Brian was born in May 1961 in the city of Calgary Alberta. Upon graduating high school Brian went through basic training in Cornwallis, NS. This was the start of a long and varied career that began with training as an electrical technician in Kingston and Borden.
While posted at CFB Moose Jaw in 1983, Brian met Debra who was an Instrument Electrical Technician originally from Winnipeg. They were married in 1984. Debra honorably discharged from the regular service in 1985. Debra supported Brian’s career in her role as a military wife as their family grew. Though she was also a member of the Air Reserve Augmentation Flight until 1994.
In 1990 he was posted to Canadian Forces Recruit School Cornwallis, where he helped 963 new recruits graduate. Next was a stop at Canadian Forces School Aerospace Technology Engineering at Borden Ontario.
In 1999 he was posted to 435 Transport and Rescue Squadron in Winnipeg. Promoted to Sargent in 2000. Flight Safety NCM for 3 years, then became a servicing supervisor for the C130 Hercules aircraft. Deployed on two small tours of OP Athena, five OP BOX TOP’s, as well as several Air to Air refueling missions as maintenance supervisor.
In 2006 he was promoted to Warrant Officer in Jun 2006 and posted to the Prairie Region Cadet Center Detachment Edmonton Alberta, maintaining interests of the 42 Air Cadet Squadrons of Alberta on behalf of the Canadian Forces.
In 2009 he was promoted to Master Warrant Officer in Sept 2009 and posted back to Prairie Region Cadet Headquarters in Winnipeg and then to 402 City of Winnipeg Squadron to maintain a 50-person reserve and regular force team divided into 2 crews to support the CT 142 Dash 8 aircraft and support 17 Wing as the transient servicing organization as the Aircraft Maintenance Officer.
In 2013 he accepted posting in Yellowknife at the Joint Task Force North headquarters as part of the Air Component Coordination Element. My job was to help coordinate air support to all exercises and tasks associated with the Canadian Rangers throughout the north.
Finally in 2017 he was posted back to Winnipeg working as the Deputy Aircraft Fluid Services Officer and supported the Aircraft Maintenance Support Evaluation Team performing inspections of the Aircraft Maintenance organizations throughout Canada.
Brian and Debra had two boys, Shaun and Robert, who are now following in their military parents’ footsteps serving in the military and as well, in Brian’s career as aircraft technicians.
They have five grandchildren as seen in the picture below when they were very young.
Sadly, Brian lost his wife Debra before they could enjoy their golden years of retirement together. She was only 58 years old when she passed away suddenly in 2019.
Since retirement in 2020, Brian has been volunteering with Royal Canadian Legion #100 Charleswood. From helping at bingos, making dozens of cookies for bake sales, volunteering at various fundraising events including poppy drive.
Most notably, it is the too numerous hours to count and his solid commitment to his executive positions including his term(s) doing Sports position, Vice-President, Interim Trustee, and currently the President since 2023 at the time of the writing of this bio in 2025. Brian is also District 4, Deputy District Commander for the Royal Canadian Legion.
For both legion district and branch, he supports the mission of legion, veterans, and the communities in which the legions support. Most of all, he understands and greatly appreciates all the work that volunteers do to keep the Royal Canadian Legion going.