Obituary of Brian Robichaud

It is with deep sorrow that the family of Joseph Brian Robichaud announces his sudden passing on December 22, 2021 at the Saint John Regional Hospital.  

Brian was the son of Claire and the late Joseph Romain Robichaud of Rothesay, NB.  Along with his mother, he leaves to grieve his wife of 29 years Colleen (Chittick), his daughter Leah Robichaud, brothers Mike of Saint John, NB, Rick (Anne Marie) of Kincardine, ON and Mark (Bridget) of Squamish, BC, and nieces and nephews Meghan, Sam, Andrew, Sierra and Winter. He is also survived by his dear Aunt Leah Robichaud (Tieke) of Kingston, ON, cousin Etienne Robichaud (Trish) of Saint John, NB, and his Marsh family cousins of Prince Edward Island. 

Brian was born in Berwick, NS in 1968 and grew up in Rothesay, NB. He was a 1986 graduate of Kennebecasis Valley High School. While growing up Brian spent much of his time in Summerside with his grandmother Elizabeth Brennan, aunt and uncle Colleen and Glen Marsh, and cousins Cathy, Sheila, Blair, David and Kim Marsh. During his youth in the 1980s he was a member of 527 Simonds Air Cadet Squadron, where he formed many lifelong friendships. Through the Air Cadet program he earned his glider and powered aircraft pilot licences.  

Brian worked as an NDT technician and in IT services with the family business of Bretech for several years before returning to UNBSJ to complete his Bachelor of Science in Computer Science. In 2005 Brian began a career in IT at Centerbeam (now Synoptek), where at the time of his death he held the position of Systems Engineer I.  

Those who knew Brian best will remember him as a kind and caring man with deep integrity and a heart of gold, despite his penchant for political argument. His heart held an abiding love for his entire family, especially for his cherished daughter Leah. He pretended to dislike several cats over the years that he and Colleen enjoyed together. His favourite place to be was Prince Edward Island, particularly the family cottage in Darnley where many special times were shared. He enjoyed good beer and considered no Hawaiian shirt too loud for a special occasion. Brian's character is illustrated by the length and depth of his friendships. In addition to his grieving family, Brian will be particularly missed by his dear friends of forty years Serge Beaulieu, Ron Carlin, Shawn Clark and the rest of the Nerd Herd, as well as many other long-time friends.  

Arrangements are under the care and direction of Brenan’s Funeral Home, 111 Paradise Row, Saint John, NB (634-7424). Visitation will be on Tuesday, December 28th, 2021, from 6:00-8:00 PM. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Wednesday, December 29th, 2021, at 1:00 PM from Holy Redeemer Parish (St. Pius) (316 Somerset St). Due to Covid-19 health measures placed on indoor gatherings by the Government of New Brunswick, all those 12 and older attending the service will be required to show proof of vaccination and a piece of government-issued ID or proof of medical exemption. Donations in Brian's memory may be made to the Heart & Stroke Foundation, Romero House, or charity of choice. For those who wish, condolences may be made by visiting www.BrenansFH.com. For those unable to attend the funeral, the family has provided the opportunity to view the mass through live streaming. To access the live stream, please visit Brian's obituary page on Brenan's website to access the link.