Born October 12, 1940, in Rouleau, Saskatchewan. Died peacefully April 1, 2024, at the Montfort Hospital in Ottawa. Father to Jonathan (Anna) and grandfather to Caileigh and Keagan. Predeceased by wife Phyllis (1998) and brother Jared (2022). Survived by sister-in-law Jan, nephew Tim (Cindy), niece Kim (Bill) and grandnephews Adam and Jordan.
Attended the University of Saskatchewan (BSc & MSc Pharmacy) and retired in January 2000 as Chief Scientific Officer - Forensic Laboratory Services after serving for 33 years as a civilian member of the RCMP in Regina, Edmonton and Ottawa. His first love was forensic toxicology and later in his career he embraced roles in education, employee assistance and laboratory management.
Brian was a calm and quiet soul but had an ability to connect with people, make them feel heard, provide mentorship and make them laugh. He enjoyed a variety of interests, from scientific and medical stories and developments to classic movies, a host of musical genres, world events, cars, cards, theatre and fine art.
He leaves behind many friends and relatives who are invited to Beechwood, Funeral, Cemetery and Cremation Services (280 Beechwood Ave. Ottawa) for a Memorial Service on Thursday, April 11, 2024, at 1:00 p.m., Interment to follow at Beechwood Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Bruce House (Ottawa) or the Canadian Juvenile Diabetes Association.
Digital Guestbook
Jan Joynt
Linnie Ellis
I send my sincere condolences during this time of deep sorrow. The Bible gives a hope of comfort and promise your loved one will live again on a beautiful paradise earth when death will be no more. (John 5:28, 29; Revelation 21:4)
Elsebée Ortolani
Not fair Brian, you had promised me to race together to Elgin Street, easy for you on your big machine, too soon yet for me on my still wobbly legs after my knee replacement.
We had good times together as neighbours on the 12th floor. Although I’ll miss you and your sense of humor, I am glad your suffering is over. Rest in peace, Brian.
Love, Elsebée
Joe Keenan
So sorry to hear of Brian’s passing. I worked with him in both Regina and Edmonton. He was a great colleague and boss.
Wayne Kenneth Jeffery
Brian was my mentor and Brian and Phyllis because personal friends. He will be missed by all.
Joyce King
Brian was the big brother that I had always wanted and finally got when his father, Angus, married my widowed mother-in-law, Vivian, after the death of Brian's mother.
At their wedding, all their adult children helped to celebrate by playing pranks upon them like hanging bags of rice over the door so that when they came back from honeymooning they would be welcomed with a shower of rice. Brian was in the thick of all the pranks, always ready for a good laugh. He had a favorite saying, "Thoughts become things. Choose the good ones". On this very sad day, I choose to think of Brian as one of my good thoughts. Love to all family and "choose the good thoughts".
Joyce King
Leslie Gaudette
Condolences to Brian's family. Brian worked closely with Barry Gaudette both in Edmonton and Ottawa and I have many memories of good times in past years.
Gerry Kupferschmidt
So sorry to hear of Brian's passing. We worked together in the RCMP for a time. He was a gentle giant!
Life is a journey of sweetness, sorrow and hopes; of pathways we choose and detours we face, with patience and humour, courage and grace; of joys we've shared and of people we've met, who have touched us in ways we will never forget. Although no words of sympathy can ease the loss we all bear, still, may you find some comfort knowing others truly care. May his memory be a blessing for all.
Sherwin Raichman
When it came to true friends, this is as good as it gets. Brian helped me find meaning in my life.
A kind and caring person.
Rest dear boy. You will be missed.
Wayne Hindmarsh
So sorry to hear of the passing of my friend, Brian. Brian and I go back to our university days in Saskatchewan, working colleagues at the University Hospital, RCMP working buddies, and many, many social events. Brian would offer help when needed. My wife and I cherish the times we had together!
He was a best friend, brother in law for 63 years. We will miss his humour, guidance, friendship!
Lived with us in the later part of his university. Brian & I were driving out to the farm to visit his parents, I had my new 4 month old son Tim in my lap, we got stopped by the police for speeding! When the officer talked about the ticket he said that he wasn't going to issue the thicket because of his young baby in the car! We always laughed about that.
He will be sorely missed by all of us, and I wish blessings on Jonathan/Anna/Caileigh/Keagan in their sorrow.
Sincere heartfelt sympathy to all
Jan