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Brian was born in Victoria, BC on October 4, 1927. He was educated at St. Michael's School, Oak Bay High, and Victoria College, before entering law school at UBC. Called to the Bar in 1950, he joined the firm, Lawrence, Shaw & McFarlane, later Lang Michener. In 1971 he was appointed Queen's Counsel, and in 1984 he served as Treasurer (President) of the Law Society of British Columbia. A Life Bencher, Brian was known as a tenacious litigator, sometimes referred to by colleagues as "Bulldog McLoughlin." In retirement, he undertook several pro-bono cases, to which he devoted many hours. Justice, integrity, generosity - these were the values he lived by.
Brian had a passion for open wheel motor racing. After taking up the sport in his 40's, he enlisted his teenage son and daughter as pit-crew while his wife Sarah learned film-making in order to record his many successful races that included a Pacific Northwest Championship. Sport journalist Tom Hawthorne has included Brian in a list of late West Coast sports figures with this obituary.
A strong believer in community service, Brian served as the first president of the Canadian Cerebral Palsy Association, Governor of York House School, as well as dedicating time to the Council for Canadian Unity, and the BC Safety Council.
A staunch federalist and proud Canadian, Brian had a long time interest in learning French. He supported school programs that encouraged exchanges with students from Quebec and proudly displayed a bumper sticker "My Canada includes Quebec!"
With his wife of 57 years, Brian developed a hazelnut farm on Vancouver Island near Courtenay. This eleven-acre seaside property (no longer a nut farm) has been gifted to the Comox-Strathcona Regional District as the McLoughlin Gardens.
Brian will be remembered for his keen interest in people, his sense of humour, his great love of Canada and his commitment to making the world a better place. His principal reason for joining the legal profession was to "stick up for the little guy!" During his 63 years as a member of the Law Society he upheld the value of lawyers in a free society. "The balance between the strong and the weak is kept not by the law alone, but by the law with the assistance of the lawyer."
He leaves behind his faithful wife Sarah (nee Pullen), favourite son Michael (Sue), devoted daughter Margo and three beloved grand-children - Sam, Ben, and Stephanie Walker (Brandon).
Predeceased by his cousin Sylvia Bendrodt (Eric) whom Brian cared for deeply and his step sister Helen Davidson (Derek).
Survived by his elder brother John* (Ruth) with whom he shared many adventures at home and in business, and his step brother Bill (Barney) with whom he shared the inspiring life of his step father Harry Robinson who was married to his courageous mother Phyllis (nee Salsbury).
A service was held at St. Mary's Anglican Church, 2490 West 37th Avenue on Thursday, July 10th at 3 p.m.
Brian is buried in Mountain View Cemetary in Vancouver, along with his mother Phyllis and his brother John. They are buried at the William F. Salsbury plot.
*John McLoughlin passed away on July 1st, 2014 - 20 days after Brian passed.
I was fortunate to have been given Brian's guidance and friendship and fond memories of road trips to Seattle and Portland in the old Pontiac with the Formula Ford in tow. Thank you to his family for the time he spent with me.
Mike here! I remember Dad taking me out to Maple ridge to meet Bob Trickett and see the formula V. It was October 1974, Not only did we discuss racing but also I remember talking about the George Foreman Muhammed Ali fight that had happened around that time.
Brian and I first met in January 1940. We became lifelong friends. Brian and his family welcomed me to Victoria and contributed greatly to what became our memorable teenage years. Among my many memories of Brian is
- going to dancing school organized by his Mother on Saturday nights both wearing St Michaels short pants.
- Driving to the Mexican border in 1946 in an old (1922) Hup mobile, having a flat every 100 miles and getting involved ln three accidents(poor brakes} yet returning home safely,
- During the eighties spending many weekends cutting down trees together at the Farm near Merville under Sarah’s direction while Sarah and Barbara worked on the grounds.
During our working years we lived in different countries and provinces, but we always kept in touch. Brian was a steadfast friend. Always a gentleman, honest, with a great sense of humor and very much a devoted Canadian. Our condolences to Sarah and the family. We all will miss him.
Barbara and John
