In Loving Memory of
Brian James
Follis
age 81
He is lovingly remembered by 
his wife Shirley, children Terry (Penny), Leanne (Lee), 
and grandchildren Tegan, Noah, Gunner, and Jesse.

Died
January 19, 2025
at home in Wood Bay

Come & Go Memorial Reception
Blair Morrison Hall
La Riviere, Manitoba
Thursday, June 26, 2025
2-4 p.m.

Private Interment ~ Valley Memorial Cemetery

Donations in memory of Brian may be made to 
Boundary Trails Health Centre Foundation 
(Cancer/Palliative Care); Box 2000 Station Main 
Winkler, Manitoba R6W 1H8, 
or to a charity of ones choice.

 

Brian James Follis passed away at his home on the Follis Family Farm (Sleepy Hollow) in Wood Bay on January 19, 2025. He is survived by his loving wife of 50 years Shirley (nee Coleman), children Terry (Penny) and Leanne (Lee), grandsons Tegan, Noah, Gunner, Jesse, and his dog, Ripley. Brian was predeceased by his parents John and Rose Follis, all his siblings Melvyn, Albert, Aileen, Glen, Viola, and his twin Bruce.

Brian’s heart and soul was in the Wood Bay District. The love started on June 26, 1943 at the Follis Family Farm when his mom had to quickly leave the district picnic to deliver the twins. The years continued there with school, sports, farming, married life, raising his children and lastly watching his grandsons grow. In the later years, he was jokingly considered the “Mayor” of Wood Bay.
Brian dedicated his 81 years to the farm. Not many can say that they were born, lived an entire lifetime and passed away all in the same yard. He was proud being the 3rd generation farmer. He often bragged that 2023 was his 64th crop. The year 2024 brought on some stronger health challenges, but with determination and perseverance, he operated the combine one last time with Terry. Seeing his son, grandsons and everyone pitching in and working together gave him more confidence that the farm would continue to be in good hands. Livestock was a very important part of the farm, many trips to Lundar and Ashern to auctions buying feeder cattle and then later getting into the cow-calf operation. The farm had many animals over the years, and he always had a soft spot in his heart for all of them.

Brian had a great passion and talent for baseball which carried on to his own children. He enjoyed many fun-filled times with the Wood Bay Whips. In the later years he teamed up with his adult kids, brother, nieces, nephews, and neighbours reviving the team before he officially retired. Watching his grandsons now grow and achieve in a sport that he loved gave him great pride.

Brian was always up for a visit and could chat with anyone. He loved sharing stories about farming, his family and of course most conversations ended with a witty remark in order to try and get the last laugh. Pastimes that he enjoyed included hunting, fishing, curling, bowling, card games, roadside visits, checking crops and side by side rides. He passed down many of his life passions to his kids and four grandsons such as his love of animals, card games, sports, performing, music, fishing, farming and of course story and joke telling. He took great pride watching and hearing about their sports and performances even if couldn’t attend in person. Shirley and Brian enjoyed working together, whether it be farming, projects in their yard, or heading out on fun getaways with family and close friends including the odd trip to the casino. Food was always such an important part of each event. If we had good food, good family/friends, the event was a success. Family was so important, and he often said how lucky he was to have them close by and appreciated every gathering. We have many special memories, sayings, and woodworking projects that we will cherish forever.
A celebration of life will be held at a future date.

In Brian’s words....
“You know....if you stopped and f-ing listened, you might learn something”