Wootton, Brian George
After an intense battle with cancer, Brian passed away peacefully on Thursday, December 22, 2022, a few weeks short of his 80th birthday, at the Meaford Hospital.
Brian was the much-loved husband of Laurie, father to Katrina (Allan Scott) and Papa to Lincoln and Mitchell. His family was the joy of his life and he will be desperately missed by them. He was the eldest of seven siblings and will also be missed by sisters, Carol and Barbara, brother Alan and was pre-deceased by brothers Stewart, Russell and Ted. He also leaves many friends who will miss his expertise in all things mechanical and his expansive knowledge and collection of single malt scotch.
He was born in Hillingdon, England and arrived in Canada at the age of five. He was raised in Hamilton and graduated from the Hamilton Institute of Technology in 1963. Following graduation, he spent several years travelling through Europe, Scandinavia and North Africa on his BSA motorcycle.
After marriage to Laurie in 1968, they settled in Burlington. Having discovered his mindset wasn’t a good fit with corporate culture, he started a business manufacturing large pumps primarily for municipal water and fire protection, building offices and a manufacturing facility in Burlington. After more than twenty successful years during which he opened offices in Montreal, Winnipeg and Halifax, he sold the business and moved to the home they built on the water in Thornbury.
He enticed Laurie to follow his dream and sail to the Caribbean where they spent the next several years living “la vida loca” aboard their 40-foot sailboat “Branta”. There were many wonderful times and exciting adventures during these years including a shipwreck during a storm in the Spanish Virgin Islands. Undaunted, after many months spent repairing Branta, they continued on Brian’s magical mystery tour.
Brian was a long-time member and former Commodore of the Thornbury Yacht Club where he launched “Sail for Hope” a Canadian Cancer Society fundraiser. He was also a member of Blue Mountain Golf & Country Club and, as a life long aficionado of vintage British sports cars, the Georgian Bay British Car Club.
An intimate family remembrance will be held in the summer of 2023.
If desired, donations to the Meaford Hospital Foundation or the Canadian Cancer Society would be appreciated and may be made through the Ferguson Funeral Home, 48 Boucher St. E., Meaford, ON N4L 1B9 to whom arrangements have been entrusted. www.fergusonfuneralhomes.ca
Saturday, December 24, 2022
Met Brian in 1962 and shared many experiences over the next 60 years.
Want to share something adventurous with someone you could always count on, someone who in adversity would not complain? Call Brian.
Though I have intense sorrow in accepting Brian’s passing I try to reflect on our many good times, made so by Brian.
Thanks for always being there Brian.
Rest now,
Dave A.
Sunday, December 25, 2022
So sorry for your loss Laurie.)
Sunday, December 25, 2022
Our sincerest condolences Laurie, Katrina and Allen. Brian’s expertise in all things mechanical, and electrical will be missed. His intelligence and wit will be sorely missed at our lunch gatherings, as well as his intimate knowledge of single malt Scotch,
Sunday, December 25, 2022
Dear Laurie & family,
Our heartfelt condolences on the loss of Brian. May all your wonderful memories comfort you & bring you peace, during this very difficult time.
Hugs,
René & Angela
Sunday, December 25, 2022
Laurie and Katrina and family
My thoughts are with you at this time. May his memories stay with you forever.
Linda Teed
Monday, December 26, 2022
Laurie, Katrina, Allan and family:
We are greatly saddened by Brian’s passing. Brian loved life to the fullest and his family dearly.
We have shared many happy wonderful family memories together.
We are going to miss Brian at the baseball and hockey games, where we shared so many laughs and excitement together watching our grandsons Lincoln and Mitchell play. Memories to last forever.
Much love,
Don and Janette
Monday, December 26, 2022
So sorry to hear about Brian. Its been a while since we were together, but I often think about him. He was a good friend and business colleague. I would like to attend his celebration of life in the spring.
Take care of yourself.
Colin Kent.
Monday, December 26, 2022
A sad loss to all his family and friends. I had the privilege of his friendship from our first year of highschool together, some 65+years ago. A very special person who we have lost but will remain in our hearts and thoughts forever.
Rest In peace dear friend.
Bob and Sandy Jarrett
Monday, December 26, 2022
Dear Laurie, Katrina and all Brian’s family,
My sincerest condolences at Brian’s passing. He was always a determined and appreciative person who took on challenges and kept working at them until a solution could be found. He did his best this time too.
I shall always have a special spot in my heart for Brian and his friendship with my late husband, Gerry. He and Laurie welcomed me into the larger group and along with the canoe/sailing/building helper group of friends, remained friends over the past many decades. So many great memories with which he’ll remain close to us all.
May you find comfort in your memories and in the knowledge that Brian has found peace now.
Love…
Susan O’Connor
Tuesday, December 27, 2022
Dear Laurie and Family,
We met Brian in 2006 when we joined the TYC. He was at the centre of so much that happened. We were newbies to sailing and Brian was welcoming and encouraging. Many times he gave us assistance or advice with our boat. But he really helped us when we were considering a larger boat in the harbour. His wisdom and encouragement to buy this boat was what we really needed. He will be greatly missed. We hope that you find peace in the midst of this challenging time.
With Love, Mike and Melri Wright
Wednesday, December 28, 2022
Dear Laura and family,
We are sorry to hear about the loss of your husband.May God give you and your family strengths to overcome the loss of your husband.
John and simonne van der ster
Corp 82.
Thursday, December 29, 2022
So very sorry for your loss Laurie
Friday, December 30, 2022
What a time, what a time……….
Been some 60 years (memory fades as to when, exactly) through many chapters of your lives and home locations. Memories of those times remain clear and with smiles from within. Thank you.
Saturday, December 31, 2022
Dear Laurie, Katrina and family,
My deepest condolences, am thinking of you at this sad time, especially having lost Graham recently. It’s so hard to have lost the love of your life.
Take care,
Marlene Roberts
Saturday, December 31, 2022
Brian hired me in 1982 as a salesman. Over the next 10 years Brian took me under his wing and taught me all there is to know about running a business. Even after ‘retiring’ from the business in 1996 Brian continued to come and help when we needed it and has been my sounding board ever since. Over 40 years we have enjoyed so many great experiences, both on and off boats, with Brian and Laurie and will treasure the memories. Brian was one of my dearest and closest friends. Can’t buy the friendship we had. We are going to miss him dearly.
Much love
Jim and Alison
Monday, January 2, 2023
Dear Laurie and family,
We are very sad to hear the news of the loss of Brian. He was such a great guy. My heart goes out to you and your family.
All our love,
Jane & John
Wednesday, January 4, 2023
When we came to Canada from England in 1957 – the Woottons were my parent’s first neighbours and started a friendship that lasted years….I know Brian both through both family and work – Laurie – I am so sorry for your loss…
Peter and Lana
Friday, January 6, 2023
To Carol, Barbara and Alan, sorry for the loss of your brother. Doug had great memories with the Wootton family. Also our thoughts go out to Laurie and her family.