Brian Sturrock had a knack for collecting stories, about fish that got away, some about airplanes that didn't, and many that probably became a little more entertaining with each retelling.

On Wednesday, July 29, 2026, Brian left us suddenly while doing exactly what he loved: fly fishing on a river in the Gaspé with a longtime fishing partner.

There is comfort in knowing his last day was spent in a place that always felt like a home away from home.

To the aviation world, Brian was an Air Traffic Controller at Dorval for more than 30 years.

He was deeply respected by colleagues, mentors, and pilots alike, and remained a proud member of the aviation community long after retirement.

Whether he was standing at an airshow fence, volunteering at a museum, or painting airplanes, aviation was woven into who he was.
To anglers, Brian was a passionate fly fisherman whose greatest joy was found in the rivers of the Gaspé. He tied his own flies with remarkable patience and craftsmanship.

The fish mattered of course but the stories, the early mornings, and the people beside him mattered even more.

Brian also saw beauty where others might not.

He painted birds and airplanes with the same careful eye he brought to everything he loved, capturing subjects that had fascinated him throughout his life.

But to those closest to him, Brian was simply husband (Louise), son (William and Dorothy), Dad (Julie and Martin), Grandpa/Taid (Trystan and Owen), brother (Wendy and Janet), uncle (Mark, Scott, Kevin and Sarah), cousin and friend. He will be sorely missed.
His dark humour was legendary.
He could tell a story that left a room in stitches and his mischievous grin usually gave away that a punchline was coming. Friends remember fishing trips and stories that somehow became even funnier with every passing year.

Above all, Brian will be remembered for the way he made people feel welcome, for the laughter he inspired, and for the friendships he built over a lifetime. The outpouring of stories shared since his passing is proof that he left an impression on everyone fortunate enough to know him.

Brian leaves behind a family who adored him and countless friends whose lives are richer because he was part of them. His humour and love of aviation lives on in his children and grandchildren, and somewhere along a quiet Gaspé river, it's easy to imagine him making one more perfect cast.

If you'd like to honour Brian, don't just send condolences. Go fishing. Attend an airshow. Go plane spotting. Tell a story that makes people either cringe because it's so awful or laugh until they cry. He would have preferred that.