May 24, 1938 – March 1, 2024

It is with extreme sadness that the family of Brian Ellery Niehaus share his passing, surrounded by family on March 1, 2024, at the age of 85 of Merritt, B.C.

Brian was born May 24, 1938, in St Paul Alberta to Aloysius and May Niehaus. Brian grew up mostly in Ladysmith and Chemainus with his 2 brothers Bert and Russ and 2 sisters Marj and Audrey. Brian met the love of his life, Audrey at Alexandria, B.C., where he was welcomed in the family of Ed and Lal Aiken. Brian loved family and loved helping out on the Aiken farm.

Brian and Audrey and their 3 children moved to Merritt in 1973.

Brian is survived by his loving wife Audrey of 62 years, daughters Valerie (Ron), Sheila and son Stephen. Brian has 4 lovely granddaughters Danielle, Mariko (Ben), Ashley (Derek) and Alana. He is also survived by his brothers Russ(Vera), Bert (Jacquie) and his sister Audrey and numerous nieces and nephews. There is a special place in his heart for Nathan, Aiden and Kate, his “adopted” grandkids in Merritt. Brian is predeceased by his father, mother and stepmother; his sister Marj and Audrey’s parents, all of whom he dearly loved. He is also missed by his buddy Boots, his cat who followed him everywhere.

In his early days Brian was an excellent softball pitcher, playing in many tournaments throughout B.C. Many ballplayers will remember being struck out by Brian! Brian took up golf, playing to a low handicap until he was 84 and was a director at the Merritt golf course for many years. Fishing was also a passion, fly fishing in the summer and ice fishing in the winters. He loved feeding and watching “his birds”. He loved spending time in their beautiful backyard, admiring and working in the garden and enjoying the flowers. A travel highlight after retirement was a trip across Canada with Audrey in the RV, and a couple trips to Mexico. Brian most enjoyed going camping and fly fishing, and many golf trips with good friends. In his working career, Brian worked for BC Hydro as a young man and then for the Department of Highways, moving up to his final position of District Technician until his retirement.

Audrey and family would like to express gratitude to the staff at the Renal Clinic, Coquihalla Gillis, Royal Inland, Nicola Valley hospitals as well all the doctors that cared for Brian over the years. In memoriam donations may be sent to Diabetes Canada, SPCA or Kidney Foundation, with the family’s gratitude.

There will be no service at Brian’s request.

You may offer a message of condolence at Merritt Funeral Chapel for the Niehaus family.

• Date : 2024-03-01