Denis Brown was born in South Wales in 1929 to William and Gertrude. From an early age, he was fascinated by aircraft, apprenticing with the Bristol Airplane Company, completing his BSc (Eng) at Bristol University, going on to a Masters (Toronto) and Ph.D. (Bristol). In Bristol Denis met the love of his life, Joan Fuller, marrying her in Lyddington, Wiltshire, England in 1953; Denis looked so handsome in his Royal Navy (Fleet Air Arm), since he was doing his two-year military service at the time. In 1954 the young couple emigrated to Canada, first to Quesnel where his parents and sister Lilian (Stuart) were living on a remote bush farm. A few months later Avro Canada hired Denis, so they moved to Toronto where Christina (Tom) was born. In 1960 Denis moved to the National Research Council in Ottawa, beginning a 32-year career as a research engineer testing aerofoils in the supersonic wind tunnel. Helen and Morgan (Catharine) were born within a few years of settling in the nation’s capital. The most difficult part of his life was the loss of Helen at the age of fifteen. But he said that, through Joan’s God-given strength, they were brought through that time of profound grief.
Upon retirement he and Joan moved to Victoria, where they spent many happy years, becoming involved in the welcoming church of St. David’s-by-the-Sea Anglican Church. His Welsh heritage was always important to him; he was very active in the Victoria Welsh Society and edited their newsletter. He also played cricket up island at Shawnigan Lake. Throughout his career, Denis travelled to places including USA, Israel, Italy, and Australia. Denis and Joan took many trips together to visit family in the UK, as well as their children, grandchildren and great-granddaughters (Julia and Katie) in Canada.
Denis was interested in many things, especially debating history and politics! He loved music, singing with St. David’s choir and attending Victoria Symphony concerts. He was also twice warden of St. David’s and helped instill in his children a deep faith. Another joy was his sailboat Slider; he was always looking for crew to ride the waves. He encouraged further education, and it was a great pride and joy to see his children and five grandchildren: David (Eilidh), Heather (Clint), Megan (Christopher), Nicholas and Severn, obtain university degrees. Denis lived his life with integrity; his love for family and commitment to whatever he took on were key components of a life well lived, and well loved. We shall miss him – beloved husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, brother and friend.
A Memorial Service will be held at St. David’s-by-the-Sea Anglican Church, 5182 Cordova Bay Road, Victoria, at 4:30 pm on Saturday, July 14, 2018, with a reception to follow. In lieu of flowers, donations would be appreciated to a charity of your choice. Condolences may be offered to the family below.
McCall Gardens
www.mccallgardens.com
Nos plus sincères sympathies à la famille et aux amis de Denis Brown May 6 1929 to July 10 2018.source
Décès pour la Ville: Victoria, Province: Colombie britanique
