Brian died on Dec. 1, 2015 at Victoria Hospice not far from where he was born in 1942 to Robert T. and Norah Wallace. Brian loved his life.
His wife Marilyn and his daughters, Erin and her husband, Greg Sullivan and children, Wallace and Duff and Anna and her husband, Mark Colavecchia and children, Enzo and Remy, formed his cornerstone. He was devoted to his family and so proud of each of their accomplishments. He was always respectful, giving thoughtful advice only when asked. His absence is already deeply felt but he has left so many great shared memories and 3 strong women. His sister, Barbara Craigie, (husband Ross Craigie and sons Ian and Keir) was his treasured lifelong friend. Ian and Brian travelled many miles together on their BMW motorcycles (see http://longwayshome.net/). Ian always got Brian home and almost always in one piece.
Brian started at Margaret Jenkins School, was a member of the Fairfield Cub Scout Troop and a member of the YMCA Swim Team. He kept close friends from each, all of his life.
He graduated from UBC Law School in 1968 and practiced in Victoria before joining the Foreign Service as a Trade Commissioner. After 2 years in Mexico City, he moved to Ottawa to work in the Dep’t of Justice in Tax Litigation. From there he joined the Vancouver law firm, then Lawson, Lundell where, as Senior Litigator, he had a wide and varied practice for 32 years. At the same time he spent countless hours volunteering as a Bencher with the Law Society of B.C. He remained on the Society’s Disciplinary Panel until just months before he died.
In 2007, Brian joined Angela Westmacott and Deborah Lovett in Victoria working in Public Law and sitting as an Arbitrator. This was a happy and rewarding alliance that brought him great personal and professional satisfaction.
There were many other highlights in Brian’s career such as serving as Senior Legal Counsel on the Cohen Commission of Inquiry into the Decline of the Fraser River Sockeye Salmon. But what was always apparent throughout his years practicing law was the pleasure he received from working with and mentoring young lawyers. “Brian was the most influential person in my career. His moral compass pointed straight and true. He taught us that honesty and integrity were the best guides through grey areas.” Peter Feldberg.
Brian had a deep and sincere enthusiasm for life and for the people around him. He took great joy in his countless friendships, both old and new. He had a love for art, music, food and architecture. And particularly enjoyed sharing these passions with the people in his life.
Thank you Dr. Susan Edwards, Dr. J.P. McGhie and Dr. Isabelle Vallières and everyone at Victoria Hospice.
“Over the past weeks (and really for our entire lives), our family has been on the receiving end of so much love, kindness, generosity and compassion. People have truly given us the very best of themselves. And we are so, so grateful.” Erin, Anna and Marilyn
A Celebration of Life will be held at Shaughnessy Golf Club at 2 p.m. on Friday, January 22nd, 2016. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to Victoria Hospice or the Access Pro Bono Society of B.C. Condolences may be offered to the family below.
McCall’s Funeral Home
23 Responses
My brother Steven forwarded the death notice in the T-C. I’m sorry to get the sad news. Brian and I overlapped at Victoria College and took a couple of courses in Spanish together. I saw him only a couple of times after we both left Victoria, but I enjoy my memories of him. May he rest in peace. My heartfelt condolences to his family and especially to his sister Barbara, a Vic High classmate of mine. Sursum corda!
Michiel (Mike) Horn
My thoughts and prayers are with Brian’s family. Even having worked alongside him for only a short time, I was able to see his passion for life and his caring nature. God bless.
I had not seen Brian in many years but remember him fondly. He will be missed. My deepest condolences go out to the members of his family who supported him.
I was deeply saddened to hear of Brian’s passing. He was my next door neighbor in Vancouver where he also served on our building’s Board of Directors. I know that I speak for my other neighbours when I say he will be very much missed here.
Despite what I am sure was a hectic schedule, Brian always seemed to find time for people. I found it refreshing at how vibrant and excited by life Brian was and often enjoyed tales of his most recent motorcycle road trip.
My heartfelt condolences go to his family. I hope that time finds a way to ease the pain of your grief.
Dear Marilyn and family,
How sad I am this morning, finding out that Brian passed away. He was such a strong man and so inspiring! His appetite for life was moving.
Today, my deepest sympathy and thoughts are for you, having to accept the loss.
I am still there for you if you need anything. Don’t hesitate to contact me.
Take good care of you, sincerely, Isabelle xx
THinking of you all in this very tough time, He was one of a kind, a very special and fine man who I feel honoured to have known and shared some very good times with. Many memories of good times and laughter with Brian and Marilyn on Florence and Ted’s deck, art openings in Vancouver and dinners in Vancouver. Brian was such a generous spirit and gave so much of himself as do you Marilyn. Know I will be holding you in my thoughts Roz Walls
My condolences to Brian’s family. I very much enjoyed working with him over the past few years. He was such a calming presence and always had the right things to say. I will remember him fondly.
Brian was a fine man and friend. His was a life well lived and he made a difference. We know nothing can fill the emptiness you feel. As family we mourn with you and pray that past memories will be seeds of joy in your hearts that will grow to sustain you.
Love and blessings,
Wilf and Ginny
Please let me offer my family’s most heartfelt sympathies to the Wallace & Craigie families. I’m so sorry that I never had the opportunity to meet Brian and enjoy his company while on the ride through Asia & China. Rest in peace Brian
Dear family,
It was with great sadness that I heard of Brian’s passing just recently. Brian had been a regular fixture to our intimate group of BMW “airhead” riders for a number of years. Camaraderie from all walks of life intermingled to enjoy a good meal every month or so, catching up on life and goings on. Although devotees of some impractical and outdated piece of motorcycle technology was our initial excuse for gathering, over the years a strong but low-key friendship had developed between the unlikeliest of characters. Brian was a very well liked member of our group and when in attendance, we would get his latest musings on whether the salmon where really ours or not as they swam into US waters. Much laughter always ensued. In 2012, Brian guided me through a number of options in preparing for a motorcycle trip that included Mexico. His information about Mexico was invaluable and so very much appreciated. I sadly saw Brian only a few times since my return from my trip in 2014 and it is certainly a loss felt deeply. I consider myself lucky to be able to call him a friend.
Kevin Beretta