It is with great sadness that the family of Brian Small announces his passing. He leaves his wife of 57 years, Shirley; daughters Carolyn (Rick), Patricia (Geoff) and son David; also grandchildren Michael, Jennifer (Kyle), Matthew, Heather and Spencer as well as two great-grandchildren Haley and Adam; brothers Roy (Marydale), Gary (Cathy); sisters Carol (Pat) and Lynn; as well as many nieces a nephews.
Born and raised in Victoria, he was a member of the Victoria Junior Chamber of Commerce (Jaycees), he owned and operated the Esquimalt Bakery for 10 years and was the manager of the Greater Victoria Chamber of Commerce for 25 years, retiring in 1994.
Brian was active over the years; he loved to curl, play tennis and golf. He also enjoyed many card games with family and friends.
A Celebration of Life will be held on Thursday, February 6, 2020 at 2:30 pm in the Sequoia Centre at McCall Gardens, 4665 Falaise Drive, Victoria, BC.
In lieu of flowers, a donation may be made to the Heart and Stroke Foundation.
Condolences may be offered to the family below.
McCall Gardens
www.mccallgardens.com
17 Responses
Brian, I was so happy to know you and admired your determination to get things done, Your boundless energy,enthusiastic promotion for Victoria, the ever ready smile, During your Junior Chamber and Victoria Chamber of Commerce activities. My Condolences to Shirley and Family.
Dear Shirley and family. We were so sorry to hear of Brians’ passing. Our thoughts brought back many wonderful memories of fun fun times together at your place as well as ours. We will always remember Brian in friendship and love. Jack and Donna Schaddelee
It was a pleasure knowing Brian during our days in the hospitality industry during the early 80’s when he was at the Victoria Chamber helm. He was a wonderful ambassador of the City, and untiring advocate for the business’ and members he served. Along with the Visitor Information Centre, he was always ‘on board’ travelling to numerous cities to promote Victoria and appeared to know someone in every place visited. He was an energetic master of everything he undertook, always congenial, professional, a knowledgeable mentor, a true gentleman, and will be missed by many.
With my heartfelt sympathy to his beloved wife and family.
Dear Shirley,
We were so sorry to hear of Brian’s passing. Brian is now up there playing cards with Di & Gerry.
We wanted to let you know you are in our thoughts and we are sending love and hugs to you.
Lorie & Bernie
Shirley and family,
Just wanted to let you know that I am thinking of you and if there is anything I can help with, just let me know.
Those of us who earn a living working in the Film industry in Victoria owe it largely to Brian. He was instrumental in the early 70’s in kick starting the industry both here in Victoria and in BC in general. As our first Film Commissioner he worked tireless and with such enthusiasm for this City that he was able to convince shows like Bird on a Wire, Glitterdome and many others to film right here in the CRD. He was so full of great stories about his dealing with both producers and actors and his support of each and ever Film Commissioner that came after him was unwavering.
Michael Reid past entertainment writer for Times Colonist once said:
“It is because of characters like Small, resourceful optimists that ignore the naysayers and plough full steam ahead that producers of Blockbusters like Bird on a Wire and Little Women choose to film here.”
Diane Neufeld past BC Film Commissioner said “There never has been another Victorian more enthusiastic about the motion picture potential of the Island than Brian.”
He will be missed and we at The Film Commission want to extend our deepest condolences to his family and close friends.
Kathleen Gilbert
Film Commissioner
Vancouver South Film & Media Commission
In addition to Brian’s accomplishments locally, there was the inaugural trip to Victoria’s sister city in Japan, Morioka, plus exploring the possibility of a California sister city with a trip to Palm Springs. Travelling with Brian as part of the (self-funded) Victoria Chamber of Commerce delegation was not only worthwhile and enlightening, but always of significant benefit to Victoria. “We shall not see his like again.” His good heart has stopped beating, but it was a heart with a spirit that touched many, and will live on in those he loved while he rests in peace.
Shirley and family,
Our deepest condolences. We loved the picture you chose for the paper. That smile and glint in the eye is something to long be remembered.
Take care of yourselves.
Bill and Ellie Conconi
To Shirley and family,
We were so very sorry to hear of Brian’s passing. Our thoughts are with you and your family at this difficult time
Take care,
Sincerely Barry and Mary Puckett
It is with sadness that I saw the notice of Brian’s passing but the picture that accompanied it could not have been better selected. The constant smile of a man who it was a pleasure to know and be associated with. Brian was the epitome of a man who loved his city and took every opportunity to tout it and tirelessly support the business community through the Chamber of Commerce.
I had the pleasure to serve with Brian through my involvement on the Board of the Chamber and on many other projects and he was an unstoppable force. Victoria is so fortunate to have had him as a native son and his presence, when he came into a room you knew he had arrived, will be sorely missed!
Unfortunately, I will be out of town and will not be able to attend the COL on the 6th but I will certainly be there in spirit to join in raising a glass to a true gentleman!
There are so many that share your loss Shirley and family and our prayers are with you.
Ron Grant