Henry Vickers Brown passed away August 25, 2024 in Burlington, Ontario after 87 and a half years of adventure, leadership and a full rich life.

Henry was born in Sydney Mines, Cape Breton, Nova Scotia on January 16, 1937 to Thelma and Charles Brown. He is predeceased by his parents, first wife Roma and sisters Grace [Bernie] and Lorraine [Michael] and brother Murray. He is survived by his siblings Jean [Leonard] , Melvyn [Darla], Glenda, Carol [Richard] and David [Heather]. His love and admiration for his wife Theresa was evident to all who knew them. He was a devoted father to Lynda [Peter], Darlene [Michel], Glenda [Tim] and Henry [Heather] and loving papa to Lyndsay [Jennifer], Harmony, Adam [Daniella], Megan [Orvin], Darcy [Josh], Shawna [Diane], Henry, and Troy [Jenna]. He was thrilled when he became a great-grandpa to Javier, Harper, Blake, Fletcher and Jack. Family was the cornerstone of Henry’s life and spending time with them was his greatest joy.

Henry became a teacher and then a principal by age 19. He was an innovative educator, inspiring the first ever student-built computer in the mid sixties; taking his students on overnight winter ski trips; directing school musicals; and running environmental programs at Pembroke Senior Public School starting in the seventies.

He owned several family businesses in Pembroke including a boat tour company. He eagerly shared his passion for the Ottawa River with countless cruises on the Miss Pembroke, often landing at Oiseau Rock for a corn roast and swim.

In the nineties he fulfilled his lifelong dream of living and working in the Arctic as the senior administrative officer for Cambridge Bay and Broughton Island.

Henry was a changemaker and modelled community service. He served as councillor and mayor on the Pembroke City Council for many years in the seventies. He helped bring geared to income and seniors housing, a second ice surface, and the marina to Pembroke as well as helped facilitate the establishment of Festival Hall. He was an active member in every community he lived in, helping create positive change, including in his final Burlington village community.

His commitment to being a lifelong learner and his determination to remain positive while overcoming obstacles inspired us all. He left the world a better place.

We will celebrate Henry’s life at The Simple Alternative, 1535 S Gateway Rd, Mississauga on Sunday, September 1, at 10 am. The family will be there to welcome friends and relatives starting at 9:30 am. Reception will follow.

In lieu of flowers the family kindly request donations be made to the Martin Family Initiative or the Canadian Wildlife Federation.

The service will be live streamed. The link and instructions will be posted on the website a few hours prior to the start of the service.