OBITUARY
David Alan Brown
September 28, 1953 – December 15, 2019
Dave Brown’s life was filled with shenanigans, laughter, practical jokes, and a fierce love for his family and friends. Dave was born in Port Dover on September 28, 1953. He passed peacefully on Sunday, December 15, 2019 at Sunnyside in Kitchener in his 67th year.
Dave was predeceased by his parents Jack and Marion Brown. He was a loving husband to his wife Barbara (nee Elliott), and the best father and friend to his daughters Joanne (Mark) and Julie (Paul). He leaves behind his grandchildren Kassie, Mya, Jack, Aiden and Evelyn. Dave will be greatly missed by his brother Ralph (Brenda) and his sister Nancy (Randy) and nieces and nephews Jamie (Becky), Jaclyn (Andre and daughter Savannah), Brian (Rebecca and children Sam and Charlotte), and Darren. He will also be missed by a large extended family and many friends who were like family to him.
Dave explored a few career paths as a young man before finding his fit with J.M. Schneiders in 1973. Dave tested the waters as a deck hand with the Merchant Marines aboard the Imperial Sarnia Tanker for a season. He also tried his hand as an Electrical Apprentice, but that wasn’t for him either. Dave’s career with Schneiders began loading and shunting trailers and with the incredible support and mentorship of some great people, he proudly retired as the National Transportation Director for Maple Leaf Consumer Foods Inc. in 2009.
Dave worked hard, but played harder. He enjoyed any social activity that included friends, food and drinks. He never wanted to miss a good time, and would often be one of the last to leave a party or card game. Some of his favorite activities were fishing, skiing, golfing, bowling, scuba diving, ballroom dancing, playing cards (especially Canasta and Pepper) and lots of fun vacations that included all of the above with family and friends. For years, Dave was a member of the Corkscrew Society. We all benefited from the award winning wine that Gary and Ralph helped him make. He was proud of the medals he won for his wine making and happy to share.
In his retirement Dave’s happy place was at Shady Akers Trailer Park. The good times continued with boating, fishing, golf cart rides, camp fires, BBQ’s and yum-yum’s with the Shady Akers gang.
Dave’s family would like to express their sincere gratitude to the staff and volunteers at Sunnyside for taking such good care of Dave when we could no longer care for him at home, Dr. Quincy Almeida and the MDRC at WLU where Dave enjoyed participating in research projects, the Neurology Department at Toronto Western Hospital where Dave received DBS, care provided by Grand River Hospital and St Mary’s Hospital as well as the support groups and seminars put on by The Parkinson’s Society of Southwestern Ontario.
Please join us in celebrating Dave’s life on Friday, December 27th, 2019 at Westmount Memorial Celebration Centre, 1001 Ottawa St. S., Kitchener, (519-743-8900). There will be a Memorial Service from 1:30 - 2:00 p.m., followed by a Celebration of Dave’s Life from 2 - 4 p.m. In lieu of flowers, the family would appreciate donations made to the Parkinson’s Society of Southwestern Ontario, MDRC at WLU, the Sunnyside Foundation, GRH Foundation or SMGH Foundation.
Services
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Memorial Service
Friday, December 27, 2019
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Celebration of Life
Friday, December 27, 2019
Memories
David Alan Brown
have a memory or condolence to add?
ADD A MEMORYScott Auringer
December 27, 2019
Our sincere sympathy to Dave's family. I worked with Dave for many years and we had lots of fun times. One of the most memorable was running into him, his Mom and Dad on a boat in Kenora Ontario. With us being from Winnipeg and him being from Kitchener, it was an unexpected but enjoyable afternoon.
Christine Kolody
December 26, 2019
It is with great sadness that I learned of Dave's passing. "Uncle Dave" to Paul, Andrew and Jonathan speaks to the special person that he was to us. He will always be remembered. My deepest condolences to you Barb, Joanne, Julie and families.
Christine Kolody
Michelle Morris
December 24, 2019
Although we are away over the next couple of weeks, our thoughts are with you all at this time. Barb and family, we send our condolences and wish you all comfort over this difficult period. Dave will be missed and our time at Shady Akers won't be the same.
Kathy Dale
December 24, 2019
Dear Barbara - Deepest sympathy from all of us on the sad loss of your husband ( your daughters' Father and your grandchildren's Grandfather) most sincerely ...Kathy Dale
George Farrell
December 22, 2019
My sincerest condolences to Barb, Joanne, Julie , Nancy, Ralph and their entire families and significant others at this most difficult time in your lives. Dave fought the good fight to the best that is humanly possible. How tough it was for you all to bear what he was going through. My thoughts and prayers go out to you all.
I met Dave through my good friend Ralph shortly following their arrival to Kitchener from Oshawa. Dave always had an excellent passion/gift for sharing funny stories and jokes. I will always remember Dave in that regard although I know he was much more to many.
Dave , you have fought the good fight. May you RIP with your dear mom and dad!!
Hugs from George Farrell and family
Tim and Ruthann Collins
December 22, 2019
We wish I could be at Dave's funeral.
Dave was such a great guy, full of life and fun. Dave will be missed everyone who knew him.
R.I.P. my friend.
Tim & Ruthann Collins
Sharon (Ammerman) Gardner
December 20, 2019
My sincere condolences to Barb and family, Ralph and Nancy and their families, and may the many shared and happy memories bring you peace during this very sad and difficult time.
Sharon (Ammerman) Gardner
Robert Hazen
December 19, 2019
Our condolences to Barb, Joanne, Julie and their family and to Ralph (Brenda)and Nancy (Randy) and their families.
Dave was respected and loved by all that knew him, even though he is gone his memory will live on in us forever.
Farewell my cousin and rest in peace from the suffering you have been enduring.
Bob & Lucie Hazen & family
Rita and Jeff Thom
December 18, 2019
We are sorry to hear about Dave, our thoughts and prayers are with you Barb and your family.
He was a great guy and we really enjoyed his stories around the fire. He will truly be missed.
Rita and Jeff
John Ardan
December 18, 2019
Well best friend after 52 years of a great friendship with a lot of water under the bridge you now have crossed another bridge. You are will be missed! From throwing snow balls together to many fishing adventures sharing tons of laughs and quality family times. Your presence was always great and comforting.
Be at peace as your memory is planted in my heart and mind. God Bless
Sandra and george hennessey
December 18, 2019
We also will remember Dave getting bacon and eggs at the sunrise cafe. He sure loved that. And Dave always getting george to do some work on the boat or awning. We will remember his good nature. Our sincere condolences, sandy and george hennessey
Josie Wagter
December 18, 2019
My Condolences to you Barb, Julie and Paul and Joanne and Mark and grandchildren. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all at this difficult time. Remembering the good time Barb we had with you and Dave at the lake . Wonderful host and never forgotten.
Jenn and kevin Barnim
December 18, 2019
The shady acres family will sure miss you Dave. So many campfires and stories and talks about your wine making days. Sending entire family hugs and prayers. Thinking of all of you.
Ross Hazen
December 18, 2019
We were so sorry to hear about Dave. His sense of humor and loyalty to friends and family will be greatly missed. Our thoughts and prayers go out to Barb and all the Brown family
Ross & Jean Hazen
Bob & Karen Faw
December 17, 2019
Dave was a very kind, generous, and friendly person who loved life in general. His love of boating and fishing was evident in the wonderful stories that he shared. Our thoughts and prayers are extended to Barb and the Brown family during this difficult time.
Lisa Aker
December 17, 2019
My condolences to Barb, Joanne, Julie and family. Dave will be missed at the park and campfires. I am glad he was able to spend time at the park this summer. He seemed happy to be out watching his grandchildren and seeing his friends. He’s at peace now.
Sarah B
December 17, 2019
Thinking of you, Barb, during this very difficult time. Condolences to you and your daughters/family for your profound loss.
~Sarah and Dan
Katherine Wright
December 16, 2019
I am so sorry to hear about Dave. He was a great neighbour who enjoyed his family & friends at the trailer park.
My heart goes out to you with great sadness.
Sincerely,
Kathy Wright
Mike Lennox
December 16, 2019
I worked with Dave from 1985 until he retired. He trained me in Dispatch and took me under his wing and answered all my rookie questions. I had his phone number memorized. We both loved distribution, transportation and trucking. Dave was a wonderful colleague always enjoyable to work with and a great companion to enjoy a drink or dinner with. Many wonderful memories. I will think of you often my friend.
Condolences to Barb and the Brown family.
Steve and Diane Somerville
December 16, 2019
Big Dave we called him . We were neighbors from 1990 to 1993 . He came over to introduce himself . I think with a Caesar . I asked him if he golfed . No. . If you are going to be my neighbor. It’s yes . The rest is history. Golf ,drink and have fun. Will miss the big guy. Barb,,Joanne and Julie our thoughts are with you . Steve,Diane,Stacey and Carrie
Gaynor DeSloovere
December 16, 2019
I'm really going to miss the big guy! He was always pleasant, willing to tell stories (and had loads of them from over the years) and loved his family. Please remember all the good and happy times as these will help you through this difficult time.
Dean and Vanessa Mabee
December 16, 2019
Dean and Vanessa
Our condolences to Barb, Julie, Joanne and families. Dave was like family to us and truly will be missed at Shady Akers trailer park. He was a very kind and generous person and would do anything for anyone if he could. May he rest in peace and his suffering is done.
Peter & Kathy Fitzgerald
December 16, 2019
Our condolences to the Brown family, our thoughts and prayers are with you. Dave was a wonderful man and a lot fun to be with. May he rest in peace, free from the pain & suffering he was enduring.
God Bless
Love,
The Fitzgerald Family