Brian Alexander Herbinson

Born in Ballymena, Northern Ireland, son of the late Sandy and Birdie Herbinson, Brian was the husband, best friend and soulmate of Sylvia Gayford Rhind for 67 years. He was a loyal man who gave heart, soul and inspiration to his family; father of Sean (Shelley Lundquist), Kelly (Bob Wright), and Tim; loving grandfather to Liam and Kathleen Herbinson, Devon and Tory Wright, Brian and Matthew Herbinson; great grandfather to Eamon Herbinson.

Brian attended UTS where he stood first in his graduating year and he won the gold medal in Commerce and Finance from Victoria College, University of Toronto. He enjoyed a long and distinguished career as Managing Director Canada, of the major international consulting firm Towers Perrin (now Willis Towers Watson) and for whom he opened the London office in the United Kingdom, 1969 – 1974.

Brian inherited a love of horses from his Irish father. Starting with the Eglinton Pony Club, Brian was a winning competitor in Equitation, Hunter and Jumper classes and was the youngest winner ever of the Prince of Wales Steeplechase. He went on to become a Master of Fox Hounds of the Toronto and North York Hunt, and a Senior Hunter and Jumper Judge at numerous major horse shows in Canada and the United States.

Internationally, in 1956, Brian was a member of Canada’s Three Day Event Olympic team, winning the bronze medal, Canada’s first ever Olympic medal in Equestrian events. In 1959, he was a member of Canada’s Three Day Event team that won the gold medal at the Pan American Games and in 1960, he was a member of Canada’s Three Day Event Olympic team that competed in Rome, Italy.

Brian was a gentleman in every sense of the word, who loved people and touched many lives in so many ways. He spent his final months, peacefully at Sunrise, Aurora under the care and expertise of their wonderful Memory Care staff.

At Brian’s request there will be no formal funeral. A gathering to celebrate his life will be held at King’s Riding Golf Club (14700 Bathurst St, King City), September 8th, 5 – 7pm. Please join us and if you wish, bring any special memories of Brian to share.

In lieu of flowers, you may wish to make a donation to the Alzheimer Society of Canada or Dying With Dignity Canada.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.ThompsonFH-Aurora.com for the Herbinson family.