Robert (Brendan) Diamond, 89, passed away peacefully on July 22, 2024, after a short battle with cancer. Brendan lived a full and vibrant live from beginning to end and touched many lives. Brendan was born in Belfast, Ireland, on December 31, 1934, to Daniel and Jean. He had two older siblings, Sheila and Noel. He was educated at St. Malachy’s College, Belfast. He was employed by the British Air Ministry, as a Scientific Assistant in the Metrological Office and had many postings throughout England, before immigrating to Canada in 1957.
That year he met and in 1959 married Maud Turpin R.N. Maud, the love and guiding light of his life, predeceased Bren in 2015. Their happy union produced four children: Deanne, Paula, Stephen, Donna (Robert) and six grandchildren, Devin, Kirstin, Camryn, Megan, Erik and Connor. They moved to Coquitlam in 1968 and he had remained at the same address ever since. Brendan and Maud’s love for travel took them to over a hundred countries. Seeking knowledge of each place they went. Sure, it was to help with his Jeopardy game. They bought a house in Mexico and had great times with family, friends and associates for many years.
Since coming to Canada, he has worked in the road construction field. Firstly, at BC Ministry of Highways, Paving Branch, where he worked throughout the province of B.C. as a Project Supervisor on many projects. He then went into the private sector as a superintendent and later as manager of paving and concrete with Jack Cewe Ltd. He was instrumental in developing roll compacted concrete for dry land logging sorts on the Coast and Vancouver Island. His CIDA projects took him overseas to the Caribbean, South America, and East Africa. In 1984, he founded his own company, Sun Paving, and was successful in the construction business. He was an instructor at BCIT in the evening program and was held in high regard as an expert in the paving industry. He was a mentor to many young men entering into the paving business. He loved his work and retired at 80 years old.
He will be sadly missed for his generosity, opinions and outspoken words. As they say in Ireland: “There were no back doors with Brendan.” He was very proud to be Irish, Canadian and a practicing Catholic. As he would always say: “Born a Catholic, died a Catholic!”
Services will be held at All Saints Parish at 821 Fairfax Street in Coquitlam.
Vigil Prayers will be August 7th at 8:00pm Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on August 8th at 11:00am
Refreshments will be served after Mass in the Parrish Hall; Burial will follow at Robinson Street Cemetery, Coquitlam.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Crossroads Hospice Society and Covenant House Vancouver
A road paved with guidance & Love.....