|
In memory of those who have Crossed the Bar
DEREK Brown - B.Comm, JD, LL.D - Born May 13, 1945, Derek died peacefully at home on November 9, 2021 after a recent struggle with kidney disease. He is survived by his beloved wife of 45 years, Margaret, his son George (Julie), his two grandchildren Colton and Midori and his brothers Brock, Mark and sister Ann. Derek had an incredibly full and varied life with innumerable shared moments of fun with his many friends and colleagues. He recognized that he had had a great life, beating the odds a number of times. He often provided words of wisdom to those embarking on a new journey, 'Never eat at a place called Moms, never order a martini in a town with a marching band, and never play poker with a guy named 'Doc'. He will be wise to remember these words as he embarks on his own next journey. Born in St. John New Brunswick, Derek remained proud of his Maritime roots, returning every year to his beautiful summer home in Chester Nova Scotia. He was the son of a decorated World War II veteran, George Brown and his mother Eileen, also a proud Royal Canadian Navy veteran. He attended Rothesay Collegiate School and later Dalhousie University where he excelled at academics, enjoyed athletics, particularly football, and spent time with his Phi Delta Theta brothers. His contributions to Dalhousie were ultimately recognized with an Honorary Doctor of Laws in 2006. While at school he was an enthusiastic participant in the Royal Canadian Navy Reserve and he remained a steadfast supporter of our armed forces his entire life. Fresh from law school, Derek landed a job as Executive Assistant to the CEO of the Canadian Television Network (CTV) but soon found his career passion in the investment business, ultimately enjoying a highly successful 25 year career. He started at Pitfield Mackay Ross and was quickly promoted up the ranks eventually becoming Managing Director. In the early 1980's he was transferred to Calgary where he started and built the firm's investment banking operation. It was there that he married Margie and had his son George. Pitfield merged with Dominion Securities in 1985 where he remained on the Executive Committee of the newly combined firm. He retired from the investment business in 1998. After his business career, Derek utilized his immense intellectual and interpersonal gifts to become a much loved Professor of Finance at The Rotman School of Management at the University of Toronto. His unrivalled skills in storytelling, investment banking and corporate advisory enriched the learning experience of many students. While at Rotman, Derek also served as a Commissioner on the Ontario Securities Commission. His legal training and corporate finance expertise were helpful in policy and securities law enforcement issues facing the Commission. Derek had many interests, none more than reading history and biography. His photographic memory allowed him to recall the most obscure facts on virtually any topic. He also could remember with crystalline granularity all of the foibles of his many friends which he always managed to interject into conversation at the most inopportune of times; always to great hilarity. With a hawk's eye on appropriate manners, he conducted himself with style and grace. However it was his ability to tell stories (many at great length), make people laugh and relate to everyone from all stages of life, that was his greatest gift. He always said, 'You better be nice to people on the way up because you are going to meet them again on the way down' which pretty neatly encapsulated his approach to life and people. Although he served as director on a number of public companies, it was his devotion of time to charitable causes and to mentoring the many young people he worked with that will be the foundation of some of our fondest memories. He had superb judgment and an unerring eye for the truth which helped many a young person on their career paths. He was an unfailingly generous friend to all. Reputation and integrity were everything. He entertained in style, displaying his passion for cooking, whether at his annual lobster birthday party with Margie or his more formal traditional celebrations of Christmas, Easter and Thanksgiving. Religion was an important aspect of his life, being a lifelong Anglican - latterly a regular parishioner at St. James Cathedral. His dogs, particularly Tucker, his favourite, were always a feature at the Brown home. He loved his Green Bay Packers and was able to enjoy a last game at home sharing a drink with Margie just before he passed. Most of all, he liked to laugh and was able to do that right up to the end. Derek was a rare Canadian original. A life certainly well lived. A funeral service will be held at Grace Church On-the-Hill, 300 Lonsdale Road Toronto, at 2:00 p.m. on Saturday, November 27, 2021. At the request of the family, attendance for the service will be restricted to fully vaccinated guests over the age of 12 years. For those of you who are unable to attend a live stream of the memorial service will be available. A celebration of Derek's life will be held at a later date. If you would like to honour Derek, please consider making a donation to the Naval Association of Canada Endowment Fund. (The Globe and Mail 13 Nov 2021)
|
