BRIAN MICHAEL DOYLE

1955 - 2024

May 20, 1955 - December 15, 2024 There are simply no words for a world without Brian Doyle and for the deep sense of loss we will feel today. Brian (BD to his friends) was a unique (some would say epic) character, with a wicked sense of humor, quick repartee and a perennial twinkle in his eye. His intellect and curiosity knew no bounds -- be it arts, music, politics, science and technology - always keen to learn more, always willing to try something new. But most of all he loved people. First and foremost, his partner and life companion, France St-Hilaire; his children, Kerry-Anne and Lochlan Doyle; and stepchildren, Nicolas and Elyse Firlotte. He showered his family with love, support and silly nicknames -- not to mention his Michelin-worthy cooking. Brian had a tremendous capacity for friendship and for maintaining these relationships over the years. His charm, wit, and good nature were hard to resist. Born in the village of Beaurepaire, he was predeceased by his mum, Anne (née McCombe), a trained nurse turned avant-garde housewife and talented potter; and his father, James (Jimmy), an art director of the Mad Men era and creative woodworker. He will be deeply missed by his siblings, Jamie and Alta-Louise. After graduating from BHS and John Abbott College, Brian chose the path of health sciences, completing a bachelor's degree in Microbiology and Immunology at McGill University in 1979. He complemented his education with character-building detours, working in the mines in Northern Manitoba and going on a six-month walkabout in Europe in 1975, often straying "off the beaten path". Brian was an avid athlete including many years on the McGill Rugby team, cycling, and golfing. But his fondest memories were of playing shuffleboard with his friend Cookie and ball hockey on Sundays with his gang, the Bleury Street Bombers – a tradition that endures to this day. He began his career working at the McGill Department of Experimental Surgery, but after two years spent with laboratory mice, he decided to expand his prospects with an MBA from Concordia University (1983). This led him into a whole new sphere as he built a successful 20- year career in the electronics business, holding senior sales positions at Future Electronics and Kaytronics in Toronto and Ottawa. In 2003, he joined Nymox Pharmaceuticals, returning to his scientific roots as Director of Business Development & Global Sales. In 2014, Brian took a big leap. He became a health-tech entrepreneur and CEO, founding TalaraBio, a Montreal-based quantitative point-of-care testing and data capture start-up that combined his passion for learning and diverse career experiences. Brian devoted the past ten years of his life to building his company and developing his concept, an entirely novel testing method, blending chemistry, testing techniques, and software. This exciting venture almost came to an end in 2019, when Brian was diagnosed with stage-4 pancreatic cancer. Against all odds, and after months of grueling treatments, he was able to resume normal life, albeit never formally in remission and always closely monitored. Throughout the past five years, Brian joked that he was operating strictly on denial and delusion, determined to 'stall the Reaper'. Although very realistic about his condition, he resolutely lived as if he were going to last well into his 90s. That meant continuing to lead his company and doubling down on spending quality time with family and friends, and enjoying good wine, good meals and lots of laughs. Together, Brian and France went on several adventures, including travelling by train through Japan and driving down the coast of the Pacific Northwest. Most memorable, though, were the family vacations with their children in Sicily, Andalusia, and the Greek Isles. Brian's indominable spirit and love of life shone through to the very end, and it is the memory of it all that will help us bear his absence. A celebration of Brian's life will be held at the Mount Royal Funeral Complex, 1297 Chemin de la Forêt, Montreal, Quebec on Saturday, December 28, 2024. Family and friends will be received from 3p.m., service is at 4p.m. followed by a reception. Those wishing to make a donation in memory of Brian, please consider Teresa Dellar Palliative Care Residence or Pancreatic Cancer Canada.