Brian J. Lamb

March 29, 1944 - January 27, 2017

Brian James Lamb of Victoria BC passed away peacefully at home surrounded by his loving family on January 27, 2017 at the age of 72 following a lengthy illness. Brian was a man of gentleness, patience, wisdom and integrity who will be greatly missed. His strength of character and amazing work ethic made him a tremendous role model. He was kind and generous with his time and focused on the positive in every situation.

Brian and his wife Carol shared a love of music, travel, food and wines; particularly pinot noir. They enjoyed exploring history and art on their journeys and learning about wine and wine making from countries throughout the world. Their recent trips to Italy and Portugal are precious memories of their happy life together. They were so thankful for the time they had together and all the wonderful memories.

Brian was born in Vancouver BC, eldest son of the late Les and Barbara Lamb. He was educated in Victoria public schools and attended the University of British Columbia where he received his Bachelor of Commerce in 1967. That same year, Brian married his former wife Barbara with whom he had two children, Christopher and Rochelle. Brian was a devoted father who was very involved with his children's lives and activities including soccer, Cubs, Scouts and equestrian interests. Brian was also a "daycare-dad" and would roll up his sleeves and pitch in.

Brian obtained his Chartered Accounting designation in 1969 and had an accomplished career. He was a trusted advisor to many clients at KPMG in Victoria where he was made a partner in 1975 and was Office Managing Partner from 1982 to 1993. In 1999, Brian was awarded a Fellowship of the Institute of Chartered Accountants in recognition of his contributions to the profession and to the community.

That dedication to his community included over 40 years as a member of the Rotary Club of Oak Bay. Rotary was an extremely important part of Brian's life. A cause dear to his heart was the establishment of the Food Rescue program; enabling food banks to collect truckloads of fruits, vegetables and other perishable foods. He served on the University of Victoria Board of Governors from 1995 to 2001 and was Chair from 1997 to 2000. He also served on the Rowing Canada Board of Directors from 2007 through 2016. Brian's passion for rowing started with his son's involvement in the sport and led to Brian becoming a competitive master rower at Elk Lake with the Victoria City Rowing Club. After a beautiful early morning row on Elk Lake, Brian would often comment on how lucky he was to have found this sport.

He leaves behind his cherished wife Carol Bishop, his son Christopher (Dorothy Smith) and daughter Rochelle (Troy Windibank); brothers Russell of Smithers BC and Allan (Peggy Hunt) of Port Coquitlam BC; nephews and nieces Owen (Mary Evans Lamb; Sean, Maeve, Brydie, Fiona), Connor Lamb, Hayley and Byron (Jaipai) Pile. Other family members left to grieve Brian's passing are his mother-in-law Thelma Bishop, brother-in-law Michael Bishop (Anne; Kelsey and Carson) and sister-in-law Linda Bishop.

Brian's family would like to thank Dr. Paul Nehra for his compassion and excellent care of Brian over the years and particularly for his support during this last year.

A celebration of Brian's life will commence at 2:00 pm at the Frank S. Carson Hall at the Victoria Conference Centre on February 25th.

Donations in Brian's memory can be made to the Brian Lamb Food Rescue Fund; through the Victoria Foundation at 250-381-5532 or online at www.victoriafoundation.bc.ca.