog and snake-catching gave way in later years to lazy pontoon boat rides on the river, jumping off the boat to go swimming at ‘Turtle Bay’, card and board games and outdoor fun.
Brendan was athletic and enjoyed sports. Throughout his school years and beyond, soccer and hockey were a big part of Brendan’s life and provided needed outlets for his incredible bursts of speed. Many great friendships were forged in the arena and on the soccer fields with teammates. He loved the challenge and camaraderie that being involved in sports provided. After graduation from high school, Brendan enrolled at Providence College in Otterburne to play for the Providence Soccer Team while taking some courses in Business. Amazing memories were made with teammates as the team qualified and played in the Nationals in Florida several years in a row during this time.
In 2015 Brendan enrolled in the Red River College Graphic Design program where he was able to exercise his creativity and keen aesthetic eye. Bren loved challenging himself artistically and treasured the new friends he made at RRC. Following the 2 year program he was hired on as a graphic designer for Brandt, where he thrived in the supportive culture and formed friendships within the design team.
At the end of 2019, Brendan met a very special person, Kat, who would become his most devoted partner and friend. Their relationship was one of mutual admiration. They bonded over a love of music, video games, and making each other laugh.
In 2021, Brendan bought his first house in South Osborne. He and Kat enjoyed finding unique pieces of furniture and vintage artwork that would make their house a home. Their home was filled with love, music, visits with friends, and delicious vegetarian food.
The last month of his life at Riverview was ‘peaceful’ as Brendan described it, and was filled with good days, laughter and the steady presence of family and friends, alongside the daily uncertainties and anxieties of Bren’s health. The nurses and health care aides became Kat and Brendan’s friends and all remarked on the positive, homey vibe in Bren’s room and how clear their love for each other shone through.
Everyone lucky enough to know Bren was blessed with a kind, empathetic friend who would listen without judgement, help them find a cool vintage coffee table, or make a perfectly curated playlist when they needed some fresh music recommendations.
Brendan, you truly were a precious gift to us all. Though you’re gone much too soon, we are so thankful for the time we had with you and know you’re in a place of absolute peace; carefree and joyful. Words can’t express how much we love you Brendan and how you will be missed.
The family wishes to extend a heartfelt thank you to the team at CancerCare Manitoba. A special thanks to Brendan’s oncologist, Dr. Kevin Brown, who was always down to talk Jets and fashion at the start of appointments, and his attentive nurse, Sherese Tomy. Also to the wonderful care team on GD6 at HSC, and the compassionate Palliative Care staff at Riverview Health Center.
Celebration of Life will be held Tuesday, June 30 at the Niverville Community Resource & Recreational Center Arena at 1:00pm.
