We regret to advise of the death of Captain Leonard Brian Seward, MMM, CD (Ret'd) on 20 August 2023 in his 96th year. Brian was a Second World War veteran, a long-serving member, and leader of 6th Field Squadron and 2573 Royal Canadian Army Cadet Corps.
Brian was born in Manchester, England. During the Second World War, he attended the local school where his lessons were often interrupted by German bomber air raids. He was one of the few boys on his street who owned a bicycle, which allowed him to volunteer as an Air Raid Precautions messenger boy until he was old enough to be accepted into the Royal Navy. After training as a Gunner, Brian joined the crew of the deep-sea tug HMS Jaunty. He then saw service in home waters, the Mediterranean and then, by VJ Day, the islands close to Rangoon in Burma. Following his release from the Royal Navy, Brian joined the Merchant Navy Service and visited many parts of the world, including Vancouver.
Brian immigrated to Canada in 1955. He tried to join the Canadian Navy Reserve in 1960 at 33, but was told he was too old. Two years later, he was eagerly accepted as a Sapper in 6th Field Engineer Squadron, Royal Canadian Engineers. Brian quickly moved up through the ranks and, by 1969, was promoted to Master Warrant Officer and appointed as the Squadron Sergeant Major. Brian stepped down as SSM in 1973 but stayed on in 6th Field Engineer Squadron and was seen on many field exercises.
During all his time with the squadron, Brian's interest in collecting military memorabilia led him to begin putting aside historically important items. By 1965, he began to safeguard these items by cataloging them and putting them aside for future display. This collection became a part of the 6th Field Engineer Squadron Museum.
Brian was commissioned as a Lieutenant in the Cadet Instructor Cadre in 1979 and was immediately appointed as the Training Officer in 2573 Royal Canadian Army Cadet Corps. In 1980, Lieutenant Seward was awarded the Order of Military Merit (MMM) for his service to the Reserves and the North Shore community. He was appointed as the Commanding Officer of his Cadet Corps in 1985 and was promoted to Captain.
After retirement, Brian enjoyed working at the Vancouver Court House and the sheriff's department. His work with collecting and cataloguing memorabilia for the museum continued. He worked tirelessly on adding artifacts to the expanding collection of memorabilia, especially medals of deceased 6th Field veterans. The 6th Field Engineer Squadron Museum Association was incorporated in 2006 and the museum was officially named "The Captain Brian Seward MMM, CD Gallery." With his vast knowledge of history and military medals, Brian was asked to restore medals for Veterans, First Responders, and other dignitaries. Movie Director Steven Spielberg consulted him to advise and design medals for three movies. In 2010, Brian was awarded the Minister of Veterans Affairs Commendation for "Working tirelessly to preserve the history of 6th Field Engineer Squadron" and the memory of those who served.
Throughout his career, Brian was awarded a number of decorations: the Order of Military Merit (MMM), the Defence Medal, the 1939-1945 War Medal, the Naval General Service Medal, the United Nations Service Medal (Korea), the Queen's Silver Jubilee Medal, the Queen's Diamond Jubilee Medal, the Canadian Forces Decoration with two bars for 32 years of service to Canada, and the Minister of Veterans Affairs Commendation in 2010.
A celebration of life with family and a few friends was held for Brian on 21 October 2023 at the "Lion's Den" on Strathaven Drive in North Vancouver. Online condolences can be sent to the funeral home.
