Dr. Brian Feagan passed away in London, Ontario after a short illness. He is survived by his beloved wife Nancy; his children Claire Parker (Rodney) and Sean (Luiza); his grandchildren Benson, Victor, and Brooke; and his sister Janet Bettridge (Mark). He was predeceased by his parents, Gordon and Isabel.
Born in London, Ontario, Brian made the city his lifelong home. He attended the University of Western Ontario for both his undergraduate and medical training, receiving an HBSc in Bacteriology & Immunology (1977) and MD from the Faculty of Medicine (1983). He earned an MSc in Medical Microbiology from the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine (1979), and completed advanced training in Epidemiology and Biostatistics from McMaster University.
Brian was Professor of Medicine at the Schulich School of Medicine & Dentistry, Professor of Epidemiology & Biostatistics at Western University, and a gastroenterologist at London Health Sciences Centre. He dedicated his life to improving care for people living with Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis. He was one of the world's foremost leaders in the design and execution of large-scale randomized controlled trials.
Brian often said he became a scientist because it was clear early in his medical training that too many treatment decisions were made without strong evidence. He was proud to contribute to the growing movement of evidence-based medicine, and he took great satisfaction in conducting research that directly shaped patient care. Building on the foundation laid by Dr. Henry Barnett and the London Clinical Trials Research Group, Brian established Alimentiv Inc. (formerly Robarts Clinical Trials Inc.), where he served as Chief Executive Officer (1997 - 2016) before stepping into the role of Senior Scientific Director.
While he was internationally lauded for his outstanding contributions to medical science, Brian was a modest man who filled his life with simple passions. A devoted Green Bay Packers fan, he made several pilgrimages with his family to Lambeau Field. He was also a lover of art and literature, with a deep knowledge of world history. His appreciation for aesthetics and handicraft eventually inspired him to create intricate copper sculptures for his carefully curated English gardens. A lover of nature, Brian found joy canoeing through northern Ontario during his younger years. Later, he spent much of his home life caring for his cherished heritage property. Brian especially loved his cockapoo and his grandchildren.
Brian's family extends heartfelt thanks to the extraordinary ICU nurses and physicians who cared for him at University Hospital.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Crohn's and Colitis Canada in Brian's memory.
Brian will be dearly missed by his family, friends, colleagues, and the countless patients whose lives were shaped by his commitment to better medicine.
For online condolences, visit www.westviewfuneralchapel.com.