Dr. Walter “Brian” Guthrie

Dr. Walter “Brian” Guthrie of Winnipeg, Manitoba, passed away peacefully in Winnipeg on Sunday, March 1, 2026, at the age of 80.

He is survived by his loving wife Birgit, their children David (Carrie), Tonja (Mike) and Michael (Keri); their grandchildren, Natalia, Van and Gus (their mother Abby) and Sawyer; and his brother, Wayne and Barry. Brian was predeceased by his parents, Eileen and Alex, and his brother, David.

Brian was born in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, on Jan. 13, 1946. He spent much of his formative years in Nipawin and Yorkton and made friends there that he held dear to his heart throughout his entire life.

As a young adult, Brian spent time in the Canadian Air Force as a Captain which brought him great pride. The Armed Forces supported his endeavors to attend medical school and from there, he graduated from the University of Saskatchewan College of Medicine in 1971.

Shortly thereafter he started his medical practice as a partner with Mall Medical and stayed with them until 1994. He was a trusted presence and steady hand for countless families. He often boasted about delivering over 700 babies during his time there.

Brian’s medical career spanned over five decades. His work took him across a wide spectrum of care including, family and emergency medicine, hospice, and palliative care, crossing borders to work in Kentucky, North Carolina, and Florida. For Brian, medicine was not simply a profession, it was a calling. He was a trusted presence and a steady hand for countless families and treated each patient as important as the last.

Brian always believed in the importance of giving back. He spent as much time as he could volunteering for a number of organizations including the Boy Scouts, The Rotary Club, and his local Thrift Store in Clearwater. One of his greatest volunteering prides was the free clinic that he helped develop in Princeton, Ky.

Outside of medicine, Brian’s curiosity was boundless. He loved books, culture, travel, arts, sports, and music. This encompassed everything from “Scientific America” to the “Phantom of the Opera” to The Rolling Stones.

Brian was an avid collector. He had a fondness for the small enduring things: pens, knives, watches, and bow ties. He was often spotted in his signature bow tie, a pocket full of pens and a look that suggested he was about to share a story — usually funny and always kind.

Brian will be remembered as a loving husband, father, grandfather, friend, devoted physician and a man of wide interests and deeper compassion. He leaves behind a beautiful legacy of lifelong friendships that spanned decades. Brian held every friendship dear to his heart and truly cherished all the people in his life. His kind presence will be missed by everyone fortunate enough to have known him. His family is grateful for the many years of care he gave to others and for the love, laughter, and steady presence he gave at home.

Details regarding a celebration of life will follow.