Obituary of John Albert Brough
It is with profound sadness that the family announces the passing of John, peacefully at home with his wife and children, on May 17th.
John was born on December 6, 1946, in Kirkland Lake to Maggie and Albert Brough. He is survived by his loving wife of 52 years, Lesley, and his children, Geoffrey, Andrew, and Allison (Blair). Proud Pop-Pop to Allison and Blair’s daughters, Maggie and Grace. Sadly, missed by sister Joyce (Len Fraser) of Kirkland Lake, Ken (Elaine) of Edmonton and sister-in-law Margo (Ray) of Orillia.
John graduated with a Bachelor of Arts degree (Economics) from The University of Toronto, received his Chartered Accountant Degree and, more recently, the designation Chartered Professional Accountant. He spent his business career in real estate development throughout Canada and the United States. John served on over ten large public company Directorships in mining, financial and real estate boards for over 20 years. These Directorships, particularly with companies such as Kinross Gold and Wheaton Precious Metals, allowed John to gain knowledge and expertise to help drive new acquisitions and operations in the mining business around the world.
John was an avid golfer with golf memberships at Rosedale Golf Club in Toronto, Bigwin Island in Muskoka, Redstick and Orchid Island in Florida.
He especially loved being at his cottage, (affectionately called) Wigan Pier, on Lake of Bays during the summer months, playing golf, gardening and being surrounded by family and friends. He adored taking his granddaughters Maggie and Grace on boat tours around the lake and over to Bigwin Island for lunches and dinners, and hearing updates about their latest endeavours. He enjoyed attending the Bigwin galas, hosting parties and ending the evening on the dock with his family watching the boats pass by.
To those who knew him, John was larger than life. He was a kind man with a big heart, a wicked sense of humour and loud infectious laugh. He loved to hold court at dinner parties regaling stories and giving his view on any and every topic. He was a voracious reader, lover of wine, and loved to spend afternoons watching a good game of golf or football. He gave the best hugs, always found a way to sneak in a witty comment and was so proud of his family. John held many titles on his life, but his favourite role was being a husband, father, and grandfather. He will be missed by all.
The family would like to thank Dr. Shaf Keshavjee, Director, Thoracic Research Laboratories and Surgery for his care and compassion over the past year. They would also like to send a special thank you to the staff at Temmy Latner Centre for Palliative Care.
Finally, as John would inevitably reply after being asked how he is, “all the better for seeing you.”
In lieu of flowers, donations to Dr. Shaf Keshavjee’s Cancer Research Fund at UHN Foundation or the Temmy Latner Centre for Palliative Care in John’s name would be greatly appreciated by the family. Condolences may be forwarded through www.humphreymiles.com.
A celebration of John’s life will be held at a time and place to be announced. Details to follow.
© 2023 Humphrey Funeral Home A.W. Miles – Newbigging Chapel Limited. All Rights Reserved.
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