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
Gaston Cloutier
Jim & Diane McNaughton
Diane and I wish to pass on our most sincere condolences to Delany and all your family. Brian was such a caring man with a warm smile and infectious laugh. Our thoughts are with you all.
John & Debbie Godwin
Cheerful, smiling, kind, generous, and funny. Brian lit up the room. We are very saddened by his passing. Our sincere condolences to Delaney and the family. May Brian rest in peace.
Ted Gibbon
So sorry to learn of Brian's premature passing and feel the pain that Delaney, family and friends are enduring. I had the honour of commanding Brian's first operational Squadron and lead an outstanding group of young Canadians devoted to serving their country to the best of their ability. Brian stood out among them for his professionalism and passion for learning about his aircraft and our mission. He will be missed by all who served and flew with him. RIP Bearcat, your duty done.
René Giroux
Brian and I served together with 434 Tac (F) Sqn Chatham NB and 405 (MP) Sqn Greenwood NS. Brian was always smiling perhaps because he loved flying and be with the boys. You will miss us.
David & Annik Wilson (Coach Wilson)
Delaney & Nicholas,
Annik & I was saddened to hear that Brian has passed away. Our family thoughts are with you and your family.
We are so deeply sorry you and your family have to go through a heartbreak like this. Sharing in your sorrow and keeping your family in our most caring prayers.
Even though Brian was with us for too short a time, he filled the world around him with so much joy, and you all filled him with so much love and joy. I am sure he is smiling down on all us.
We will keep you all in our prayer..
Peter Zachary
A true gentleman who had a unique perspective. Always ready to share a chuckle. Always ready to share a smile. Sensitive yet principled. He knew what was most important in life. I had the privilege of getting to know him in childhood. Only recently did we briefly reconnect. He did not change in the interim. A wonderful person taken much too soon. May he rest in peace.
Valerie Simpkin
We are deeply saddened by the loss of your beautiful husband/dad. He will be forever remembered for his kindness, cheeriness and willingness to help everyone. A stellar man taken much too young. Our heartfelt sympathies Delaney, Nick, Laura and Ryan.
Tom and Laurie Henry
On 434 Fighter Squadron in Chatham, Brian brought dedication and good cheer to everything he did. He had a particular habit of thanking people for contributing, and this made him extraordinarily well respected not just by his fellow pilots but also by all the technicians on our hangar floor. We were lucky to be able to continue a friendship down through all the years. Our thoughts are with Delaney and the Jeffs family.
Brenda Leitch
I'm so sorry to hear about Brian's passing. Although it's been years since I last saw Brian and Delaney, I have fond memories of the time we spent together in Greenwood, Nova Scotia. Sending my sincere condolences to Delaney and family.
My most sincere condolences to Delaney and family. I had the pleasure and privilege to get to know Brian as we flew many missions together over the North Atlantic and the Artic . Brian was a gentleman and a outstanding individual with a big hearth. Rest in peace.