Thank you for your interest in finding out more about Brian Phelps who
was taken from us far too soon on September 29, 2002.
Brian was born in 1960 in Brantford, Ontario to Robert and Lillian
Phelps, and was one of three children with sister Michelle and brother
Mike. He attended Brantford Collegiate from 1974 to 1978. During his
latter school days, Brian pursued his love of music and played bass
guitar and keyboard for several years in the rock band "Blacksmith".
Following his graduation from Brantford Collegiate, Brian toured with
his band (apparently several months were lost in a haze), but eventually
got this out of his system. In an effort to "get a real job" he then
joined Nedco on the Operations side of their business and quickly
established himself as a reliable partner for his clients and company.
It was those qualities that Taff Jones saw when he recruited Brian to
join Medgar Sales in 1989 (in spite of his being a Montreal Canadiens
hockey fanatic). Brian married his wife Elaine in 1987 while he worked
for Nedco, and together they had two lovely children - Eric and
Samantha.
Brian was one of those rare individuals who was able to achieve great
success in business while making a large number of friends along the
way. His love and enthusiasm for lighting and his dedication to his work
and his word were hallmarks of his business career, while he balanced
his life by being a great husband and father as well.
Brian's sudden passing from a heart attack in September 2002 at the
tender age of 41 caught friends, family, and business colleagues alike
by total surprise, and his funeral was one of the largest ever seen in
his hometown of Brantford. He was loved by many and is missed by all who
knew him.
To help keep his memory alive, the Brian Phelps Memorial Golf Tournament
was started by The Medgar Lighting Group in 2003 as a way to remember
Brian and bring together his family, friends, and business associates
for a day of golf in September and to raise money for the Heart & Stroke
Foundation. The inaugural tournament was held September 5, 2003 at Ariss
Valley Golf Club in Guelph, Ontario, and we had 114 golfers and 11
dinner guests attend. Donations from ticket sales, key manufacturer
sponsorships, and day-of-tournament money raising events helped raise
$6,015.00 for the Heart & Stroke Foundation that was donated in Brian's
memory.
Since that time we have had over 600 golfers and dinner guests attend
this event - raising an amazing $21,800 this year for the Heart &
Stroke Foundation. A great time seems to be had each year by everyone
who participates, and we have already begun plans for the fifth annual
tournament to be held on September 14th at Ariss Valley G.C.
Once again we must comment on the tremendous support of our industry
friends and colleagues who turn out 160-180+ strong each year now, even
on the wettest days, for what always turns out to be a great day of
camaraderie (if not golf). With their help and with the tremendous
support of our manufacturers and other sponsors who help us out with
financial donations, plus the literally dozens of suppliers who
contribute prizes, we are able to keep Brian's memory alive while helping the cause of the disease that took him
from us.
Now we look forward to our Fifth tournament on September 14, 2007 at
Ariss Valley GC and hope that you can join us.
We will not forget our friend or what he taught us about decency and
dedication.
