Brian Mullins, co-creator of Holy Crap cereal, passed away – with Corin, his wife of 43 years, by his side – on Feb. 2, just two days shy of his 66th birthday.
Brian had been battling pancreatic cancer for several months.
It was his second cancer diagnosis. Brian had been diagnosed with kidney cancer about four years earlier and overcame it by using Phoenix Tears and cannabinoids (CBDs), according to Corin.
After a few years cancer free, Brian decided to purchase a car he had always wanted, a Porsche. When driving his friend back to the ferry in June, Brian was hit by another car and ended up suffering from terrible neck pain.
“In July or August our doctor said he was due for a CT scan anyway, because of the cancer he had years ago, so she said, ‘Let’s send you for a scan and we can check that out and have a look at your neck too,’” Corin said.
When the results of that CT scan came back in late August, Brian was told he had pancreatic cancer.
“Pancreatic cancer is a very aggressive cancer,” Corin said, noting sometimes it’s operable but in Brian’s case the cancer had wrapped around an artery.
“They couldn’t operate, so then he got weaker and weaker and he died in February on the second.”
Corin said they tried the Phoenix Tears and CBDs again, but this time the treatment didn’t work.
“I think by that time he was so weak that it couldn’t work,” Corin said, noting Brian had been losing weight for months, which is a symptom of pancreatic cancer.
Corin spent the last few months of Brian’s life by his side, and she didn’t leave the hospital during his final days.
She said that although it’s a difficult time, she knows Brian was at peace when he passed. “He had a wonderful life. He loved his life,” Corin said. “He used to say ‘Corin, if I die today, I die a happy man,’ so he died a happy man.”
She thanks the community for their outpouring of love since Brian’s death. From the online comments to the cards and casseroles being left at her door, she has been touched by the sincere condolences and offers of support.
“We live in a wonderful place and we have a wonderful community,” she said. “It shows in all they have done.”
She said Brian’s passing won’t impact the Mullins’ business, Holy Crap, as there are dedicated and knowledgeable staff making sure things continue while Corin takes a little time to grieve.
“The company’s still going forward. It’s still mom and pop. Pop is just looking over my shoulder in a different way,” Corin said.
There will be an open service for Brian on Feb. 12 at noon at Holy Family Catholic Church, 5700 Nickerson Rd. in West Sechelt. A celebration of life will immediately follow at Blue Ocean Golf Club. The community is welcome to attend.
