Hart Frank Atkinson Brown

Hart was born in Winnipeg, Manitoba to the late Mannifrank and Edythe Brown of Lac du Bonnet, Manitoba.

He resided in Winnipeg with his longtime partner Judith Harper and raised his children here. Hart leaves behind his two sons, Rhodes Brown (wife Laura) of Victoria, B.C., and Noel Brown {wife Ashley) of Winnipeg, Manitoba; and daughter Mya Brown of Vancouver, British Columbia. He is also survived by three grandchildren, Callum, Noah and Hudson; and his sister Robin Whetter (husband David) of Vancouver, British Columbia. All are deeply saddened by his passing.

Growing up in Lac du Bonnet, he developed a deep appreciation for the simple things in life. That orientation comprised the epicenter of his value system, one in which he consistently put family and friends ahead of material things. As a young man, Hart worked from coast to coast in the mining industry. Once settled in Winnipeg, he attended the University of Manitoba earning a degree in education and subsequently worked as a junior high school teacher. Hart loved to work with his hands and on leaving teaching worked in property management until 1997 when he again returned to teaching until 2013.

He was passionate about life and enjoyed sailing, fishing, skiing, home renovations and great times with Judith, his children and friends. He particularly enjoyed being on the water and time spent in his home town. Hart is known by his family and friends as a man who was extremely intelligent, a great conversationalist whose wit kept one on their toes, and mostly as someone who knew how to live to the fullest. He lived a fulfilled life and will remain always in our memories. We will miss him greatly.

A celebration of his life will be held at 10:00 am, January 25, 2019 at Thomson” In the Park” Funeral Home, 1291 McGillivray Boulevard.

As an expression of sympathy and in recognition of Hart’s devotion to his hometown, charitable donations may be made to the Lac du Bonnet and District Historical Society, Box 658 Lac du Bonnet, Mb. R0A 1A0.

Text from Presentation at Hart’s Service (read by David Whetter on behalf of Robin and David Whetter)

Hart’s sister, and my wife of more than 50 years, has asked me to convey some thoughts about her relationship with Hart, her loving brother.

My brother for 74 years was like an extension of my being. He connected me to his family – two sons, one daughter, three grandchildren and to his trusted long time friend and amazing partner Judith. He also connected me to his wide circle of friends and relatives who all found him to be an essential part of their lives.

Hart and I went separate ways as we grew up – different directions, different loves , different interests – but whenever we got together we picked up where we left off and reconnected our blood bond. I learned a lot from Hart, especially how someone can give them selves so trustingly.

I will miss our frequent talks on the phone. He talked, and talked, and talked, filling me in on my questions about family and friends. I think that Hart’s talking pattern may come from his being a teacher and wanting to impart his life’s experience. What Hart knew about me came largely from my travel post cards, embellished by our weekly chats.

I think Hart’s life was so spectacular – he had Mom, Lac du Bonnet, a great partner, loving children and grandchildren, a vast set of friends, and lived in paradise – Wildwood Park and Lac du Bonnet. His always loved animals and with a stray cat called Marmy, cats eventually won out over dogs. But he had a love and respect for all of nature and felt at home in woods and rivers.

I’m sorry his life was cut short partially caused by his exposure to the physical stresses and environmental impacts of his extensive involvement in construction and renovations, despite his impressive physical strength. With all the pain he experienced over many years he still was someone who showed me what a person can do – the endurance of a trained athlete.

My take on Hart is that he could never say no to requests for assistance. He wanted to help and found great enjoyment in seeing something accomplished for both others and himself. I think that if we were in Medieval times, he would be called Hart the Good (Brave Hart was already taken by Mel somebody). In Japan he would be called Hart San – a term that connotes high respect.

I will miss you

Your Loving Sister Robin

I would just like to add a few words from my extended relationship with Hart. I was always amazed at how much he knew about building and fixing things. I also did my share of renovations in earlier years and was able to get my plumbing and electrical skills to a passable level largely due to Hart’s guidance. He had an amazing ability to find the humour in almost every situation, and lived life to its fullest.

His legend lives on.

Your loving brother-in-law David

* * * * * * * * * *

Hart Brown, deeply beloved partner, father, grandfather, and friend, passed away peacefully at home on January 20th, 2019. He was 74 years young.

Hart was born in Winnipeg, Manitoba to the late Mannifrank and Edythe Brown of Lac du Bonnet, Manitoba.

He resided in Winnipeg with his longtime partner Judith Harper and raised his children here. Hart leaves behind his two sons, Rhodes Brown (wife Laura) of Victoria, B.C., and Noel Brown {wife Ashley) of Winnipeg, Manitoba; and daughter Mya Brown of Vancouver, British Columbia. He is also survived by three grandchildren, Callum, Noah and Hudson; and his sister Robin Whetter (husband David) of Vancouver, British Columbia. All are deeply saddened by his passing.

Growing up in Lac du Bonnet, he developed a deep appreciation for the simple things in life. That orientation comprised the epicenter of his value system, one in which he consistently put family and friends ahead of material things. As a young man, Hart worked from coast to coast in the mining industry. Once settled in Winnipeg, he attended the University of Manitoba earning a degree in education and subsequently worked as a junior high school teacher. Hart loved to work with his hands and on leaving teaching worked in property management until 1997 when he again returned to teaching until 2013.

He was passionate about life and enjoyed sailing, fishing, skiing, home renovations and great times with Judith, his children and friends. He particularly enjoyed being on the water and time spent in his home town. Hart is known by his family and friends as a man who was extremely intelligent, a great conversationalist whose wit kept one on their toes, and mostly as someone who knew how to live to the fullest. He lived a fulfilled life and will remain always in our memories. We will miss him greatly.

A celebration of his life will be held at 10:00 am, January 25, 2019 at Thomson” In the Park” Funeral Home, 1291 McGillivray Boulevard.

As an expression of sympathy and in recognition of Hart’s devotion to his hometown, charitable donations may be made to the Lac du Bonnet and District Historical Society, Box 658 Lac du Bonnet, Mb. R0A 1A0.