Austin Bernard Francis Delaney

It is with great sadness that we share the news of Dad’s passing. Austin Bernard Francis Delaney left this world on Sunday, September 10th surrounded by his loving family at his home in Thornhill, just weeks before his 90th birthday. He leaves behind his adored wife Maria (nee Neefs) and a blissful marriage of 66 years, his daughter Danielle Davidson (Michael), and son Austin (Linda). Dad was the fun-loving grandfather of Sean (Anne), Matthew (Kelsey), Mark (Taylor) and Laura (Colton) Davidson and Jack and Sarah Weber, having all the time and energy in the world to play “catch me Grandpa”.

Dad was born on October 28th, 1933, in London, England and gleefully found his beautiful bride in a small village in Belgium. They started a life together in London but Dad’s savvy business skills would soon be noticed by an American company wanting to expand in Canada. And so the adventure began across the ocean and, with their two children, they embarked on a life in Toronto where Dad would be president of Bell and Howell Canada. A career that would take him all over the world.

Dad was a charmer with a wicked sense of humour and an always mischievous glint in his eye. At 55 years of age, Dad was able to call it a day and he and Mom set up a beautiful retirement life in St. Augustine, Florida where they socialized with their many snowbird friends. Still young at heart, they travelled the world. From India to Australia, treating the whole family to numerous cruises along the way. But the last three years were not kind to Dad as he became bedridden and suffered from dementia. With his wife caring for him, Dad never once complained often telling us he was the luckiest man in the world.

Dad is resting at Kane-Jerrett Funeral Home at 8088 Yonge Street in Thornhill. Visitation will be held on Thursday September 14th, 6 to 8 pm, followed by a Funeral Mass at St. Luke’s Catholic Church at 39 Green Lane in Thornhill at 11am on Friday September 15th. Reception at the church to follow. In lieu of flowers, donations to The Alzheimer Society of Canada (alzheimer.ca) would be very much appreciated by the family.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.kanejerrett-thornhill.ca for the Delaney family.