Brian Champion was born on Oct 8, 1954 and passed away in his home on Mar 15, 2017 at the age of 62. Predeceased by his parents, Brian was the son of Ralph and Audrey Champion. He was raised in Willowdale along with his brother Brad. He was a loving, supportive husband and father to Cheryl, Sean and Ashley. Brian was known to many for his patience, kindness, selflessness and eager willingness to help anyone in need.

In his youth, Brian was active in sports, including volleyball, softball, badminton, swimming and diving. He was involved in high school intra-mural sports as a referee and received the Northview Heights Secondary School letter “N” award for academics and school activity. Brian joined the Royal Canadian Air Cadets at age 13. With perfect attendance over six years, he worked his way to the highest ranking of Cadet Warrant Officer First Class and was Squadron Commander of a troop of 120 cadets, at 180 Squadron in Toronto. He received a pilot licence scholarship at age 17 and graduated to floater plane rating in his late 20s. Brian was selected to represent Canada as ambassador to Sweden in an Air Cadet exchange trip for one month, visiting air bases, gliding and flying in Swedish jet trainers, and dining with the mayor of Stockholm. During his university years he obtained his scuba diving license. One winter he and his buddy went up north to go ice diving at the lake. They cut a hole in the ice, secured a line and dove down into the murky water below. Brian lost site of the line. It was touch and go as his tank was running out of air but he managed to find the line just in time!

Brian obtained an Honours Bachelor of Math from University of Waterloo. He was a don of the men’s residence for three years and competitive member of the swim team until graduation in 1978. With a background in Actuarial Sciences Brian began a career in insurance at Guardian Insurance. In 1981 he changed career paths to join CIBC Wood Gundy as an investment advisor and was with the firm for over 30 years.

In 1981, Brian met Cheryl. In their mid-twenties the couple joined the North Toronto Ski Club and enjoyed many years of downhill skiing. Skiing in the Swiss Alps with colleagues in 1989 was a highlight of these times. Three years after meeting Brian and Cheryl married, settled in Unionville and together raised two wonderful children, Sean and Ashley of whom he was extremely proud. Time together, travelling, at the cottage and just being at home with his family were what Brian enjoyed most. Over the years, Brian worked with the finance team at Unionville Alliance Church as well as with the organization, Child Evangelism Fellowship. Brian was a faithful man who relied on God’s strength to overcome a blood disorder and long battle with cancer.

Brian touched many lives and will be dearly missed and remembered for the great man he was. On behalf of the Champion family, thank you for gracing us with your presence, your love, words of sympathy, and condolences.