In Memory of

Brian

Joseph

Sperry

Obituary for Brian Joseph Sperry

Brian was born in the UK in 1938, and moved to Canada in 2010 with his wife of nearly 40 years, Jeannie, to be close to his son Lee and daughter-in-law Julia. Brian was thrilled to meet his granddaughter Eleanor in 2015, and enjoyed every single minute of being 'Guppie' to the little girl he adored.

A lifelong singer and performer, he found barbershop harmony in the 1970s and soon became heavily involved in the hobby as a performer and administrator. He won the British Association of Barbershop Singers (BABS) Chorus championship twice, as well as becoming the British Senior's Quartet Champion in 2005. He was also the BABS Special Events Director, Convention Manager and Membership Director. In 2013 he became a world champion singer, winning the chorus gold medal with the Toronto Northern Lights Chorus, before more recently sharing his knowledge and infectious personality with the Newmarket Upper Canada Chordsmen.

Brian was an exceptional story-teller, educator and a real 'gentle-giant'. His love for his wife Jeannie and son Lee was absolute, and Brian was thrilled to welcome Julia to the family in 2012, as well as Eleanor. He also had an exceptional ability to make others feel welcomed and valued like family too. Many people have commented that Brian was a real 'father-figure' to them, which would have definitely made him happy.

While we are truly devastated at his passing, our family will always be eternally grateful for our time with him and for the absolute love he shared for us all. We will be holding a small private ceremony on June 8th, and celebration of Brian's life in July for friends to attend.

In lieu of flowers, we ask that you please make a donation to either Southlake Hospital ER department, or to Sing Canada Harmony (please be sure to specify "In Memory of Brian Sperry").