Gerald Gordon Brinston

Although today is going to be a hard day, we are going to celebrate your life the way you would have wanted to - with love and laughter and a cold beer after. Today is truly about celebrating and honouring your life and the impact you had on our lives and so many others. Your presence lit up the room and you had a natural ability to put people at ease and remembering you brings us all together today. So many people loved and admired you, and we are thankful for everyone who has come to pay their respects.

You were born to Richard and Muriel Brinston on St. Patrick’s Day in 1953, which is fitting because you were always the life of the party, the second son followed by two younger sisters who all cherish you dearly. You have shared many fond memories of growing up on Young’s Ave in Curling, Newfoundland just one street over from the woman who you would share more than 50 years with, our mother, and next door to your grandparents, where you would hide away from the rules of home when you were up to no good. You did a small stint in the Canadian Armed Forces, but you were never one for living by rules or being told what to do. You have made lifelong friends with whom you’ve shared good memories, many laughs and formed bonds that have lasted through distance and time.

Our family began the day you saw mom and asked her brother if you could take her to the dance. Even Jean Buckle couldn’t chase you away- perhaps you’re sharing a laugh with her now. You were married and made a home in York Harbour where you welcomed your first baby girl, but your strong sense of adventure and dreams for the future brought you to Ontario where you later welcomed your second baby girl. You were a hard worker and a provider and we are thankful for the life you have given us. Although you and mom made Ontario our home, every year we went back to your home in Newfoundland and have great memories of backseat fights, ferry rides, and travels on the Rock.

One of the most important lessons we have learned from you is to try to see the best in everyone, to be forgiving and to live with kindness and an open heart. You never had a bad word to say about anybody and didn’t have a mean bone in your body. You showed us that life is made up of the small moments and to never take time or health for granted.

You would say that your greatest accomplishment in life was your family, and the legacy that you leave behind was one that you were proud of. We know how much joy you got from watching your grandchildren and your great-grandchild grow and we promise that they will always know you. You showed your affection openly, you were the kind of man that never made those you love question how much you loved them.

You always kept yourself busy and we knew we could always find you in the garage, strumming your guitar, playing tunes, and you took pride in making sure things were well kept. You loved being outdoors hiking, biking, and having a bonfire. We’ll take comfort and think of you when we hear the wind in the trees, the sound of the rain, or the crackling of a fire.

You fought your battle with courage, strength and dignity and kept your humour in difficult times. The love that you and mom had for each other was undeniable, as she stood by you through it all. In your last days your concern was not for yourself, but for mom which shows how truly selfless you were.

We will all miss your smile, your laugh, your big embrace, and your knowing glance from across the room. Our greatest sadness is that no one will love us like you did. We feel grateful for the time that we did have with you Dad, although a lifetime more would never have been enough. You’re in our hearts forever, 100% guaranteed.

Love you, Dad.

Kelly & Jamie

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Born in Corner Brook, Newfoundland, Gerald passed away peacefully at home on July 24, 2022 at the age of 69, surrounded by love, after a courageous battle with cancer fought with dignity and humour.

Loving husband and best friend of Madonna (nee Buckle), together sharing 49 years of marriage. Cherished father of Kelly Bartlett (Matt) and Jamie Ontiveros (Jon Ingi). Extremely proud Grandfather of Nicole Goad, Ryan Goad, Jake Bartlett, Anita Ontiveros, Sammi Ontiveros, Benni Ontiveros and Oli Ontiveros and Great-Grandfather of Rosalie Huynh. Gerald is also survived by his father, Richard Brinston, brother Harvey Brinston (Ann) and sisters Edie Gillis (Dominic) and Kathy Leroy (Yve). He will be fondly remembered by many nieces, nephews, extended family and many many friends in Ontario and in Newfoundland.

Gerald is predeceased by his mother, Muriel Brinston (nee Miles) and his granddaughter, Brooke.

Gerald enjoyed life, his family, music, the outdoors and a cold beer and he will be greatly missed.

Friends are invited to a celebration of life at the Barthel Funeral Home, 566 Queenston Rd., Cambridge, on Friday July 29 from 5-8pm.

As a tribute to Gerald, in lieu of flowers, consider making an appointment to give blood – it is vital to those fighting cancer. Memorial donations would also be appreciated in his memory to the Canadian Cancer Society.