It is with profound sadness that we announce the sudden passing of Brian Andrew Sims in Surrey, British Columbia on Friday, October 16, 2026. Brian was with colleagues at the time of his passing and we are incredibly grateful for their immediate assistance, ongoing support and kind condolences. Brian is survived by his beloved partner of 19 years, Cindy Rose, cherished stepdaughter Jaime, his parents Joan and George Sims, siblings Susan and Richard, nieces and nephews Lucas, Simon, Laura, Audrey and Henry, and in-laws Pearl, Selwyn, Scott, Allison and Shelby – all of whom he deeply loved.
Born March 25, 1974, in Galt, Ontario, Brian spent a happy childhood pursuing many interests and passions that filled his various desires to learn or challenge himself and express his boundless creative energies. He tickled the ivories, camped and canoed with his family, and avidly played games of strategy. After graduating from Southwood Secondary, he followed in his father’s footsteps by attending Queen’s University, earning a Bachelor of Arts (Honours) in History. Having to decide how he would earn his crust – and could make a dream come true at the same time – he headed west to live here in beautiful B.C. where he earned his Bachelor of Laws Degree from the University of British Columbia in 2002.
After practicing civil law as a champion for marginalized people and in litigation for five years, he found himself seeking a more fulfilling purpose. When recruiters knocked, he was invigorated by the idea of fulfilling his passion for politics by serving as Chief of Staff to several Cabinet Ministers in the BC Legislature. While he initially had every intention of returning to law in Vancouver after one year, life presented other possibilities. He found himself in love with “his person”, Vancouver Island, and public service.
Brian was a man who always wanted to wear the white hat, and he aspired to work for the newly formed Civil Forfeiture Office, where both his legal skills and desire to serve justice beautifully came into play. After accomplishing significant achievements within his role, he set his sights on working for the Policing and Security Branch. There, Brian served as Executive Director of Public Safety and Policing Supports and then as Deputy Director of Serious and Organized Crime, working closely with police agencies and public safety partners across British Columbia, Canada and the United States. The respect and trust he earned from colleagues reflected the value he brought to every room, conversation and decision. Brian’s colleagues have described him as a dedicated public servant and exceptional leader, and his contributions will have a lasting impact for people and communities in B.C. and beyond.
Ever since a joyous wedding celebration in 2012, Brian and Cindy were true partners in every sense, and they built a life together around all the things they loved. From evenings by the fire listening to music and sharing stories from their day to long walks with their dogs that he adored and spoiled over the years…Farley, Ella, Charlie and Winnie…and sharing great adventures while travelling to places that they had dreamed about. This photograph of Brian was taken during his and Cindy’s final trip together and was chosen because it beautifully captures a moment when, as they gazed out over Positano, he seemed to be thinking, “My life is so good.”
Brian appreciated the simple things in life: preparing good food, enjoying a fine glass of wine or bourbon, and spending time with his friends. He and Cindy loved to host and celebrate the big and small moments in life…or simply Friday night. He had exceptional taste in an eclectic range of music (did you know that he was a DJ in university?). He intuitively knew how to pick just the right song or get a party going that led to countless nights of kitchen dancing. He was one of those rare guys who was happy to be embraced as one of the girls and also loved hanging with the guys…either trying to perfect the impossible in golf or trying to take their money in a game of poker. He was a cinema buff and enjoyed stories in any form – but only if they were deemed good enough to be worthy of his time. Brian was known for his clever and wicked sense of humour, pretending to grumble, and teasing people. There was no other intention than to make others laugh or for his own amusement – evidenced by the wink and huge, mischievous grin that followed.
Brian was funny because he was also incredibly smart, on a truly impressive level. But what set him apart from others in his league was how humble he was. He never made anyone feel less than and had a gift for making others feel valued, and at ease. He also had a huge heart and broad shoulders that made many feel safe turning to him for help and sage advice, always delivered with grace, kindness, compassion and tact, without fail.
While Brian was the type of man who embraced life and found something to be happy about every day, one of the happiest moments of his life came in December 2025, when he and Cindy found their forever home in the natural beauty of Metchosin. He cherished starting each day with long walks on the beach and along the trails, just steps from his door, accompanied by his precious pups.
Brian’s unexpected passing leaves his treasured wife, family, friends, and colleagues remembering a man whose steady presence, sharp mind and playful spirit touched so many lives. He will be so missed, by so many, for always.
In lieu of flowers, donations to the Canadian Cancer Society (a cause deeply meaningful to Brian in honour of his mother, a cancer survivor) or to the BC SPCA (in honour of his dogs who brought him endless joy) would be greatly appreciated.
If those who loved Brian had had the chance to ask him how he wished to be remembered, they are confident he would have quoted the man whose songs he loved to sing and whose style he so admired, Frank Sinatra:
“I would like to be remembered as a man who had a wonderful time living his life, and who had good friends, a fine family.” — Frank Sinatra
For family, close friends and colleagues, plans to honour and celebrate Brian’s life will be shared soon.
Condolences may be offered to the family below.
McCall Gardens
www.mccallgardens.com
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