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
Lynne Gregory
Debbie Harris-Tobin
Brian, you were a kind, caring soul who touched my heart the first time and every time we met. I will miss you.
Michael and Janet Jackson
Brian will certainly be missed by everyone who had the privilege of knowing him. He had a quirky sense of humour and a deep love for family. We are so happy we got to share laughs even though our time together was far too short.
Margaret Godsman
I am one of his siblings
Josee Barnard
Will always be remembered for the positivity he brought everywhere.
I think very highly of my parents and when they speak of him they say “I always really liked him”
Les Sazant and Sharon Krupp Sazant
He was a good man and we will miss him so much.
Shane and Ann Marie Carr
We will miss that beautiful contagious smile of Brian’s. His love for family and friends was evident in all he did. Condolences to Delaney, Laura, Ryan and Katie, Nicholas and Tess.
Margaret Godsman
A quote for my brother Brian who was loved
“Everyday courage has few witnesses. But yours is no less noble because no drum beats for you, and no crowds shout your name”
By Robert Louis Stevenson
Andrea and BC Campbell
We had the pleasure of spending time with Brian and Delaney while living in Hawkesbury, On. Brian and BC were both pilots in the air force, retired to work at Bombardier in Montréal for a few years before Brian decided to go to Air Canada. We will always remember Brian’s wonderful smile and big laugh! He was a good man and will be missed . Sending big hugs to Delaney, Ryan, Laura and Nick. Thinking of you at this difficult time.
Arshad & Kausar Saeed
Brian: You were one of the most genuine, kind and gentle soul. Loved by all members of our family...old and young. You will be surely and sorely missed.
Rest in peace, Brian. You were too young to leave this world. 🌹