Percy Robert Brown, 95, of Rainycrest Home for the Aged, Fort Frances, Ont., passed away Wednesday, Jan. 6, 1999 at La Verendrye General Hospital in Fort Frances.
Percy was born March 24, 1903 in Bulwell, England to the late William and Alice Brown. In 1917, he came to Canada as a “Home Boy” brought here by Oliver Hinds. He began working at age 14 at Dakeyne Farm in Falmouth, N.S.
As Percy got a little older, he began working his way across Canada, working in logging camps. In the late 1920s, he settled in Rainy River District, a place he always called home. During the 1930s, he worked in the local logging camps as a cook and during those Depression years, he worked wherever work could be found.
On May 1, 1940, Percy was united in marriage to Rose Blom. In 1940, he also began working for the local paper mill until he retired in 1971.
Percy enjoyed gardening, watching hockey, fishing, his Black 1964 Ford truck, but most of all spending time with his family, especially his grandchildren.
He was predeceased by his wife, Rose Brown (October, 1981); infant daughter, Elizabeth Brown; two brothers, Bill and George; and three sisters, Ethle, Edith, and Doly.
Percy is survived by his three sons, Bob Brown and wife, La Verna, of Fort Frances, Ont., Bill Brown and Bonnie of New Westminster, B.C., and Bud Brown of Coquitlam, B.C.; daughter, Velma Blom of Fort Frances, Ont.; nine grandchildren, Dennis Brown of Barrie, Ont., Lynne and husband, Richard Chambers, Wendy and husband, Martin Kellar, Sandra Brown, David Brown and wife, Laurie, all of Fort Frances, Ont., Amber Lee Brown, Eleanor and husband, Wayne Barron, of Barwick, Ont., Kennie Tetreault and Heather of Oliver, B.C., and Frank Lockman and Tracey of Fort Frances, Ont.; 12 great-grandchildren; one great-great-granddaughter; and several relatives in England.
Memorial services were held Saturday, Jan. 9, 1999 at 10:30 a.m. at Green Funeral Home in Fort Frances. Rev. Patrick Playfair officiated, with interment in Fort Frances Cemetery in Fort Frances.
Honourary pallbearers were all of Percy’s grandchildren.
In lieu of flowers, in memoriam donations may be made to the Canadian Cancer Society, Box 444, Fort Frances, Ont., P9A 3M8, or to the charity of your choice.
Lord, take my life and make it wholly Thine;
Fill my poor heart with Thy great love divine.
Take all my will, my passion, self, and pride:
I now surrender, Lord-in me abide. (ORR)