Born Brian William Jeffs, February 25th, 1958, in Victoria BC. He was the 4th of 5 children, with his siblings Frances (Frannie), James (Jim), Margaret, and Allyson, under parents Francis (Russel) and Frances.
He attended Oak Bay high school in Victoria where he met his wife, Delaney Ann Bagley, of 45 years. After graduation, Brian attended UBC in economics and started his passion in flying. They married in a small ceremony at the Minoru Chapel in Richmond, in the summer of 1979.
Brian and Delaney cherished their small family roots and decided to start their own small family, welcoming their children Ryan, Laura, and Nicholas.
Shortly before marrying, in 1978, Brian enlisted in the Royal Canadian Air Force and took his first posting in Summerside, PEI, flying the coastal patrol Tracker aircraft, patrolling the Atlantic coast for submarines and illegal fishery, and exercising in Bermuda with the US Navy. During his 40-year military career (20 years in the RCAF regular force and 20 years in the reserves) he and Delaney were posted all across the country, including a Canadian/Norwegian exchange posting in the world’s northern most city of Bodo, Norway, in 1989.
Retiring from the RCAF regular force in 1998, he began his next chapter as a commercial airline pilot, flying all around the world, albeit at slightly lower speeds. He flew for Air Canada for 23 years, retiring just last year.
While for 45 years Brian felt privileged to be able to follow his passion for flying, he was more than just a pilot and made a point to take time to enjoy an array of interests and hobbies. He gave back to his community and shared his enthusiasm for soccer through coaching youth teams. He loved music and supported local arts. He valued a sharp mind and would always motivate others to pursue continued education. Above all, Brian cherished his family, taking immense pride in their accomplishments and showering them with unwavering love and support and encouraging them to follow their dreams. His legacy will live on through the countless lives he touched and the family he loved so dearly.
In lieu of flowers Brian would ask that you share your passion and give back. He felt there is nothing more valuable than the gift of one’s time.
Digital Guestbook
Ed and Jan Sliwinski
Mark Haynes
I'll never forget the time Brian and some other pilot flew their Trackers up the Milford Haven River here in Nova Scotia right by our house on their way back from patrol to Summerside, PEI. Luckily we were home and saw them. He and Delaney had just come to visit us a month before and stayed a couple of days. Noisy as hell but what a thrill.
Cory Bates and Jennifer Horler
Our sympathies from the Bates family.
Our thoughts are with Delaney, Ryan, Laura and Nicholas during this difficult time.
Cory Bates and Jennifer Horler
Our sympathies from the Bates family. Our thoughts are with Delaney, Ryan, Laura and Nicholas during this difficult time.
Cheryl James
Brian was smart, insightful, funny and he loved his family. I loved him and I will miss him terribly. Deep condolences to the family. He was really special.
Brian was a wonderful guy in all respects. Those of us who were fortunate to work with him will always remember “that smile” and kind demeanour that made Brian a great person to be around.
Sad that he left us too soon but the happy memories will remain. Our deepest sympathies to Delaney and the family.
Rest in Peace Brian.