Obituary: Harold Albert Brain

BRAIN, Harold Albert – (March 31, 1936 – February 14, 2020) – We are saddened to announce the passing of Harold Brain at ARCH Hospice on Friday, February 14, 2020. Harold was a loving husband to the late Phyllis Wallace (2019) and the late Joan Brain (1997). He was the beloved father of David (Nadine), Kevin (Charmaine), and Daryl (Andrea), and caring step-father to Kim, Greg (Stephanie) and David (Elaine) Wallace.

Harold was the proud grandfather to Rachel and Katrina Brain; Steven and Benjamin Martel and Adam Martel-Brain; Jamie and Alexander Brain; Sasha, Megan, Aaron and Donald Wallace; and great-grandfather to Mason and Meghan. He was predeceased by his brothers William, Russell and Gordon, and his sister Mary Neil.

Harold was born in Hornby, Ontario, where his education took place in a one-room schoolhouse and on the family farm. He later graduated from the Niagara Parks Commission School of Horticulture, where he made lifelong friends. Following his marriage to Joan Scott, the couple headed north to Port Arthur, Ontario where Harold joined the Port Arthur Parks department. They moved to Sault Ste. Marie with their growing family in 1967, and Harold became the Commissioner of Parks and Recreation for the City of Sault Ste. Marie. He was a past president of the Ontario Parks Association.

Following Joan’s passing, Harold married Phyllis Wallace in 2001, and they spent the years enjoying each other’s company, travelling, attending concerts, and finding joy in their families. Although he faced health challenges for more than 30 years, including a heart transplant in 1999, Harold’s energy and enthusiasm for life were indomitable. He was a lifelong learner, and remained active in the community as a volunteer with the Arts Council, Historical Society, United Way, Christmas Cheer, St. Matthew’s Anglican Church and others. He was generous to family, friends and strangers, and he thrived in the company of friends, former colleagues and new acquaintances alike. We can honour his memory best by “living life to the fullest”!

We extend our heartfelt thanks to the kind neighbours, friends and caregivers who provided company and caring support for Harold on his journey.

Cremation has taken place. A funeral service will be held at Emmaus Anglican Church on Friday, February 28th at 2pm, followed by a come-and-go reception and celebration of Harold’s life at the Art Gallery of Algoma from 4-7pm. Please drop by. Memorial donations to Sault Area Hospital Foundation, ARCH Hospice or Emmaus Anglican Church would be appreciated. Arrangements are entrusted to the Arthur Funeral Home – Barton & Kiteley Chapel (492 Wellington St. East 705-759-2522). Please visit Arthur Funeral Home website obituaries to leave memories and condolences as a keepsake for the family