The legacy of the Brian Small — Greater Victoria’s tireless economic advocate — is being celebrated Thursday afternoon.
Small died last month at age 85. He belonged to the Victoria Junior Chamber of Commerce (Jaycees), owned and ran the Esquimalt Bakery for a decade and served as general manager of the Greater Victoria Chamber of Commerce from 1969 to 1994, when he retired.
At that time, Vern Fitzgerald, then president of the chamber, praised Small’s “unfailing buoyant confidence.”
Bill Anderson, 1992 Chamber president, said of Small: “He is the Chamber. He is responsible for the success of the business community.”
Friends and colleagues remember Small’s relentless enthusiasm, strong voice for the region, volunteer work and natural ability to connect with people. Results of his work stand throughout the region today.
These include Lester B. Pearson United World College of the Pacific setting up in Metchosin, the University of Victoria’s engineering and business (now the Peter B. Gustavson School of Business) schools, and Camosun College’s Interurban Campus, according to the Greater Victoria Chamber of Commerce.
Small served as chair of the visiting naval ships committee, going in person aboard up to 200 vessels to promote the city and its attractions, said Cedric Steele, former chamber president.
Steele, who knew Small for 45 years, recalled the countless times his friend helped individuals find work and assisted businesses to set up in Victoria, while also supplying ongoing encouragement and support.
Small was a key fundraiser for the Homecoming Statue on Wharf Street, Steele said.
Both Small and Steele enjoyed regular tennis and squash games, often playing with former premier Bill Bennett. Small used those games to lobby for economic development, such as the value of a local film industry.
“He left a big mark,” Steele said.
Chamber officials recall a 1980 advertisement placed in Time magazine featuring Small as the chair of the Victoria Economic Development Commission encouraging businesses to locate to the region. It led to interest from more than 500 parties, including Canadian Tire, which established stores and jobs throughout Greater Victoria.
Mel Cooper, chair of the Telus Victoria Community Board and former chamber president, said Small’s strength was in connecting with people and different levels of government. “He did a great job.”
Small was Victoria’s first film commissioner. He founded the Victoria Film Commission in 1970 with just $2,000 in seed money, while also managing the Chamber.
He was honoured by the local film sector in 2013.
“I think it’s exciting, and very kind of them to give me an award,” Small said at the time. “I’ve never even looked at what I’ve done for the film industry as work. It’s like being paid for your hobby.”
A 2013 Times Colonist story said: “With his trademark tenacity, the dynamic industry booster cut through red tape to attract producers, facilitating shoots for projects such as Five Easy Pieces, Harry in Your Pocket, The Glitter Dome, General Hospital and Bird on a Wire.”
The celebration of Small’s life will be held Thursday at 2:30 p.m. at McCall Gardens and the Sequoia Centre, 4665 Falaise Dr.
