Gordon “Brian” Belyea
February 7, 1954 – June 4, 2026
Loving husband, father, and man of faith, Brian Belyea, 72, passed peacefully surrounded by family at the Grande Prairie Care Centre, following a courageous seven-year journey with Lewy Body Dementia.
Brian was born in Vancouver, BC in 1954 to Gordon and Vivian Belyea, grew up in Burnaby and graduated from Burnaby Central High School in 1972. Earning his journeyman carpenter certification in 1976, it was his volunteer work with the Vancouver City Police Auxiliary that led him to his career with the RCMP, which began in 1979.
It was his first posting in Crowsnest Pass, Alberta, that family life began. He married Marilyn in 1980, welcomed his son Scott in 1983, and his daughter Carolyn in 1985. The family was transferred to Sherwood Park that same year before settling in Grande Prairie in 1991, a place that would become home in every meaningful way.
Brian retired from the RCMP after 26 dedicated years of service. He went on to serve as a Sergeant of the Alberta Sheriff’s Highway Patrol for 13 years. He sat on the board of Odyssey House and was the president of the board of the SPCA for five years, playing an instrumental role in overseeing the construction of a new facility now known as Bandaged Paws Animal Rescue.
Brian was a man of many quiet passions. He loved playing baseball and golf, and spent countless treasured hours camping with his family. He was an avid stamp collector, a fierce cribbage player, and a talented composite artist. Carolyn will remember her loving, protective, and compassionate dad who was always there for her. Scott will remember his dry sarcasm, and his dominant stature that commanded every room. Marilyn will always remember her best friend and partner of 46 years, a symbiotic ally in life and love until the very end.
Brian was preceded in death by his parents, Gordon and Vivian Belyea, and his in-laws, Harry and Sheila Brown.
He will be forever loved and missed by Marilyn, Scott, and Carolyn; his sister Susan Belyea; son-in-law Brad Horneland; and his very special grandchildren Caiden, Natalie, and Jackson Horneland. His brothers-in-law David Brown (Dianne) and Doug Brown (Chris), nieces and nephews Matthew, Melissa, Michelle, Devon and Kailie. Cousin Terry Belyea (Laura), and numerous lifelong friends.
A memorial service will be held on Thursday, July 2, 2026 at 1:00 PM, followed by a celebration of life, at Bear Creek Funeral Home, 11802 99 Avenue, Grande Prairie. For those unable to attend in person, the service will be live streamed on Bear Creek’s website. Current and retired RCMP members are warmly welcome to attend in Red Serge.
The family extends their deepest gratitude to Dr. Daniel Prada and Dr. Peter Holmes for their exceptional care and compassion throughout Brian’s illness.
In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests donations in Brian’s memory to:
Bandaged Paws Animal Rescue
Alberta Northwest Palliative Care Society
