LAND, Reginald Brian, UE, 1927-2016

Professor emeritus and former dean, Faculty of Information, University of Toronto; former executive director of the Legislative Library, Queen's Park. Following a long struggle after breaking his hip in January, Brian passed away at age 89 on November 26. 

He is lovingly remembered by his grandson Geoffrey Crowther and his daughter Mary (Hugh Crowther) of Georgetown as well as his son John (Barbara) of Kitchener. Brian is survived by his brother-in-law the Rev. Charles (Nancy) Eddis of Montreal, sister-in-law Joan Eddis of Ottawa, and sister-in-law Susan Eddis Crease Morales (Martín) of Toronto. Brian was fond of all his nieces and nephews. Throughout his life, though, he made a special effort to be close to the children of his Detroit-based brother Donald: Brian Land (Ellen) of Vienna (VA), Dr. Diane Land (Tim McCloud) of Tucson (AZ), and Susan Land (Glenn Bucek) of Arlington (VA). Predeceased by his wife Edith Eddis (1928-2013), his sisters Louise, Joyce (Calder), and Joan, and his brother Donald. Brian was born to Beatrice Beryl Boyle and Allan Reginald Land in Niagara Falls and was a descendant of Loyalist Robert Land.

Brian had a keen intellect and an accomplished life. What made him so endearing, though, was his humour and healthy sense of the ridiculous, his stories, his knack for making friends, his warmth and fairness, and his interest in others and the world around him.

Brian earned four degrees from the University of Toronto including graduate degrees in political science and library science. While there, he met his future wife, Edith; they were married nearly 60 years. In his early 20s, Brian was hospitalized with tuberculosis for 15 months in the Mountain Sanatorium in Hamilton where he had a thoracoplasty. He was one of the lucky survivors and, while there, he met fellow patient Peter Bosa, who became one of his closest friends. 

Brian held positions with the Toronto Public Library, the Windsor Public Library, the University of Toronto, the Ontario Legislative Library, and also worked briefly (1963-1964) in Ottawa as executive assistant to Finance Minister Walter Gordon. Highlights included being director and later dean of the University of Toronto’s Library School (now the Faculty of Information) from 1964-1972 as well as becoming executive director of the Ontario Legislative Library at Queen’s Park in 1978. Brian was blessed to see Canada’s high arctic, Prairies, and coasts as a part-time commissioner on the Canadian Radio-Television and Telecommunications Commission (CRTC), 1972-1978. 

During his retirement, Brian continued his lifelong interest in genealogy and the history of Canada. Deep thanks go to Mike Crease and Shelly Baines, each of whom brought Brian joy in his final years. The family also extends its sincerest gratitude to Mountainview Residence in Georgetown for giving Brian such loving attention in his last months, particularly the nurses, PSWs, and other staff in the Care Wing. 

Visitation will be at the Gilbert MacIntyre and Son Funeral Home, Hart Chapel, 1099 Gordon St., Guelph, on Thursday, December 1 from 6-8 p.m. A Funeral Mass will be held St. Alban the Martyr Anglican Church, 537 Main Street, Glen Williams, on Friday, December 2 at 2 p.m. 

In lieu of flowers, donations made to the University of Toronto- Faculty of Information Fund or to a charity of your choice would be appreciated by the family. Donations may be made at the funeral home, or donations and condolences may be sent online at www.gilbertmacintyreandson.com 

Enitor ne opera consilio labore desim.