June 21, 1938 - September 7, 2020
Our father, James McKenzie Brown - Jim to all who knew him - passed away peacefully on September 7, 2020.
Born in Regina, Dad grew up mostly in Vancouver, and lived for a while in Kitimat before settling in the beautiful Coldstream Valley. Predeceased by his beloved wife Cathy, he is survived by son James (Mary-Ann), daughter Karen (Scott), grandchildren Bryan and Jamie, and siblings Glen, Bettye and Patricia.
Our Dad was certainly a character - unique, eccentric, delightful and entirely unforgettable. While we were children, his guidance was loving, mostly patient, and often injected with humour as he gently poked fun at our 'kid-isms' - the made-up words that we all adopted, and that will continue to keep him alive in our hearts.
Dad's life was full of many and varied passions, some more enduring than others.
His greatest love was for his wife, Cathy - he loved her unconditionally and was happiest when they were together. While they were complete with one another, they added dogs, cats, horses, chickens, pigs, and wild birds to the custom built home they called Northrange.
Dad loved to play bridge, becoming a life master. He was happy to share his passion, and would joyfully seize on anyone who showed the slightest interest and could hold 13 cards at once. Live theatre was important throughout his life - he taught, performed, stage-managed and directed countless plays, and made many friends and no small impact at the Powerhouse Theatre along the way. Dad played the piano well, and admiring audiences would often gather, though he gently deflected their compliments. He loved the piano, but had passing flings with a harmonica and a trombone.
His teaching career varied widely, including high school drama, a vice-principalship and kindergarten, and he was loved and admired by students and colleagues alike. After retiring in 1992, Dad tried on many hats, including bed-and-breakfast host, ginseng grower, driving instructor, hospice volunteer, and Christmas tree farmer. A genuine interest in sustainable power led to an experiment with a wind turbine and installation of a solar power array. He and Cathy became avid travelers and explored much of the world by car, camper van, trailer and tandem bicycle. Highlights included Scotland, the Panama Canal and a hike up Mount Fuji in Japan to experience the sunrise.
We were fortunate to have many visits with our Dad over the years, being welcomed each time with a warm smile and 'Hug Time'. Our arms and hearts will always remember every hug, especially the last hug goodbye.
Thank you to the staff and residents of Canterbury Court for your kindness and friendship.
A private family gathering will be held at a future date. We hope Dad's many friends will find their own ways to celebrate his life, and expressions of sympathy may be forwarded to www.myalternatives.ca. In lieu of flowers, donations to the North Okanagan Hospice Society would be most welcome.