Bramwell Logan Gregson
1934-2018
If it is true that a
life well-lived can be measured by the quality of one’s relationships,
then Bramwell Logan Gregson (Bram as he preferred to be called) had a
remarkable life. Those that had the privilege and pleasure to know
him, knew that he was an extraordinary man.
From October
6th, when Bram was suddenly diagnosed with Acute Myeloid Leukemia,
until the early morning of October 31st, when he took his last breath,
he was delighted, yet greatly humbled by the outpouring of accolades,
affection, admiration, appreciation and respect shown to him by the
many incredible friends and acquaintances who heard of his terminal
diagnosis.
Bram’s
greatest treasure was his loving family. He adored them all. Even as
the doctor gave him the news, his first concern was for the welfare of
his family. Ann, his wonderful and devoted wife of 59 years, children
Jane & son-in-law Dean Miskokomon, Neil Gregson &
daughter-in-law Kristi Nicholl, and precious grandsons Jarrett and
Rocco, along with his British family, brother Edward &
sister-in-law Sue Gregson, nephews Mark & Justin, sister Pearl
& brother-in-law Edwin Warley, nieces Debbie & Rachel,
are all profoundly saddened by Bram’s sudden passing. He brought such
unimaginable joy and unconditional love to our lives. We will remain
eternally grateful to have had those blessed 25 days together with our
precious patriach to reminisce, laugh and say
goodbye.
Many know or
remember Bram from his 61 years in the Salvation Army (SA). Born in
1934 in the United Kingdom to Corps Officers (clergy) of the Salvation
Army, Bram moved to many different towns and cities. One
‘constant’ however was his involvement in the musical
fellowship of church life. From a young age, Bram loved music, was
self-taught, yet determined to be an excellent musician. Called up to
do National Service, Bram, with natural talent, but also with
perseverance and a lot of practice, became a member of Her Majesty’s
Coldstream Guards in 1950, serving as Principal Euphonium. He also
used his outstanding ability as a euphonium player in the Tottenham
(now Enfield) Citadel Band from 1954 to 1964, becoming Deputy
Bandmaster.
In 1964, Bram
and Ann emigrated to London, Ontario, where he became Bandmaster of
the London Citadel SA Band, transforming them within a relatively
short space of time into one of the finest SA bands in North America.
Retiring after 27 years, Bram founded Intrada Brass in 1995 in
Toronto. He also went on to conduct a 10-piece chamber ensemble,
Brassroots for 23 years. With these 2 groups, he demonstrated his
artistic ability to programme and conduct many styles of music from
Classical to Jazz, giving him much pleasure in the
process.
Bram was set
to retire as Music Director of Brassroots in June 2019, on reaching
his 85th birthday, but sadly his plan to conduct the last concert of
the season in April 2019 was taken away from him by his sudden
illness. He did, however, achieve his wish to be conducting until the
very end of his life as he had conducted a gig with Brassroots just
the afternoon before his admittance to hospital. Also on that day he
had completed his daily exercises and a 3 to 5 km walk. Bram was so
determined to keep moving, be active and strong, and remain youthful;
and he certainly was. He didn’t look his age – indeed most
people thought him to be 74 not 84. The weekend before his last gig
with the ensemble, Bram was playing baseball to celebrate Rocco’s 10th
birthday! He missed the ball the first time, fell over, got right back
up again and hit that ball. That was Bram, always dedicated to
success!
While music
was his passion, Bram was also widely known for his success as a civil
engineer. After graduating from Bede Grammar School in Sunderland,
England, he worked at the UK building construction firm Wimpey, then
in Canada at Lavalin and McLarens, before venturing out to start up
his own consulting firm for Senior Citizens Nonprofit Housing Projects
in Ontario. He thoroughly enjoyed his profession and constantly
reminisced about the many fine people he met along the way. Bram
retired in 1995, allowing him so much more time to devote to
music.
During his
illustrious musical career, Bram toured widely, conducted and produced
many recordings, wrote countless articles and newsletters, spent
hundreds of hours applying for grants for his musical groups. In
addition he was a huge promoter and advocate for the Arts in the
London community. He also founded a yearly competition for
Young Brass Players, an award he was looking forward to presenting
this past month.
Bram was
considered one of the leading brass conductors, trainers, educators
and adjudicators in Canada and beyond. He received great recognition
and well-deserved accolades throughout his musical career; these
included Honorary Membership of the American Bandsmasters Association,
and the President’s Award from the North American Brass Band
Association. His unique and fiery leadership style became legendary
and will remain an inspiration to all of those who benefited so
greatly from his legacy.
Bram was
genuine, vibrant, optimistic, inspirational and enthusiastic. He
always maintained high standards for himself and expected the same
from others. ‘Work hard, do your best, over-prepare, be meticulous,
tenacious & dependable, keep learning, and try to be
grammatically correct’; these were just some of Bram’s
mantras. As a fan of efficiency and effectiveness, he
admitted that he was not always the most patient of men; but he was a
man with his heart in the right place. When he believed in you, he
always stood by you, even when you blundered. He could always be
counted on to care, support, and encourage, and to be your biggest
cheerleader.
Bram was a
man of courage, principal and fairness. He was intolerant of
insensitivity. Thus, he was fond of a good rant or debate, especially
about politics, sport or service providers! He enjoyed sharing his
opinions and felt that if he helped the world to grow in wisdom, he
had done his bit in life with confidence and character. With a
predisposition for humour and self-effacement, he was a great mimic
and raconteur, and savoured a great joke. He possessed an infectious
laugh, often laughing until he cried! Crazy about sport, especially
cricket and soccer, Bram was a devout Liverpool fan. Indeed, only two
days before he passed away, he laid in his hospital bed wearing his
Liverpool cap, watching them play on his Ipad and cheering on his
favourite team, grateful for modern technology that allowed him this
opportunity.
More than
anything else, however, Bram was a big supporter of his colleagues,
his friends and family. He was unfailingly kind-hearted, generous in
every sense, and cherished these relationships above all else. Bram
felt happy to be loved and blessed, especially in his final days. But
for those of us who knew Bram, it is us whose lives were immeasurably
enriched by knowing this incredible man. He imprinted our minds,
hearts and souls in unimaginably wonderful ways. He will be missed
beyond words!
If you are
able, we hope that you will join us in a Celebration of Bram’s Life,
to be held at 2
pm on Saturday, January 12th at St. James Westminster
Church, 115
Askin Street, London, Ontario N6C 1E7. This fitting and
memorable tribute will include beautiful live music that Bram himself
selected in his final days.
In memory of
Bram, and to continue his legacy and infectious love of music, the
family would greatly appreciate any memorial donations that you may
wish to make, to go to the Kiwanis Music Festival of London
Inc. P.O.
Box 50008, London ON N6A
6H8 , secretary@kiwanismusicfestivallondon.com.
The funds will help to present ‘The Bram Gregson Young Brass Player
Award’ at next years event.
A tree will be planted by the Logan Funeral Home, as a living memorial
to Mr. Gregson.
Click here to View Condolences
Our most sincere sympathies to the family and friends of Bramwell Logan Gregson 19342018..
Source: logan-evans funeral home
Death notice for the town of: London, Province: Ontario