GABRIEL, Brian  69  It is with great sadness that we announce our beloved husband, father, brother has passed away on December 13, 2021 at his home after a brief battle with cancer and years of courageous struggle with heart disease. Brian is survived by his wife Patricia (Ilg), daughter Ariel and spouse James Radford, granddaughters Varda and Willow Radford, by his twin brother Barry and spouse Donna Gabriel, niece Erin Christianson and by his half-siblings Michael S. Kelly, Darrell C. Kelly, Maureen C. Mitchell, Kathleen T. Cooper, and Lisa M. Kelly.  He was predeceased by his parents Henry and Theresa Gabriel formerly of Glace Bay, NS and Charles William Kelly formerly of Louisburg, NS.

Brian was born in Sydney, Nova Scotia, raised and educated in Glace Bay, Nova Scotia and Boston, Massachusetts. He received his  Bachelor of Fine Arts degree from Massachusetts College of Art in 1975. Returning to Cape Breton in 1979 for a decade, Brian received the Elizabeth Greenshields Memorial Foundation Award and was commissioned by the Nova Scotia Barrister's Society to do the portrait of retiring Judge Gordon Cowan. Living with his family "out on the Mira" he was inspired to produce a wide range of beautiful art using watercolor, acrylic and egg tempera in a highly realistic style. But Brian was also an educator, inspiring students in both the private and public sectors in Nova Scotia and in Massachusetts to create with the same passion and commitment that he held all his life. His works of art are cherished by patrons across (Atlantic) Canada, at the University of Cape Breton Gallery and throughout the Eastern seaboard of the United States. Well known for his berets and badges, Brian was an avid Canadian militaria collector, honoring both his father's and uncle's WW11 military service.

Brian's deep Catholic faith sustained him through his many health challenges over the years and helped prepare him for his journey ahead. His family will be forever grateful for his outstanding care at the Tufts Medical Center in Boston which literally saved his life many times. They would also like to thank Merrimack Valley VNA and Hospice for their care and kindness during his final days.

A Funeral Mass will be held at Mary, Mother of the Church Catholic Church in Newton, NH on Saturday, December 18, 2021 at 10 AM.  Internment will be held in Glace Bay, NS at a later date. In lieu of flowers, the family would appreciate donations in Brian's memory to a charity of your choice.

Arrangements are under the direction of Brookside Chapel & Funeral Home, 116 Main St., Plaistow, NH.  To send a message of condolence, please visit our website at www.brooksidechapelfh.com .