April 8, 1950 - December 12, 2024

Brian Russell Passmore, of Edmonton, Alberta, passed away at his home on 12 December 2024 with his family by his side.  He was 74 years, 8 months old.

 Brian leaves to mourn his wife, Peggy; daughters Tara and Lori (Dan); brothers Randy (Lynn), Lorne and Neil; and grandchildren Emma and Kyle. He also leaves his many friends from Alberta, British Columbia, Nova Scotia, the international yachting community of Palma de Mallorca, Spain, as well as colleagues in the oil and gas industry around the world.  Brian is predeceased by his parents Russell & Ruby Passmore.

 Brian was born on the 8th of April 1950 in Lloydminster, Saskatchewan, the eldest of four boys. He grew up in Edmonton playing hockey and riding motorcycles, and excelling at school while not putting much effort into it.  From an early age Brian enjoyed working for his father’s oilfield service company, Control Drilling.  Brian attended NAIT for a certificate in Heavy Duty Mechanics, married Ursula Kuntz in 1970, and shortly after their daughters Tara and Lori were born.  Brian loved the water; he bought a cottage at Pigeon Lake where the family spent many happy hours on the water and with extended family.  By the late ‘70’s Brian was again working for Control Drilling, selling services and equipment in oilfields around the world.  Brian loved the work, the travel, and the big deals.  He eventually bought Control Drilling with two partners.  In 1987 Brian and Ursula chose to divorce but Brian always made sure he remained close to his girls.

 In 1988, at a local SCUBA dive shop, Brian met Peggy Plonka.  They became inseparable and were married two years later.  Peggy was Brian’s best friend and partner in all things.  Both pilots, they bought a small aircraft, a Piper Archer, before buying their first house.  They enjoyed flying together, including flying for search and rescue.  Brian was passionate about all of his chosen activities.  He and Peggy enjoyed SCUBA diving, downhill skiing, riding their Harley’s, sailing, travelling, fine food and wine.  Brian particularly enjoyed cooking and, like everything else he set his mind to, was very good at it.  His efforts were always a hit with family and friends.  When Brian left Control Drilling to consult to Weatherford, his work took them to Mallorca, Spain.  He and Peggy bought a sailboat named Stroller, which he safely skippered for 30 years in the Balearic Islands.  As he said with his wicked sense of humor, he got to drive the boat and do the dishes!  He truly loved boating, the food, the culture, and the Spanish yachting community.

 In 2000 Brian’s work necessitated a relocation to Atlantic Canada.  Brian managed Weatherford Canada from Quebec east, and was instrumental in managing their services for Hibernia and Sable Island Gas. Brian and Peggy settled into Fall River, Nova Scotia with their cats, appreciating their neighbors and the joys of country living.  They enjoyed 24 years in the Maritimes, especially the annual Christmas parties with dear friends in Fall River, before deciding it was time to return to Edmonton to be closer to family, arriving March 2024.  Before his illness Brian enjoyed his beautiful new home, reconnecting with friends from the past, Sunday suppers with his daughters, and revisiting his old favorite restaurants.  His family is grateful for the short but precious time we shared in Edmonton before his passing.

 A small gathering for family and friends will be held on Wednesday, December 18th at 2:00 PM to share memories and raise a glass to Brian.  If you would like to join us, please contact a family member for details.  Cremation has occurred.  Internment at the Woodrow, SK Cemetery will follow at a later date.

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