Canada’s real estate community is mourning the loss of Brian M. Collie, CEO of the Manitoba Real Estate Association (MREA), who died suddenly on April 1.
“A visionary leader and passionate advocate for building stronger communities, Brian’s life of service was built on a firm foundation of love for his family, his profession, and Manitoba communities,” says the association. “A husband, father, grandfather and great grandfather first, Brian dedicated most of his professional life to supporting and leading his second family: the MREA membership, volunteers and staff.”
Last year, REM named Brian Collie as one of the people who had the most impact on Canadian real estate in the last 25 years. At that time, Bill Madder, CEO of the Association of Saskatchewan Realtors, told REM: “Brian Collie’s persona of a quiet guy from a small association in the wilderness belies his true power in the industry and his ability to get things done. Brian always knows what is going on in the business from coast to coast and does a great job of working with all the right people to get the right things done for the betterment of our profession. From education to federal affairs to MLS to ethics, Brian has had a hand (sometimes invisible but always there) in most of the major changes in the real estate world over the past 25+ years.”
Collie’s real estate career began in 1972 as a salesperson. He later created his own firm, Century 21 Collie and Co. in 1981. He served as president of both the Winnipeg Real Estate Board and MREA in the late 1980s, before he joined the MREA as CEO in 1991.
“Brian’s depth of character and wisdom made him an invaluable mentor to countless people in organized real estate in Manitoba and across Canada,” says MREA president Roberta Weiss. “His endless dedication to improving and advancing the real estate profession while developing plans for better consumer protection has benefitted countless communities. His humble influence, friendship and gentle hand of guidance will be greatly missed.”
The association says in all he did, “Brian’s primary focus was always to plan and deliver the best in member service, professional education, resources and support to MREA members. His natural gift for connecting people and their purpose led to countless creative partnerships and inter-association initiatives.”
He supported volunteer leaders whose vision led to the creation of two legacy-building initiatives, The MREA Shelter Foundation and Manitoba Tipi Mitawa. The MREA Shelter Foundation supports shelter organizations across the province. Manitoba Tipi Mitawa is a groundbreaking home ownership program assisting First Nations families in realizing the dream of home ownership, says the association. With Volunteer Manitoba, Collie established the MREA Quality of Life Award, which each year recognizes volunteers improving the lives of Manitoba children. He also facilitated a 20-year ongoing partnership with Habitat for Humanity Manitoba and a continuing community partnership with Siloam Mission in Winnipeg’s inner city, says the association.
Funeral services will be held Wed. April 8, at Westwood Community Church, 401 Westwood Dr. in Winnipeg, at 1 pm.
Messages of condolence may be emailed to jmckenzie@mrea.mb.ca or mailed to:
Manitoba Real Estate Association
1873 Inkster Blvd.
Winnipeg, Manitoba R2R 2A6
In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to the Canadian Diabetes Association or the Manitoba Real Estate Association Shelter Foundation
