It is with heavy hearts that we announce the peaceful passing of our father, William “Bill” Brown, on Tuesday, October 21st in Kitchener, Ontario-just a few months shy of his 89th birthday.
Bill was born in Montreal in 1936 to Elizabeth and Les Brown. He was the lively middle child between his sister Judy (Lewery) and brother Leslie. In 1958, he met his lifelong partner, Bev (Gaudet), on a blind date, and they tied the knot in 1962 in Montreal, beginning their joyful journey together for 62 wonderful years.
At the time of welcoming their first child, Tony, Bill was working at the Gulf refinery. The family later moved to Oakville, Ontario, where Bill joined the Gulf Research & Development Centre. Their family expanded with Wendy (Dunbar) and Paul joining the mix, turning Oakville into a place filled with cherished memories.
Bill’s career in Marketing and Sales took them all over Ontario-from Thunder Bay to Ottawa and Sault Ste. Marie before returning to Oakville. Wherever life took him, Bill enjoyed outdoor activities like hunting, fishing and camping in Northern Ontario. He also loved driving a tractor in rural Ottawa, skiing in Sault Ste. Marie and playing golf back in Oakville. His work with Petro-Canada opened doors for travel across Europe and Asia where he eagerly explored new cultures and made friends along the way. He particularly appreciated that Bev could join him on a trip to France but their favorite vacation spot remained Florida with the entire family.
The couple retired in 1994 moving to a lovely coastal property at York Point, PEI to be near Bev’s family during the late ’90s. They spent many happy years golfing, attending church services, hosting family visits and engaging with the curling community in Cornwall. During the pandemic they downsized to a beautiful apartment at Chesapeake Haven where they enjoyed social gatherings like “Friday Night Wine Time.” Bill often remarked that their home on Minna Jane Drive felt like living in an amazing hotel.
After Bev passed away last year, Bill decided it was time to leave PEI behind so he could be closer to his kids. Even though he often joked about being from the “island” of Montreal, he had spent more time living in PEI than anywhere else and proudly called himself an honorary “Islander.” Leaving Bev behind was not easy for him. Following a stay at Queen Elizabeth hospital, he embarked on an unforgettable road trip with sons Tony and Paul filled with laughter and stories using walkie-talkies along the way. Eventually settling down in Kitchener brought him comfort within a lively community offering daily meals while being close by daughter Wendy.
Bill became ill on October 17th and unexpectedly passed away just days later. His final month was marked by dignity as he reminisced surrounded by loving family support.
He will always be remembered for his endless enthusiasm for life. Bill was outgoing, generous-hearted-a real showman-and even enjoyed crooning tunes now and then! Sports were another passion of his-especially cheering for the Blue Jays-and staying updated through news on his i Pad kept him engaged as well. He often expressed how fortunate he felt-grateful for a fulfilling life full of rich experiences while taking great pride especially in his beloved family above all else.
Surviving are children Tony, Wendy, and Paul; son-in-law Barry; daughters-in-law Lee and Claudia; grandchildren Dylan, Avery, Kyle, Hendry, and Sam; brother Leslie; sisters-in-law Alice (Brown), Paulette (Gaudet), Ardele (Gaudet) as well as numerous nieces and nephews who will forever appreciate every moment shared together alongside him through memories created over time! We treasure every memory left by Bill -his amusing “Bill-isms,” songs sung aloud while enjoying life’s little shuffle when walking around amidst those memorable twinkles shining brightly within those blue eyes!
A Celebration of Life will take place at Belvedere Funeral Home on Saturday November 1st starting promptly at eleven o’clock AM followed by visitation beginning one hour prior until service commences. Interment follows afterward at St. Martin of Tours Cemetery. Donations towards Heart & Stroke Foundation Canada would be greatly appreciated instead of flowers if desired
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