The Canadian conservation community recently lost a vibrant champion with the passing of Brent Gurd. Brent was a talented and passionate biologist, and his contributions to the preservation of wild places in BC are a fitting legacy.

Born in Toronto, Brent completed his Bachelor of Science and Master’s Degrees in biology at the University of Guelph before relocating to Vancouver and achieving his Doctor of Philosophy in Ecology at Simon Fraser University. Brent’s passion for wildlife and the environment led to employment at the Ontario African Lion Safari, Nature Canada, and, most recently, as a Senior Biologist with the British Columbia Ministry of Forests, Lands and Natural Resource Operations.

Brent worked closely with Habitat Conservation Trust Foundation on a variety of projects with big conservation impacts. He led the Sturgeon Bank restoration efforts, ensuring the protection of one of Canada’s most important habitats for migratory and wintering birds. His other projects included studies of Grizzly Bear abundance in Toba Inlet, as well as managing operations and maintenance activities for the Lower Mainland, a region that includes over 29,000 hectares of critical wildlife habitat, six wildlife management areas and four conservation lands, all situated within close proximity to BC’s largest population base.

Brent was a committed conservation leader, and a deeply cared-for colleague and collaborator. He will be missed by his partners at HCTF, and our hearts are with his family.

You are invited to send your personal messages and memories to Brent’s family here. In lieu of flowers, his family has indicated that donations to The Nature Trust of British Columbia or Nature Conservancy of Canada would be appreciated.