Brian Kenneth Penney died on Saturday, June 5, 2021 at home in Halifax, Nova Scotia. After a courageous battle with cancer in which he long outlived his prognosis, he was cared for at the end by his companion Bonnie Hutchins and his sister Angela Talebli, who came from England. He was also attended by friends and business colleagues, as well as by many caregivers who created strong bonds with Brian.
The following day would have been Brian’s 77th birthday. He was born on D Day, June 6, 1944, in London, England. This is a fitting correspondence, as Brian’s life was full of dramatic twists and turns.
A physicist, engineer, entrepreneur, executive, and investor, Brian was known for a brilliant mind, strong determination, a kind heart, and a nimble sense of humor. He made friends wherever he went.
“Brian had done so many things, but he didn’t embellish,” said Angela. “He was a gentle soul with no hidden agenda. He was full of brilliance and kindness.” In his final weeks, it was his turn to be looked after. “You are the leader,” said Bonnie. “You are leading us. You have to go now.’”
Brian’s professional character has been summed up by friends as “prospector” and “gladiator.” A tough negotiator in business, behind the scenes he was a quiet benefactor to many. He was a man of action who loved doing spreadsheets, which he elevated to an art form. He was a mathematician to the end.
Brian was married twice, most recently to Pamela Gray, an expert in Chinese art. It was Pamela’s idea to move to Canada and Brian remained in love with his adopted country. “We are so blessed in this little corner of the world,” he said recently. After Pamela’s death from ALS in 2012, he continued to look after her mother Nancy Gray until her death.
His interests included flying his own private plane (he had a commercial license), automobiles both luxury and otherwise, travel, reading, entertaining, fine wines, conversation, and intelligent people, preferably female – not necessarily in that order. His travels included flying his own plane low over Shea Stadium in New York City soon after 9/11, trips back to England with Pamela, and trips to England and Asia with Bonnie.
Brian grew up in Ealing, near London, England. His father Ken Penney was a jazz pianist and his mother Ethel a homemaker. His parents divorced and he later attended Sherrardswood School, where he distinguished himself by his intellect and drive.
A passion for science led to completion of a PhD and DIC in high energy physics from Imperial College, University of London. Early in his career he held research and academic positions in physics and in computing science and worked as a software engineer, system architect and development manager at Bell Northern Research and other companies in the telecommunications industry.
In recent years Brian focused on the mining sector, principally as executive, investor, and corporate director. His skill and passion were most evident with Silver Spruce Resources Inc., where he was chairman and served extended periods as CEO and CFO.
He was co-founder of several companies that went on to a public listing or buyout, he described himself as an “entrepreneur, executive, angel investor and corporate governance guru.” His friends and colleagues could not agree on the number of companies in which he played a role, either directly or an investor.
Brian had been a member of many boards as well including the Communications Research Centre and CANARIE. He had extensive experience in guiding early-stage companies, both as CEO and chairman. He was founding CEO of TARA in Halifax; Chairman and CEO of Abridean in Halifax; Chairman of Intertainment Media Inc., a TSX-V public company in Toronto; CEO and Chairman of e-djuster Inc. in Ottawa. He was CEO of Carte Nav Inc, and played key roles in Keltic Savings Inc. and Crossoff Inc.
He was active in the St. George Society, the Thyroid society, and the ALS society, as well as the Trusted Advisors Group.
Brian is survived by his companion Bonnie Hutchins, his sisters Angela Talebli and Felicity Johnson, brother Desmond Martin (UK), daughter Gloria Maria Bruce (Ohio) and Gloria’s daughter Jenna Bruce Glaub, and grandsons.
Those closest to Brian wish to thank friends Brian White, Colin White, and Debbie Power, and neighbours Mike and Lynn. Also his caregivers holistic therapist Lena Kadray, reflexologist Aya, nurse Marge McQuaid, and Monica Flynn of the VON; and all those at Closing the Gap. Special thanks to those at the Palliative Care Unit, including Drs. Resna, Caitlin Lees, and Jeff Dempster. Love to all.
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