Brian Hughes was a UBC alumnus who graduated with a BASc in Civil Engineering in 1986 and an MASc in 1988. Following graduation, Brian obtained his professional engineering designation and started a distinguished career in the field of water resource engineering, where he came to be a leading expert in his area of specialization.

Brian dedicated his entire career to working with his colleagues at Northwest Hydraulic Consultants (NHC) in North Vancouver. He became a principal of the firm and helped to grow the business into the leading firm in water resource engineering it is today. Brian was passionate about his vocation and gave back extensively both as a mentor to young engineers and as a contributor to his profession. Brian was immensely proud of his company, his colleagues and his chosen field of engineering.

Brian was raised in North Vancouver and chose to live there to raise his own family. He loved the outdoors and spent many of his off hours and weekends hiking, running or biking the local trails. In the winter months, Brian enjoyed skiing both Whistler and Mount Seymour, where he volunteered and taught skiing for over 20 years. Brian lost his life in a tragic accident while cycling to work on June 1, 2018, leaving behind his wife Josie, his children Alex, Owen and Carlie, his extensive family, and his large circle of friends and colleagues.

One of Brian’s legacies is that he touched all of us in some positive way—whether it was by being the wonderful family man, the true blue friend, the selfless volunteer, the nurturing mentor and teacher, the consummately professional work colleague or the guy that was always there to share a laugh and a beer. Brian’s love of life and his love for those around him will always be remembered by every one of us.

In memory of Brian’s legacies of mentorship and contributions to his profession and community, your contribution will go towards establishing the Brian R. Hughes Graduate Award in Hydrotechnical Engineering.

With your generous help, Brian’s family and colleagues hope to establish an endowment that will, in perpetuity, support an annual award for a deserving graduate student who exemplifies hard work, leadership, volunteerism and academic aptitude in hydrotechnical engineering.