Browse the obituary of residing in the province of Nova Scotia for funeral details
Cecil Owen Brownell passed away in the very early morning of
Wednesday, May 22, 2024, in his 97th year, at Colchester East Hants
Health Centre, Truro, watched over and cherished by his beloved son,
Jack.
Born 1926 in Eureka, Pictou County, and then moving to Truro
with his family at an early age, Cecil was a son of the late Franklin
and Blanche Brownell. He attended schools in Truro, and was a member
of First Baptist Church.
He was a long-time active member of the Masonic Lodge,
serving as Past Master of Truro Lodge #43 AF & AM and Past
District Deputy Grand Master of Masons for the Colchester
District.
He was employed for thirty-seven years by the Canadian
National Railway, working in the freight and express
departments.
He is survived by son, Jack (Sophie); granddaughter,
Marie-Eve; many nieces and nephews.
He was predeceased by loving wife, Verna (née
Banks); son, Vernon Cecil in infancy; daughter, Mary Donna at age two
and a half years; brothers, Russell, Arnold (Frances), Elmer (Faith),
Walter, Archer (Mildred), and Gerald. Cecil was the last surviving
member of his family.
Cecil enjoyed a lifelong interest in gardening and flowers,
often winning Best in Show and First Place ribbons for his flower
entries at the NS Provincial Exhibition. He had a fondness for horses
and dogs, and loved the outdoors, especially spending time at his
North River woodlot. Eventually this grew to include an interest in
silviculture and courses of study in forest management. Upon
retirement, he purchased ‘Pat,’ a well-used
workhorse, and started harvesting trees ‘the old fashioned
way.’
He was deeply interested in causes that involved the care of
ill and disabled children, regularly volunteering his
support.
After wife Verna’s passing, he taught himself how
to bake his favourites of “Mom’s desserts” that he
missed. This pastime grew. He had special enjoyment taking fresh
cookies when meeting the group of friends for daily coffee, and
delivering sweets, loaves, and cakes to those who weren’t
able to do so for themselves any longer, especially during the
Christmas season. This continued into his late 90s.
When serious matters arose, he often pondered at length
before delivering a well-reasoned opinion or offering sage advice with
a minimum of words.
Cecil was an avid reader, and as life’s pace slowed
in recent years time was also spent on jigsaw puzzles and the weekly
Lexicon Friday.
He was a devoted friend to many. Best of all, however, was
his joy in being a wonderful father. Ninety-seven is a substantial
number of years; Cecil packed a lot of love and care into them
all.
His family extends heartfelt thanks to Dr. Bruce Phillips for
his many years of outstanding care, and also to dedicated and
compassionate caregivers, Diane and Julie.
Arrangements have been entrusted to Mattatall-Varner Funeral
Home, 55 Young Street, Truro, where visitation will be held 4-6 p.m.,
Friday, May 31, 2024. Funeral Service will take place at same location
on Saturday, June 1, 2024, beginning with a Masonic Memorial Service
at 1:30 p.m., and the funeral service at 2 p.m., Reverend Connie
Stewart officiating. Reception will follow. Interment at a later date
at Robie Street Cemetery. Immediate family flowers only, please. If so
desired, donations in Cecil’s memory may be made to a
charity of your choice.
Tributes, words of comfort and memories may be
shared at: www.mattatallvarnerfh.com
1926 2024
Death notice for the town of: Truro, Province: Nova Scotia
death notice Cecil Owen Brownell 1926 2024
obituaries notice Cecil Owen Brownell 1926 2024
We offer our deepest sympathies to the family and friends of Cecil Owen Brownell 1926 2024 and hope that their memory may be a source of comfort during this difficult time. Your thoughts and kind words are greatly appreciated.