Roderick Evan Brown, Q.C.
RODERICK EVAN BROWN, Q.C.
Sarnia lawyer and community leader, Roderick Evan Brown, passed peacefully on December 31, 2021, in Palliative Care, Bluewater Health.
He was pre-deceased by parents Roy Alexander Brown and (Lillian) Marcella (Robinson) Brown; chosen son, Dean Paul Anderson and dear niece, Christina Brown.
Rod is survived by: his treasured sons, Roderick Alexander Brown (Sarnia/Toronto) and Justin Robinson Brown (Toronto); his sister, Carol (Brown) Bongard (Toronto); brother, Dr. Stephen Brown/Lena (Sanibel Island, Florida); niece, Toby Bongard and nephews, Dr. Josh Bongard, Stephen Brown and Matthew Brown. He is lovingly remembered by Rod and Justin’s mother, Anne M. Brown, and long-time companion, Janet Leonard.
Born in Sarnia on July 13th, 1935, Rod graduated from S.C.I.T.S. and attended The University of Western Ontario, where he earned an Honours Bachelor of Business Administration degree. He tried his hand at several occupations, which ranged from selling soap out West to directing programs at the Sarnia YMCA – but feeling he had not yet found his niche, resumed his studies at Western, graduating with a Juris Doctorate. Rod soon returned to his beloved Sarnia to practice Law (1970), and subsequently, was honoured to be awarded the designation of Queen’s Counsel (1982). In later years he also served as a Deputy Justice, largely in the Chatham area.
Rod believed it was better to “commit and contribute” than to complain, and resultingly gave freely to his community. A partial list of his involvements include: Past-President of the Rotary Club of Sarnia (a Paul Harris Fellow); Past-President of the Sarnia Golf & Curling Club (an avid curler, in high-school he was a member of the SCITS Ontario Championship Team – and he remained an excellent golfer up until a few years ago); Past-President of the Lambton Law Society; Past-President of the Lambton Liberal Association; Past-President of the Sarnia YMCA; Past-Member of the Board of Directors of the Chamber of Commerce; Past-Member of the Board of the Sarnia & District Children’s Treatment Centre (now Pathways); Trustee of Central United Church (he sang in the Choir for many years); and other affiliations too numerous to note.
Following in the footsteps of his community-minded mother, Marcella, Rod also served as an elected City/County Councillor, sitting on several Committees.
Rod had a grand affinity for the Stage – both as a thespian and as a singer. All through high school he was a regular in the historic SCITS Revue, and later appeared in University of Western Ontario productions. He enjoyed being part of many presentations by: the Lambton Law Association; Theatre Sarnia; the Nightengale Chorus; Polysar Glee Club; and was especially pleased to have been a member of the cast for several Huron Country Playhouse performances.
In his younger years Rod loved the freedom and relaxation of sailing on the glorious blue waters of Lake Huron – often racing on Sunday afternoons with old friends like Terry Taylor and Peter Link. Winning really wasn’t the holy grail – but sometimes with a cold beer in one hand, tiller in the other, and a prayer for a gust of wind to get them over the finish line – they did!
Rod, you worked hard, played fairly, abided by the Golden Rule and always tried to do the right thing. Rest now with the Angels – you have earned your place in Paradise.
Memorial donations would be welcomed by Huron House Boy’s Home at Huron House Boys Home (hhbh.ca) The Inn of the Good Shepherd at www.theinnsarnia.ca or a Charity of your choice – in honor of a humble life, lived in service to others.
Private arrangements have been entrusted to the D. J. Robb Funeral Home & Cremation Centre, 102 N. Victoria St, Sarnia, ON, N7T 5W9. There will be no service at this time due to the heightened pandemic. Memories, photographs or messages of condolence may be shared through www.djrobb.on.ca
“A sincere thank you from the family to all those at Bluewater Health who demonstrated kindness and compassion during these last difficult days”
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Our most sincere sympathies to the family and friends of Roderick Evan Brown QC July 13 1935..
d.j.robb funeral home & cremation centre
Death notice for the town of: Sarnia, Province: Ontario