Darryl Clare Brown
1966-2020
Darryl Clare Brown
(September 7, 1966 –
November 19, 2020)
Darryl passed away peacefully at
home on November 19, 2020 following a recent diagnosis of acute
myeloid leukemia. He was 54. Born in Stratford, Ontario, on September
7, 1966, he was the son of Jean Brown (Heinbuch) and the late Clare
Brown. He is survived by his wife Maureen Madigan and daughter Ella of
Port Williams, NS; mother Jean Brown of New Hamburg, Ontario; brother
Bill (Wanda) Brown of East Zorra Tavistock, Ontario; sisters, Marilyn
(Bob) Zehr of Tavistock, Ontario and Elaine (Ed) VanKlooster of
Stratford, Ontario. Predeceased by his sister Gayleen and her husband
Frank Crawford. Fondly remembered by his many nieces and nephews and
their families.
Growing
up on the family farm in Tavistock, Ontario, Darryl was grateful for a
happy, healthy childhood. He studied Chemistry at the University of
Waterloo and Queen’s University and along the way, he was
rewarded with lifelong friends, most of whom refer to him as “D
Brown.” In 1993, he met Maureen. Theirs was a classic
‘90s romance – they fell in love watching Seinfeld
on Thursday nights on cable TV at Darryl’s house. In the
years that followed, they moved from Kingston to Halifax to Calgary,
where Darryl worked in analytical chemistry and supported
Maureen’s medical
studies.
His life
took on a new meaning when his daughter was born in 2002. He was
fiercely devoted to Ella – of whom he frequently and
not-so-humbly boasted – and they would build a special
relationship over the next 18 years. In 2004, Darryl and his family
settled in the Annapolis Valley, Nova Scotia where they bought land
which he worked tirelessly to convert, with help from visiting
extended family, into rows of grape vines that sloped towards the
ocean. Black Dogs Vineyard would create beauty for all who visited and
joy to those who drank the fruit of his labour. Darryl also enjoyed
working with the Board of Directors of both the Grape
Growers’ Association of Nova Scotia and the Kings County
Squash Club.
Darryl
had a unique outlook on life and never found it necessary to follow
convention. His quick mind and sharp observational skills gifted him a
clever wit. He was realistic, pragmatic and direct, always with a
spirit of generosity. He quietly provided for others; you knew that he
had your back. He made everything around him better: with Darryl a
regular evening became an extraordinary dinner; a gathering of friends
turned into a party; 28 acres on the Minas Basin was transformed into
a vineyard. He was also a beautiful singer and skilled trumpet player.
He listened to literary classics while tending his vines. There was no
meal he could not cook, no tractor he could not fix. His curiosity,
intelligence, generosity and sense of humour will live on in those he
left behind, and most especially his
daughter.
We give
thanks for the tremendous support of family, friends and community as
well as the countless medical professionals who cared for him. Darryl
was humbled two weeks ago when forty people arrived to take the nets
off his vines. We give special mention to Dr. Nebojsa Sparavalo, Dr.
Sudeep Shivakumar and Nurse Jenn LeBlanc (VG hematology) and Dr. Mike
Sinclair. To honour Darryl’s memory, please consider giving
the gift of life by donating blood through Canadian Blood Services
(1-888-236-6283). Alternatively, memorial donations may be made to the
Valley Hospice
Association.
In lieu
of a service, feel free to drop by Black Dogs Vineyard, take a stroll
through Darryl’s legacy and share a word with Maureen and
Ella outside on Sunday, November 29th anytime from 10am-12pm (please
adhere to pandemic guidelines, rain or
shine).
Funeral
arrangements have been entrusted to the
White Family Funeral Home and Cremation Services, Kentville. On-line
condolences and inquiries may be directed to www.whitefamilyfuneralhome.com.
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Our most sincere sympathies to the family and friends of Darryl Clare Brown 19662020..
Death notice for the town of: Kentville, Province: Nova Scotia