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BRIAN FARRELL
It is with deep sadness that we announce the passing of Brian Michael Farrell at the age of 87 years.
Brian was predeceased by his daughter, Launa Patricia Farrell and his parents, Norman and Patricia Farrell.
Brian will be lovingly remembered by his wife of 65 years, Leila, his children; Liisa (Russ), Kelly (Randall), Michael (Cheryl), and grandchildren; Kurstyn (Collin), Erin (Cam), Matti (Vivian), Luke, Cody, Kacey, Ava, and his great-granddaughter, Henley. He will be sadly missed by his in-laws, Liisa, Launo, Lu (Susan), Gwen and many nieces and nephews.
Brian was born in Montreal and grew up in Sherbrooke, Quebec. He attended St. Thomas College in Chatham, New Brunswick before joining the Royal Canadian Air Force in 1956. He worked out of the RCAF bases in North Bay as part of the 414 Fighter Interceptor Squadron and in Moose Jaw as a flight instructor. It was in North Bay that he met Leila while she was teaching school on the base.
Following his RCAF career, he joined Midwest Aviation and then Air Canada. He had a 32-year long career with Air Canada as a captain, line check pilot and management pilot.
Brian was an avid golfer and enjoyed many years as a member of Breezy Bend Golf and Country Club. He was a longstanding member of the Charleswood Legion and curled with the Legion as well as leagues out of the former CFB Winnipeg Curling Club.
A funeral mass will be held on Tuesday, November 4, 2025, at 2:00 p.m. at Our Lady of Perpetual Help Church, 4588 Roblin Boulevard. A private interment will follow at a later date.
The family would like to extend a sincere thank you to Dr. Paul Kerr, Dr. Evan Kerr, Dr. David Snider and the staff at Health Sciences Center and Deer Lodge Centre.
To honor Brian’s memory, donations can be made to the charity of your choice.
As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Nov 01, 2025
Condolences & Memories (15 entries)
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Brian Farrell was more than a fellow pilot — he was a true gentleman, mentor, and friend. Flying with Brian was always a lesson in professionalism, patience, and demeanour. He carried himself with quiet confidence and made everyone around him better. I’ll never forget the day he promoted me to Captain on descent into Winnipeg — a simple gesture that said everything about his trust and encouragement. Brian had a way of bringing out the best in people, both in the cockpit and in life. His teachings remained with me throughout my career and I will never forget him. Rest in peace Brian Captain John Sturdy - Posted by: JOHN STURDY (Colleague) on: Nov 04, 2025
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I would like to offer my Sincere Condolences to Brian’s Family and Friends upon his passing.. When I transferred to Winnipeg, Brian was very nice to me and welcomed me with open arms.. He was great to fly with and a real gentleman. He will be sadly missed by all who knew him.. May he Rest in Peace.. Chuck Almasy - Posted by: Chuck Almasy (Colleague) on: Nov 04, 2025
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Brian was always the consummate pilot. I remember fondly many flights with him. He also had a fun side. He enjoyed the Las Vegas AC golf tournament and was one of the stars in Vegas!! RIP - Posted by: Ian Watson (Fellow pilot) on: Nov 04, 2025
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Brian was always the consummate pilot. I remember fondly many flights with him. He also had a fun side. He enjoyed the Las Vegas AC golf tournament and was one of the stars in Vegas!! - Posted by: Ian Watson (Fellow pilot) on: Nov 04, 2025
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I met Brian while flying the 727, and guided him, and my cousin (Don Copeman, ex F86 'driver') on several big-game hunts in the Canadian Rockies west of Red Deer, Alberta. We would always have a shot-gun along, just-in-case, and took turns carrying it. We were walking through some woods (MY TURN with the 'scatter-gun') when a partridge flushed ahead, and I fired a shot "YOU MISSED!" shouted Brian and Don, and I 'hung-my-head-in-shame' taking all manner of verbal abuse from the two of them, for about another hundred yards, when SUDDENLY a partridge fell from a tree just ahead of us, almost at my feet, DEAD! (GUESS I did NOT miss after all!) Though I MIGHT have mentioned it during the next weeks we hunted together...! Brian is missed...! - Posted by: Ed Copeman (friend/ colleague/ hunting the Rockies!) on: Nov 03, 2025
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Brian and I were introduced to each other on 27 December 1965 when we first joined Air Canada, which had just changed its name from Trans Canada Air Lines. He was a dear person to chat with and we told many lies together of times spent in the Royal Canadian Air Force. Our kindest regards to Brian's family. We will all join together in harmony and fellowship when once again we meet. Pleasant journey home Brian. - Posted by: Edward (Ted) Strachan (Friend and) on: Nov 02, 2025
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Brian & I joined Air Canada on the same course December 1965. I enjoyed the time we had together over the years. Brian was a very good pilot and a true gentleman - he will be missed by all you knew him. RIP - Posted by: Captian Warren Wallace (Friend) on: Nov 02, 2025
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I flew with Brian as first officer on the DC-9 and had many pleasant flights with him. I remember him as a wonderful Captain who made coming to work a true pleasure. May his "Flight West" be forever smooth and flawless. - Posted by: Vern Boyko (Friend and fellow aviator) on: Nov 02, 2025
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I met Brian when I was a completing my commercial licence and instrument rating at the Old Winnipeg Flying Club at the end of Sargent Ave. He was a DC-9 captain at AirCanada and part time instructor at "Train-Air Link" associated with Perimeter Aviation. Brian taught me all the basics of Instrument flying in a most professional and practical manner. All the skills and the teaching techniques stayed with me throughout my own airline career of 21,917 hours. My career almost mirrored mirrored Brian's in terms of Checking, instruction, management etc. He was an excellent instructor and pilot, truly professional always and a very fine man! Per Ardua ad Astra R.I.P Brian! - Posted by: Kenneth David Douglas (Former student and friend.) on: Nov 02, 2025
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Deepest Condolences to the Farrell Family & Friends. When I arrived in Winnipeg in January 1981 as a fresh DC9 F/O. My 3 Day Base Check was with Captain Farrell. Having never flown West of YWG, needless to say I was overwhelmed but got through it. Brian was a Professional Aviator in every sense of the word. He was an amazing Mentor. He'll be missed. Capt David Courtney - YVR Base B777 Ret'd. - Posted by: David Courtney (Capt AC Ret'd) (Colleague) on: Nov 02, 2025
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As a probationary new hire at AC, I had the pleasure of working with Brian in the DC-8 simulator. My condolences to the family! - Posted by: Willem Wolff von Wulfing (Colleague) on: Nov 02, 2025
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Brian promoted me as a B727 Captain in April 1987 . Brian was an outstanding pilot and a great guy . You always brought your A game when flying with Brian - Posted by: Gord Kenworthy (Pulot) on: Nov 02, 2025
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I knew Brian from Winnipeg Flying School days, a kind and caring man. My condolences to you - Posted by: Margaret Haybittle (Friend) on: Nov 01, 2025
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Fond memories of Brian from Midwest days, Winnipeg flying club and many other occasions. So sorry for your loss Leila and family - thinking of you. - Posted by: Brian & Helen Maxwell (Friend) on: Nov 01, 2025
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My sincere condolences to Brian’s family and friends for their loss! I had the pleasure of flying with Brian when I transferred to Winnipeg base with Air Canada as he was the first pilot I flew with. Over the years we worked together several times and enjoyed each other’s company professionally and socially on layover! A real gentleman and mentor! Clair Maynard - Posted by: Clair Maynard (Co worker) on: Nov 01, 2025
