Obituary of Charles Brown

Charles G. Brown December 21, 1924 - November 10, 2014 Passed away peacefully at the Sunnybrook Veterans Centre in Toronto, surrounded by family and love, following a brief illness and preceded by a brave fight with Alzheimer's. Cherished husband of Audrey (née Bousfield, d. May 2013) for 61 years. Deeply proud and loving dad of Michael, Alexandra (Ron Estey), and Laurel (Doug Ince). Dearly loved and respected grandfather and role model for Matthew and Garrett Brown and Erin Estey. Loving brother-in-law and special friend of Edward, John (Morleen), and David (Jean) Bousfield, and predeceased by beloved sister and brother-in-law Diane and Ralph Howie, and sisters-in-law Barbara Bousfield and Joyce Burton-Bousfield . Only son of, and predeceased by, his parents Charles Alexander George (d. 1960) and Molly (Mary Isabella) Brown (d. 1992). Charles was born in Toronto 90 years ago to parents recently emigrated from Scotland to forge their new life in Canada, the magnificence of which was deeply imprinted on his young mind and which became a focus in his life's work. From his parents' humble beginnings, but always encouraged and supported in academics, Charles completed high school at Oakwood Collegiate in Toronto, then proudly served in the RCAF as a wireless operator during WWII. When the war ended, Charles enrolled at the University of Toronto and earned a degree in Geography, plus his teaching credentials, leading to his long and distinguished career as an educator, eventually becoming the Director of the Metropolitan Toronto Board of Education. He viewed education as the highest calling and, after mandatory retirement at age 65, served for 14 years as a member of the Branksome Hall Board of Governors. Charles cherished his time spent on the "front lines" of education, and recently attended the 50th anniversary of Emery Collegiate as their inaugural Principal. Another career highlight was his time spent as Principal at Earl Haig Secondary School, loved by legions of students and fellow staff. As an author, he co-wrote Elements of Geography, the text used by decades of high school students to explain and understand the wonders of the planet. Combined with summers spent at Taylor Statten Camp Ahmek with Audrey on senior staff, his love of the land undoubtedly made the coast-to-coast family road trips so much more interesting because there was always something fascinating to explore and learn about the way the tides moved, the winds blew, and the earth evolved. Charles was a deeply thoughtful man, known to friends and family as "one classy gentleman," tremendously respectful and respected, always impeccably turned out, and to be counted on as a warm and welcoming presence in any gathering. He was a proud member and Past President (1996) of the Thornhill Golf & Country Club. Of special mention are the many dear friendships forged over decades at the family home on Strathallan Boulevard in Toronto, at Atrium II in North York, and the wonderful trips with beloved travelling companions to Florida, Hilton Head and the U.K. The family also wishes to acknowledge the dedication and loving care of Charles' wonderful health team at Sunnybrook Veterans Centre, and constant companions Liza, Sham, Nora, and the angel Majah. We will never forget the father, husband, son, teacher, mentor and friend you were to us all. The family will receive friends at the HUMPHREY FUNERAL HOME A.W. MILES - NEWBIGGING CHAPEL, 1403 Bayview Avenue (south of Davisville Avenue) from 6:00 - 8:00 p.m. Wednesday, November 19 and from 2:00 - 4:00 and 6:00 8:00 p.m. on Thursday, November 20, with prayers at 1:30 p.m. to which all are welcome. A celebration of Charles' life will be held at the THORNHILL GOLF & COUNTRY CLUB, 7994 Yonge Street, Thornhill on Saturday, November 22 from 2:00 - 5:00 p.m. with remarks at 3:00 p.m. Both a private family Flag Ceremony at Sunnybrook Veterans Centre and cremation have taken place. The family gratefully declines flowers. If desired, donations may be made to the Alzheimer's Society of Canada (www.alzheimer.ca) or the Taylor Statten Camping Bursary Fund (www.tscbf.com). Condolences and memories may be forwarded through www.humphreymilesnewbigging.com.