It is with heavy hearts, a sense of loss and sadness that we share the passing of Bryan Church Rowntree on 14 October, 2024. Bryan passed quietly after a short stay in Toronto this past Monday. His final moments were peaceful with family and his beloved and devoted companion / caregiver, Emilia, bedside.
Born in Toronto to parents Charles and Vera Rowntree on February 17, 1933, he was blessed to share 67 years with the love of his life Bette (Thomson d.2022). Bryan is survived by son Gregory (Alison) and daughter Susan. He was predeceased by son Scott (d.2014) and daughter Elizabeth (d.2004).
Grandfather of Daniel (Kathleen), Lukus (Cara), Jordyn (Evo), Kayla (Dustin), Ben, Conner, Maxwell (Josie), Brynlyn, Matthew and Kate; Bryan was a great-grandfather to Theo, Beverly, Layla, Indie and Clementine.
Bryan will be missed by many an extended family of friends and business associates cultivated throughout the years.
Entrepreneurial endeavours throughout Scarborough and beyond, Bryan’s life in sports car racing and rallying started him on a “road” in the retail automotive sector in 1957. In 1963 he started at Golden Mile Motors and became General Manager and later Dealer Principle with Golden Mile retailing in excess of 3,200 vehicles a year in the 1960’s ranking it amongst the top new and used retail operations in the nation.
Bryan is recognized as a leader in the retail automotive industry in Canada and beyond; with recognition by Time Magazine as the 1968 Time Quality Dealer of the Year in Canada. He served as the president of the Toronto Automobile Dealers Association and the Toronto Auto Show in 1982. Bryan was a founding director of the Canadian Automotive Institute at Georgian College and served on the board for over three decades. In the 1980’s Bryan created a national automotive training school for retail dealerships, STM – Success Training and Management. During the 1980’s and 1990’s Bryan owned 11 car dealerships in Montreal, Toronto and beyond representing GM, Toyota, Ford, Audi, Nissan, Hyundai, Mazda, VW and Chrysler, employing over 700 people. Bryan was awarded the TADA Award of Merit for spearheading the opposition of big banks entering the retail car leasing sector. He was a board member of the Automotive Hall of Fame in Detroit; Bryan was the founding chairman of Co-Auto Warehousing; a co-founder of Sym-Tech Rustproofing and he was one of the original members of the J.D. Power Automotive Roundtable.
Bryan and Bette’s philanthropic visions can be witnessed within and without the borders of Toronto. Scarborough General, Scarborough Centenary, North York General and Sunnybrook Hospitals; Providence Villa Seniors Residence; The new CNIB Guide Dog facility in Markham; Toronto’s annual Brazilian Ball; the Rowntree Theatre at Georgian College; the gymnasium project at St. Andrews College, Aurora; the Rowntree Academic Centre at Rosseau Lake College; and in the summer of 2023, the Bryan and Bette Rowntree Palliative Care Unit at Scarborough Centenary Hospital.
As per Bryans’ wishes, he will be cremated with his ashes laid to rest beside Bette and a few scattered to the winds, wilds and waters of Lake Rosseau and the Muskoka that he loved so very much in a private family ceremony. A celebration of Bryan’s life will be held at a future date.
In keeping with Bryan’s wishes, the family would simply ask that next time you are with your family, friends, or co-workers, raise a glass in his honour and say “Cheers”. Then hug those close to you and let them know how you feel.
In lieu of flowers please consider donating to a charity of your choice in his honour.
The family wishes to extend many thanks to Dr. Ali and Team on the 6th Floor at Toronto General Hospital for their attentive care and efforts toward keeping Bryan comfortable. To family friend, consuel and empath, Wes… words are not enough.