Brian William Kerr

It is with sadness that the family announces the sudden passing of Brian William Kerr, on Thursday, January 22, 2026, in his 78th year. Brian is survived by his loving wife Carol, son Michael, daughter Julianna, stepson Jeremy (Ali), stepdaughter Meredith and grandchildren Zoe and Mary. Predeceased by his parents, George (2008) & Olive “Irene” (2014). He will be sadly missed by his cousins in British Columbia and Northern Ireland.

Brian was born in Winnipeg, Manitoba and grew up in the Rockcliffe Park neighbourhood of Ottawa. As a boy, he never felt more free than when he rode his bike alone through the streets, always pausing to admire the aircraft that would become a lifelong fascination. In high school, he became a member of folk group the Whiffelly Ghosties, where he would begin his love affair with the acoustic guitar and make friends that would be with him throughout his lifetime.

Brian’s burgeoning career as a land surveyor would take him and his young family to Edmonton for five years before they returned to the Ottawa Valley. With both CLS and OLS designations, Brian was a well-known fixture in the Perth land surveying community, working for several firms before setting out on his own.

Brian was passionate about many things. He loved to learn and was always teaching himself something. He had recently returned to playing guitar after many years of not practicing, and he enjoyed the challenge of learning new styles and methods. A lifelong music lover, he was a member of the Ottawa barbershop community for many years, as a performer, a director, and a judge. He also loved writing and all things aviation – particularly his beloved Lancaster and other WWII-era aircraft. He always dreamed of getting his pilot’s license.

The draw to land surveying was born out of Brian’s passion for nature and the outdoors. He loved the west coast of Canada – particularly the mountains – and found peace in the woods and on the water. He also played golf every chance he could.

Outside his family, hobbies and work, Brian enjoyed his regular breakfasts with the GOATS and the occasional dram of fine single malt Scotch.

He will be so missed.

Family and friends are invited to celebrate Brian’s life on Friday, February 13th, 2026, from 1:00pm to 3:00pm at Tubman Funeral Homes Garden Chapel, 3440 Richmond Road, (between Bayshore and Baseline Rd.), Nepean. Please join the family in toasting to Brian at 1:30pm.

In remembrance of Brian and in lieu of flowers, please consider donating to the Canadian Warplane Heritage Museum or The Friends of Algonquin Park.