A teenager who arrived in Fort St. John with little more than a backpack and a willingness to work became one of the community’s most influential business leaders.
Brian Surerus, founder of Surerus Pipeline Inc., was awarded the Freedom of the City, Fort St. John’s highest civic honour, in recognition of his decades of contributions to the community, the economy and the energy industry.
Reflecting on his arrival in the North Peace in 1969, Surerus remembered a much different Fort St. John.
“When I first came to Fort St. John, there were about 400 people here,” Surerus recalled with a grin.
“It wasn’t a city for another three years.”
Starting with a single dump truck, Surerus built what became one of Canada’s leading pipeline construction companies while continuing to call Fort St. John home.
His son, Sean Surerus, said his father’s success began with a willingness to take risks.
“My dad grew up in an era when you could take a risk, and he did that,” said Sean Surerus.
“He quit his job to start his own business… He took a risk when he built his first pipeline not actually knowing what he was doing, and fell in love with it. Just like he fell in love with his community.”
Sean said building a business in the energy sector required long hours and sacrifices, but his father remained committed to both the company and the people who depended on it.
“He worked the hours to keep the lights on, he made sure that everyone got paid, even when it took time,” Sean said. “His story is the story that built the West.”
Mayor Lilia Hansen said Surerus’s influence extends well beyond the business community, pointing to years of philanthropic support through the Surerus Community Support Fund and other charitable initiatives.
“Through the Surerus Community Support Fund and many other charitable contributions, their support has helped strengthen community-based healthcare, supportive housing initiatives, promoting arts and culture, and improved community well-being,” Hansen said.
“No one builds a legacy alone… this is a remarkable thing about Brian’s legacy: it is woven throughout our community.”
Brad Moffat, board chair of Surerus Pipeline Inc., said Surerus earned a reputation for leadership, integrity and humility over decades in the industry.
“In my 35 years in industry, I have never met a more dedicated and resilient builder of business, economy, community, philanthropy and absolutely none more humble, or more principled,” Moffat said.
City Councillor Trevor Bolin said Surerus has long been an example of what local entrepreneurs can achieve.
“Growing up in Fort St. John and getting into business at a young age, there was always one name that resonated with people… and Brian, it was your name,” Bolin said.
“The goal was to become as famous and as popular as Brian Surerus… but as we age, you start to realize that’s not the legacy. The legacy is everything that you’ve done for our community.”
Accepting the honour, Surerus kept his remarks brief, thanking those who nominated him and reflecting on the community that has been home for more than five decades.
“I’m thankful that you and whoever else nominated me for this… for this part of my life,” Surerus said.
“Ever since [1969], I’ve been doing my own thing.”
