Storrier, Brian William • 1945 – 2013
It is with profound sadness we announce the sudden passing of Brian William
Storrier, age 67, of Qualicum Beach, at Royal Jubilee Hospital on February 5, 2013.
His huge and generous heart could not carry on. Born in Dundee Scotland he came to Canada on the Aquitania in 1948 with parents William and Edith Storrier. Growing up in Central Alberta, his love of sports, especially hockey, began his path of excellence in the field of municipal recreation.
Predeceased by his mother Edith Storrier, he leaves behind his wife and loyal fan of 30 years, Evelyn Storrier, his father William Storrier, son Michael Storrier (Tracey), daughter Lee Croll, most excellent grandchildren Jenelle and Adam Storrier, Mave and Dylan Croll, and sisters Elizabeth Dodd (Doug), Linda Storrier (John Stump) and Jean Kilby (Fred), brother David Storrier (Meredith) and their families along with a legion of friends, colleagues and golfing buddies.
Brian’s accomplishments were many. In his youth he excelled at sports and played hockey at a high level. His skills as a goalie foiled even the most skilled shooter, including an old timers game where he ‘stoned’ the “Pocket Rocket” Richard. His years in the Royal Canadian Navy (1962-1970) as a physical training instructor were fodder for some of his most interesting stories. As a municipal recreation director in Innisfail, Parksville, North Saanich, Juan de Fuca, and Mission, he orchestrated countless innovations in building efficiency, programming and community development. As Director of Juan de Fuca Parks and Recreation, host facility for 3 venues for the 1994 Commonwealth games in Victoria, he was honoured to spend time with HRH The Prince Edward during construction and welcomed Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II to the Lawn Bowls competition. Provincial and National recreation associations were enlightened by his quick mind, big picture thinking, and legendary post meeting ‘networking’ sessions. His consulting career began in 2006 ‘building success with recreation facilities and operations’. Over $200 million worth of municipal recreation construction projects in Mission, Sunshine Coast, Coquitlam and New Westminster were carefully shepherded to successful completion under his watchful eye.
In addition to his many professional accomplishments TBK, (The Big Kahuna) was a fun loving husband, father, brother, grandfather, “Uncle Hunkle”, confidante and mentor to countless friends and colleagues. He loved to cook and eat, he loved to be the captain on vessels large and small, on land and on water, he loved to travel to warm places and to rv with his family, he loved to golf (good short game, wicked slice), he loved good single malt and big cigars, he loved to play the organ and drums, he loved life and all it had to offer. He lit up a room and entertained gatherings with tales of his escapades. His eyes were the mirror of is soul and uniquely communicated what he was thinking and feeling. His motto of “Go big or go home” served him well to the end of a life well and truly lived.
To honour and remember his outstanding life, a celebration will be held at 2 pm on Saturday, February 16, 2013 at First Memorial Funeral Services, 4725 Falaise Drive, Saanich, BC.
Please bring a story and a light heart – he would want us to be joyful. A contribution to your local community recreation centre in the form of money or time would please him.