BROWN, Wayne

June 17, 1945 – January 13, 2024

It is with a profound sense of loss that we wish to celebrate the life of Wayne Brown.

During his 76 year life, he lived with pride and an overwhelming sense of duty to others. During the first 8 years of raising his son Brad, he completed his studies while working various jobs without missing a beat in his Fatherly and Husbandly duties. Later on in life, he developed leadership and organizational skills that would lead him to be a pillar in his community. He organized many events whenever possible. Events such as bringing a teenaged hockey team from Sweden to be billeted with Canadian hockey families and play various hockey teams around Ontario. While those young Swedish hockey players immensely enjoyed many off-ice antics and gatherings, they likely didn’t enjoy playing our young Canadian players quite as much! He helped develop an MTHL hockey organization called the West Toronto Pirates in the 1970’s and was their first President for some years.

He enjoyed hosting numerous dinner parties during his lifetime. Never telling a joke he himself didn’t find absolutely hilarious. During his time living in Burlington, he was very active in the community. While lending his opinion in the development of the city. He was always happy to analyze the level of service and drink building abilities of many a Bartender. He was active in managing the annual Christmas Parades. Organizing the participation of many youth Bands. He was on the Board helping one of his favourite Federal Politician’s election efforts. This Politician later exclaimed how their relationship easily flowed from purely professional to a close friendship. This sums up Wayne quite well. Often getting under the skin of others. Both in frustrating ways but, more often in a big brother type of way. Never one to back down or turn away someone in need, he walked among us with a strong but often hidden need to help. Anonymity was often his preference.
He will be missed by many and remembered well by all including his son Brad.

So, please take a moment today to think about him and his influence on you and his corner of the World.

A Celebration of Life will be held on Wednesday, January 24, 2024 from 7-9pm at the Burlington Performing Arts Centre, 440 Locust St. In Burlington. In lieu of flowers, donations to the Heart and Stroke Foundation would be appreciated. Arrangements entrusted to SMITH’S FUNERAL HOME, BURLINGTON (905-632-3333). www.smithsfh.com