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
Lucille Beaulieu
TONY PROKOP
THE WORLD'S SPIRITUALITY ACCOUNT STANDS DIMINISHED NOW THAT BRIAN'S SWEET SOUL HAS DEPARTED FROM IT. BRIAN WAS INDEED A DEDICATED FORENSIC SCIENTIST; AS SUCH HE UNDERSTANDABLY ENJOYED INTERNATIONAL RECOGNITION. ON ONE SPECIFIC OCCASION HIS EXPERT TESTIMONY FOR A ROUTINE POSSESION CHARGE WAS REPORTED BY "PLAYBOY" MAGAZINE . . . . HIGHLIGHTING THE INHERENT IRONY THAT THE RCMP EXPERT WAS "WELL NAMED FOR HIS TASK"!
Donald MacDougall
Brian was a true gentleman. He will always be remembered for his kindness, friendship, compassion and sense of humour. I am truly saddened to hear of his passing. We worked together at the RCMP, he as lab manager but more so a friend, and remember him as someone who made the world a better place to live in.
Leo Walter
Brian and I worked together for a number of years in the Forensic Lab. He was a supervisor, mentor and friend. Brian was insightful and compassionate, and helped pilot his workplace through some difficult times. He enjoyed puns and what would be called 'dad jokes' today.
Brian will be missed by all who came to know him.
My condolences to Jonathon and the other members of Brian's family
Françoise and André Bussiere
Our condolences to Brian’s family. He was a great neighbour and maintained his good humour and determination in the dealing with difficult circumstances.
David Leafloor
Sad to hear of his passing.Will truly miss a great friend.
Rest in Peace.
Marc Lorrain
Jonathan and family,
Nadine and I are very sorry for your loss. We would like to express our sincere condolences to the entire family and friends. May his wonderful memories fill your hearts with positive thoughts and provide comfort to face the days ahead.
Nadine & Marc Lorrain
Laurence LaRue
Dear Jonathan and family and extended family: Valerie and I are so saddened to read of Brian's passing. I joined the Edmonton Lab in 1971 and Brian was my section head in Toxicology until he transferred to Ottawa. Brian was an amazing boss and friend! He and Phyllis became good friends to both of us and we enjoyed many social times together. Brian instilled a love of antiques in us and we still have some of the furniture and lamps we bought from him in our home today. It's nice to have them as memories of our fun times together! I feel so blessed to have learned so much from Brian in the discipline of Toxicology, and enjoyed my career at the Lab every day until l retired because of his initial mentorship. Your father was a kind and caring individual and we hope you have many wonderful memories to ease your grief.
Nicole Simser
I am deeply saddened to hear about the passing of Brian, Jonathan (my colleague's) father. Please know that I am here for you during this difficult time. Sending you and your family my heartfelt condolences and strength to help you through this period of grief.
Marilyn Shaw
My condolences to Brian's family. I worked with Brian in the Regina RCMP Crime Lab and have many fond memories of Brian during the 60's. When I left the lab, I moved to Calgary. Thank you for placing your notification regarding Brian's passing in the Calgary Herald. I was pleased to learn that he had become the Chief Scientific Officer of the Forensic Labs.
Brian will be remembered as a distinguished gentleman who never complained.
May his memory be a blessing.
Sincere condolences to his family.