Brian Aurele Carrier
Onondaga, Wolf Clan
Gah Gway Gih
Brian Aurele Carrier, 65, of Niagara Falls, NY, passed away on September 2, 2023 at Mt. St. Mary’s Hospital in Lewiston, NY. Born in Ohsweken, Six Nations, Ontario, Canada, he was the son of the late Hubert and Nora (Williams) Carrier.
Brian was a graduate of Trott Vocational High School, where he studied Carpentry. He was employed with the New York State Parks for 34.5 years of committed service, working at Niagara Falls State Park, Beaver Island State Park, and retiring as a Park Supervisor from Artpark. Throughout his career he demonstrated his creativity and woodworking talent. A proud early accomplishment being his planning, building and rebuilding of the Cave of the Winds decks each season. He loved being in nature both through his work and for pleasure, as he was a skilled hunter and outdoorsman.
Brian spent his early years performing in theater at the Native American Center for the Living Arts, “The Turtle”, along with learning photography, and engaging in cultural events. He was dedicated to the traditional Haudenosaunee teachings and culture, as he strove to serve the Confederacy in his capacity as a Runner for Onondaga Confederacy Chief, Toby Williams. Brian also served as a Community Advisory Board Member for Native American Community Services.
Brian had a passion for sports; playing junior and senior lacrosse in Fort Erie and Niagara Falls, Ontario. He was also an avid hockey player from his youth to the Junior A level, and later being a constant staple in the Hyde Park Men’s leagues. Brian thrived on the ice and he shared his love for the game with many young athletes through his role as “Coach Brian.” He was a well known face at the Hyde Park Ice Pavilion where he enjoyed playing, coaching and timekeeping.
Brian was most proud of his family and his role as “Papa,” to his three beautiful grandchildren, Bubs, Tigger, and Strawberry. He is well known for his bright smile, endless supply of jokes, and unwavering love for his daughters.
Brian is survived by his daughters, Nancy (Chris) Washburn and Brianna (Michael LaGamba) Carrier; his grandchildren, CJ, Myles and Nova Washburn; his siblings, Debbie (Gary) Hachee, Hubert (Dawn) Carrier, William (Kathy) Carrier, and Kelly Williams; his aunts and uncles, Stella Smith, Rose Caron, Lorraine Williams, Lucille Jamieson, Toby Williams, Peter Williams, and Dale Williams; his former spouse, Teresa Thomas, as well as by many nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends. In addition to his parents, he was predeceased by father figure Gordon Pippard and his siblings, Kim and Lindsay Carrier.
Visitation will be held on Tuesday, September 5, 2023 from 3 – 7 PM at M.J. COLUCCI & SON NIAGARA FUNERAL CHAPEL, 2730 MILITARY ROAD, NIAGARA FALLS, NY 14304. Brian will then be resting at the family home, 1818 Cayuga Road, Ohsweken, Ontario, on Wednesday evening after 5 PM. and Thursday, with burial to follow at 11AM on Friday, September 8, 2023 at the Onondaga Longhouse, 2141 Onondaga Road, Ohsweken, Ontario. www.rhbanderson.com