Peacefully died on Tuesday September 16 at his home surrounded by his loving and devoted wife, Elsie, and three daughters at the age of 84. Brock and Elsie were fortunate enough to celebrate their 60th wedding anniversary in early September. Brock’s greatest joy in life was his family, with a philosophy of “Family first. Work second.” He was a dedicated father to Catherine (David), Jennifer (Larry), and Melissa (Simon), and loving grandfather to Caitlin, Sidney, Evelyn, Michael, Erica, and Spencer. He will also be deeply missed by his devoted sister Mary Janet (André) and his niece Corinne.

As the Director of Legal Services for the Ministry of Culture and Recreation, Brock’s lasting legacy is the work he did for the Ontario Heritage Foundation, preserving historical buildings and wetlands in Ontario. Appointed as a Queen’s Counsel, Brock served at the Ontario Attorney General’s office for many years, before becoming the Acting Director at the Psychiatric Patient Advocate Office at the Ministry of Health where he played a key role in the advocacy and rights of mental health patients. His later work with the Ontario Consent and Capacity Board ensured that young people grappling with mental illness were seen and heard by this measured and compassionate man.

Brock’s commitment to service made a lasting impact on the Beach community. Along with fellow neighbours, he played a vital role in the building of the Adam Beck Community Centre and the installation and maintenance of the skating rink in the local park each winter. He never hesitated to grab his shovel or tool box in order to lend a hand with a friend’s home improvement project.

A true lover of sport, both as a talented athlete and as a spectator, Brock was a long suffering Maple Leafs fan [“shoot the puck!”], an avid lover of the Blue Jays, and someone who could easily hold his own on a tennis court or hockey rink. His 20km daily round trip bike ride to work for almost thirty years, rain or shine, illustrates just how resilient he was in all aspects of his life.

Brock’s family extends heartfelt thanks to his many friends and neighbours in the Beach for their constant kindness and support. We are especially grateful to Brock’s healthcare team for their years of dedicated care, to the compassionate staff of the Sinai Health Palliative Care team, and to Brock and Elsie’s extraordinary Personal Support Workers. Each of you cared for him with remarkable thoughtfulness, kindness, and dignity.
Services will take place at Mount Pleasant Funeral Centre on Wednesday September 24. Visitation at 11am, funeral service at 12pm, and reception to follow. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Heart & Stroke Foundation of Canada.