Brian George King

With sorrow we announce the passing of Brian on February 27, 2019. He lived his life to the fullest, even during his five-year battle with cancer. He will be missed and forever remembered.

Brian touched the heart of anyone he met. He would command a room and make everyone feel warm, at ease, and welcome. Brian will be remembered for his unique charm, his ready wit, and large personality—which the years had not diminished. He conducted himself, always, with passion, compassion, commitment, and humour.

Brian embraced his community, and made lifelong friendships in the many places he lived. He was born in Wales, where he spent the first few years of his life, before moving to England. There, he discovered his love for cars, sports, and his wife, Veronica. Together, they shared many adventures, along with their daughters, Nicola (Allan) and Fiona (Paul).

Brian was an intelligent man, with a keen interest in fixing the unfixable. He worked in many parts of the world as a professional engineer—always eager to take on a challenge and a new beginning. He started his career in the UK, and from there, travelled with his family to Swaziland, Guyana, and Montreal, finally settling in Dartmouth, N.S.

“To be born Welsh is to be born privileged, not with a silver spoon in your mouth, but with music in your blood and poetry in your soul.” Brian exemplified this trait in his many performances with the Gilbert & Sullivan Society of Nova Scotia, and while carrying a tune at the pub after rehearsal, and after a big rugby match.

Brian found his passion for running at the age of 55, and his family cheered him on from the sidelines as he completed each of his 19 marathons. He shared his love of sports with others and coached/played rugby with the Dartmouth Saracens, immediately increasing the average age of the team. He never wanted to miss the Dartmouth Natal Day run with Fast Company, or the Terry Fox run, and completed over 35, including his final one with his walker in August, 2018. His soccer cleats were not retired until after his 75th birthday and he inspired many of his fellow engineers at Stantec to join in their lunchtime games.

As Brian would say, “If you have to get from point A to point B, you may as well enjoy it!” This philosophy started as a teenager when he would ride his bicycle from Brighton to Wales, which was a 200-mile journey. As a member of The British Automobile Touring Association of Nova Scotia, he enjoyed driving his Rolls Royce, MGB Midget, Jaguar and finally his “Mr. Bean” Mini with the top down.

His grandchildren Lara, Ryan, Christopher, Molly and Chloe will remember Grandpa for living his life knowing that “You can’t help growing older, but you don’t have to get old!”

Brian was an inspiration to so many people—whether it be runners, rugby players, soccer players, thespians, car enthusiasts or Engineers—he was happy to mentor. He had a wonderful soul, an unwavering enthusiasm for life and will be lovingly remembered.

Friends and family are welcomed to celebrate his life and share memories on Sunday, March 3rd, from 2:00 p.m.-5:00 p.m. and Monday, March 4th, from 6:00 p.m.- 8:00 p.m. at Mic Mac Aquatic Club, 192 Prince Albert Road, Dartmouth. A funeral service at Christ Church, 61 Dundas St., Dartmouth, will be held at 11:00 a.m on Tuesday, March 5 with reception to follow at Christ Church hall. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in his memory to Prostate Cancer Canada.