December 26, 1924 - October 19, 2017
Eric Macfarlane Brown
December 26, 1924 - October 19, 2017
Eric passed away peacefully in his sleep Thursday night after a short struggle with cancer.
Predeceased by his wife Gloria, brothers Curtis of Whitby, Ont. and Floyd of Bridgewater N.S.
Eric is survived by his daughter Lorraine (Richard) and sons, Warren (Diane) and Gregory (Marie).
He is also survived by his grandchildren, Lindsay and Dylan Lalonde, Cormick and Tori Brown.
Born in Pugwash Nova Scotia, he grew up on Woodlawn Farm but left at age 16 to join the Air Force. He was stationed in England and served as flight engineer, 427 Squadron flying Lancaster Bombers and keeping the merlins running smooth. After the war he took a course in hotel management in Montreal. It was here he met and later married Gloria Leblanc.
By 1949 he started a dry cleaning business in Huntingdon Quebec, where they raised 3 children. Eric flew planes out of Malone N.Y., started a Corn Cob Pipe Factory, served as alderman, was a commanding officer in the Sea Cadets, President of the Rod and Gun Club, member of the Legion and Manager of the Port Lewis Marina.
Throughout this time he built over 10 boats beginning with the 26 ft. "Pugwash" the first pleasure boat to transit the newly completed St. Lawrence Seaway and culminating with the 42 ft. "Lorraine B". This boat served as the press boat during Expo 67 chronicling the Voyageurs final leg from Montreal to New York City.
In 1980 he pulled up stakes, moved to Duncan, BC and built a new house. Thus began 37 years of retirement during which he worked for the business development bank, was maintenance supervisor at the newly built Inn at the Water in Cowichan Bay, and restored antique furniture.
Eric spent many years in his home wood shop. He was always searching out unique wood to create a multitude of projects. Eric's hundreds of masterful bowls were known to many. He enjoyed his garden and grew the best tomatoes!
He enjoyed trips to Palm Springs, Florida, Hawaii, Alaska and Smithers.
Eric will live on in the hearts of all who knew him. Like he always said "If I don't see you in the future, I'll see you in the pasture"
The family would like to sincerely thank all the caregivers at We Care and VIHA who cared for Eric during his final months at home, also Dr. Kerswell and Dr. Nielsen.
An informal gathering will be held at his residence in Duncan on November 11th after 2 pm.
Online condolences can be made at www.hwwallacebc.com.
HW Wallace Cremation & Burial Centre