Dr. Brian Feagan
June 13, 1954 - November 23, 2025
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 is 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.
Visitation will take place on Tuesday, December 2, 2025, from 5:00 – 8:00 p.m. at Westview Funeral Home and Cremation Centre, 709 Wonderland Road North, London, followed by a Funeral Service in the chapel on Wednesday, December 3, 2025 at 1:00 p.m.
For those unable to attend the funeral service a livestream has been made available.
Click on Remembering Brian Livestream
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.
Leave a tribute for Dr. Brian Feagan
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I am deeply saddened by the passing of Dr. Brian Feagan, my mentor, colleague, and true friend. My sincere condolences to Brian’s family and friends. Brian went to my PhD thesis defense at Western University in the summer of 2002, and asked me what difference the methods in my thesis would make in medical research. I said I will find that out once I get a job. Brian hired me as a biostatistician for Robarts Clinical Trials (now Alimentiv) right after my graduation. In my job interview, I told him that as a non-native English speaker, I have difficulty in English speaking. He said you are lucky because a biostatistician does not need to talk too much, oftentimes formulas and numbers are sufficient. He later gave me a book about public speaking in English. As a physician, he was the best mentor a biostatistician could have. In my academic career ober the past 23 years, he always watched out for me, protecting my time for biostatistical research in general, not just designing and analyzing studies for Robarts Clinical Trials and Alimentiv. He inspired me to develop useful biostatistical methods. I had been very fortunate to have Dr. Brain Feagan as my mentor. Brian will be dearly missed. I will forever cherish the memories of working with him for 23 years.
My heartfelt condolences to Dr. Feagan’s family. I hope they can find some comfort in knowing how many lives he touched. I’m sincerely grateful to Dr. Feagan. After years of health struggles, he and his team truly helped me get back on track. He listened, he understood, and he guided me with steady, thoughtful care. Because of his support, I was able to regain my health, and I’m deeply thankful for the difference he made.
Lost for words. I worked with Brian for over 15 years in clinical trials as his Research Nurse. So humble to put up with me and my ever ending questions about IBD. So passionate to improve health for these patients. He will be missed by all. My thoughts and prayers are with Brian's family.
Nancy, so very sorry for your loss. Prayers and hugs. My thoughts are with you and your family at this time.
My heartfelt condolences to Nancy and family. Brian was my senior resident during my Internal Medicine rotation. He will be fondly remembered for his enthusiasm for delving into complex patient problems. As young doctors in the making, we often joked about how he could recite Harrison’s Book of Internal medicine by heart! His compassion, dedication and commitment to learning are not forgotten!
My heartfelt condolences to Brian’s family. I have been deeply rattled since hearing the news. I have always considered Brian a friend and mentor throughout my career in IBD and beyond. Over the years I often found myself quietly asking, “WWBS – What would Brian say?” in ambiguous situations. Even as our interactions became less frequent over the past five years, Brian always made time to meet with me and respond to my messages. Alongside his clear guidance, I treasured the personal stories we shared about children and grandchildren, canoeing, his Packers vs. my Giants, our intentions and follies with our yard oases, and the meaningful depth in every conversation. Brilliant, kind, humble, attentive, and supportive – Brian had a profound impact on me. His legacy is significant, and my memories of him are vivid and very fond. Mike
I offer my sincerest condolences to Brian’s family and friends. Brian was one of my closest childhood friends. My fondest memories include watching Super Bowl 1 together cheering as Bart Starr led Green Bay to victory, time spent together at the Hunt Club both caddying and working in the pro shop and the endless hours shooting hoops in his backyard sharing good times and dreams for the future. Rest well my friend.
It's very sad news that Brian is no longer with us and the world is poorer for it. He was highly respected and his opinions were quoted far and wide, yet he remained humble and approachable. Brian's familiar face and strong presence at the ECCO and UEG week congresses will be missed but his legacy will continue..... My sincere condolences to Brian's family and friends. Warm regards Lara
I offer my sincerest condolences to Dr. Feagan's family. As a professional colleague, Dr. Feagan had been an inspiration, a wise mentor, as I know he had been for countless many in the field of Gastroenterology, but more than this he was as brilliant a mind as any I had ever met. Though our personal interactions were limited, he was always willing to offer the right advice and a kind smile. For this, I am thankful and I hope the many condolences & tributes offered will provide some solace to Brian's family, in this time of sadness.
A donation has been made. Message from the donator: Accept my sincere condolences, I am so saddened and sorry for your loss... Keeping you in my thoughts and prayers as you grieve... Elena
My sincere condolences to Brian's family and friends. It is so sad, so tragic. Brian had a larger-than-life presence and a huge impact on many peoples' lives, mine including. His patients loved him, and his colleagues admired him. He was a mentor to many young professionals, a brilliant scientist and a pillar of support for IBD medical community. But most importantly Brian was a good man. His kindness and tender heart were well-known to all who knew him. He will always be remembered and missed by so many...
So very sorry for your loss. Our condolences.
My condolences to the family. I have fond memories of Brian.
So sorry to hear of Brian's passing. Thinking of you and the family.
It was a honor and pleasure to know Brian and to work with him. He left us too soon. RIP!
Joanne and I were incredibly saddened to hear about Brian’s passing. His contributions to the field of Gastroenterology and IBD are immeasurable. He will be very missed. Condolences, Pierre, Joanne, Juliana and Hayden Baertsoen
Services for Dr. Brian Feagan
Visitation will be held at:
Westview Funeral Home & Cremation Centre
709 Wonderland Road North,
London, Ontario
December 2, 2025 5:00 pm to 8:00 pm
Funeral Service will be held at:
Westview Funeral Home & Cremation Centre
709 Wonderland Road North,
London, Ontario
December 3, 2025 1:00 pm
Additional Service information
For those unable to attend the funeral service a livestream has been made available.
Click on Remembering Brian Livestream
Make a donation
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What a terrible lost of a wonderful brilliant Doctor and a beautiful Man. Thoughts and prayers are with his family. Rest in peace Dear Brian.🙏🏽💔
~ Noreen Munro