Brian Peter Tracey
January 24, 2021
Of London, Ontario, passed peacefully and surrounded by loved ones at St. Joseph’s Hospice, on Sunday, January 24th, 2021. Brian was the beloved soulmate, confidante, and best friend of his wife of 34 years, Martha Tracey (née Van Sickle). He is also lovingly remembered by his sons, David Leo Tracey and Andrew Brian Tracey; their wives, Ashley Harding and Julianna Tracey (Pulzoni); his brother, Richard Tracey; and his sister-in-law, Cheryl Palmer-Tracey. Brian was the proud and adoring grandfather of Ava Margaret (Tracey) and Emerson Brian (Tracey-Harding); loving uncle to many nieces and nephews; and a cherished brother-in-law to the many Van Sickle siblings. He was predeceased by his parents, Richard and Lucille Tracey (Tourangeau). Brian was born in Windsor, Ontario on March 24th, 1940. His early childhood was spent in London, Ontario, attending St. Martin’s, St. Patrick’s, and St. Peter’s Elementary Schools. In 1955, he entered the Redemptorist Junior Seminary in Brockville, Ontario, and later studied at Holy Redeemer College, associated with The University of Windsor. Brian was ordained in 1965, though ultimately decided to leave the priesthood. He later attended Teacher’s College in London, Ontario and achieved a Master’s Degree in Education from The University of Western Ontario in 1981. For 28 years, Brian taught grades four through eight for the London District Catholic School Board at a number of schools, including St. Kevin’s, St. Anthony’s, Sir Arthur Carty, St. Patrick’s, St. Thomas More, and St. Marguerite d’Youville. He retired in 1999, becoming a stay-at-home “Pa” to his beloved sons. A genuinely sweet, empathetic, and compassionate man, Brian was always actively engaged in supporting his sons’ many activities; he enjoyed attending their various football and hockey games, theatrical performances, and concerts. He was an avid reader, a sports fan, and a connoisseur of both seafood and ice cream. Over the years, Brian and Martha enjoyed attending live theatre and musical performances, quiet dinners out together, and many family gatherings. Brian also enjoyed traveling with Martha, having most recently visited Europe in September, 2011. Brian’s health began to deteriorate in 2013 with a series of strokes. Martha cared for him unwaveringly until he finally succumbed to related complications. Over this time, Brian never allowed his suffering to embitter him. He continued to greet all visitors with the widest of smiles and an enthusiastic “Hi!”. He retained to the end his sense of humour and his love of friends and family, always taking great joy in his time with Martha, teasing his boys, snuggling with his cats, and most recently, his newborn grandchildren. A gentle soul, Brian was ever peaceful, caring, loving, and kind. He will be missed deeply, remembered lovingly, and carried always in our hearts. A Celebration of Life will be held at a later date. Those wishing to make a donation in memory of Brian are asked to consider St. Joseph’s Hospice of London.
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(Donated to St. Joseph's Hospice of London)
(Donated to St. Joseph's Hospice of London)
(Donated to St. Joseph's Hospice of London)
(Donated to St. Joseph's Hospice of London)
I first met Brian about 40 years ago through my wife Margaret, who was a friend to both Briana and Martha. Brian often attended family gatherings and we were always happy to have him with us. Over the years we saw what a wonderful and supportive father he was to David and Andrew. Brian's keen mind and gentle wit always made our conversations something that I looked forward to. I know how much Brian will be missed. You fought the good fight -- Rest in Peace, Brian.
My deepest condolences to you, Martha, to David and Andrew, Juliana and Ashley, Richard and Cheryl. I know that you will miss Brian dearly, but that he will always be with you. I first taught with Brian at St. Anthony's in 1977 and later at Sir Arthur Carty. Brian taught homeroom and I was an itinerant music teacher. At that time, the opportunity arose for homeroom teachers to conduct their own classes at the Kiwanis Music Festival. Brian loved music. He had such a beautiful singing voice. Although this was an intimidating venture, Brian was all in. It was a big commitment learning to conduct two songs, doing daily exercises to fine tune their student's sense of pitch and further develop their blend. It is not easy to learn to conduct a pattern with one hand while directing volume and cut-offs with the other, but Brian was a quick learner. At the Festival, his students sang like angels and the adjudicator loved Brian's conducting. Brian's willingness to try new and difficult things is part of why he was such a beloved teacher. Brian was a gentle, loyal, understanding, encouraging and non-judgmental friend who also had a great wit. I share in the sadness of his family and friends, but also share in Martha's joy of having had such a wonderful husband and soulmate, in David and Andrew's joy of having had such a loving, gentle, supportive and devoted father, and in the joy of all of us who knew Brian well, of having had a most valued friend.
Mr. Tracey was my grade 6 teacher at St. Anthony's back in the late 1970s. I have always appreciated the way that he helped me believe in myself as a learner. I used my experience with him any time I came across someone who tried to tell my I was not capable. He was a kind and caring teacher. I had the good fortune to meet him at a play at MTS a few years ago and was able to thank him for the faith that he had in me and to let him know that it did not go to waste. I am sorry for your loss.
Martha, I never had the privilege of being on the same teaching staff as Brian as I enjoyed with you at St. Bernadette. However, I admired him from afar. He oozed humility and kindness and gentleness. When Sinatra sang "Love and marriage go together like a horse and carriage" he could clearly have dedicated such lyrics to you and Brian. Marg fondly remembers teaching with such a classy individual as Brian at St. Anthony's. She fondly remembers having both of your fine sons in her class at Blessed Kateri. Our compliments to the author of the memorial tribute to Brian for such a fine tribute. Hopefully this pandemic soon will be brought under control and you will be afforded the opportunity to hold a celebration of Brian's life. May he rest in peace! Paul and Marg
Thank you Brian for being such a Christlike person for me. Your smile & gentleness stayed with me all these years.May your dear family be comforted by the many friends who love you. Well done good & faithful servant. I hope we can be together @ your celebration of life. All our family thanks you dear Martha & Brian. Frank Vandersteen & Family.
Sometimes you forget people but I never forgot Brian Tracey and the great classmates he belonged to at HRC. He and they were a big influence to us younger 'novices' throughout life; good memories Brian from Desi.
Sometimes you forget people but I never forgot Brian Tracey and the great classmates he belonged to at HRC. He and they were a big influence to us younger 'novices' throughout life; good memories Brian from Desi.
Dear Martha Our thoughts are with you and your family at this time of loss. Chris and Louise White
Dear Martha, so sorry to hear about Brian, Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family - Angel & Phil
Dear Martha, David, Andrew - thoughts and prayers to all of you & my (our) deepest sympathy - may you remember and cherish the great memories of Brian and your Dad - may his gentle & peaceful "spirit" remain in your hearts. Teresa & Paul & family
Dear Martha, my deepest sympathy to you. I did not know Brian but I did know you, and from the obituary I can imagine the deep love and life that you journeyed together. And I can imagine the great care you would have given him over the years of his illness. You are loving, strong and thoughtful, and that would have made all the difference. Please take care Martha. With fond memories, Noella
Deepest sympathy to Brian's wife Martha, his sons David and Andrew, his brother Richard and all his family and friends. Brian was a loyal friend since high school days when he was a good student, debater, singer, handball player with a deadly low corner shot, bowler and swimmer. I particularly appreciated his skill in the water since he once saved me from drowning. When I moved to London in 1971 he and his parents were very kind. Brian's dry subtle sense of humour was much appreciated. He will be keenly missed. Frank Green
Dear Martha, David and Andrew I am so very sorry to know that Brian has passed. As a former neighbor and friend Trev and I really enjoyed living next door. As I have lost Trev I also feel your pain. I will keep Brian and all of you in my prayers. Good Bless Marg
Martha, David, Andrew, and spouses. So sorry for your loss. You are in our thoughts and prayers. Gone but not forgotten. Moe and Rudy Jansen
Martha , it is with much sadness that we learned of the passing of Brian. We offer you and the family our deepest condolences. I have many fond memories of my years teaching with Brian, a quiet, gentle person who had a wonderful sense of humour and a passion for learning. Please know that our thoughts and prayers are with you at this time.
Mr. Tracey was my fifth grade teacher, and a great one at that. My condolences and much love sent to the Tracey family <3
My dear Martha, Sometimes there are no words to express the feelings of the heart. Cherish all your sweet memories of Brian. â¤ï¸Carmela
Martha and Family We are so sorry for your loss. Cherish your beautiful memories. Sending prayers and love. Mark and Barb
Martha, David and Ashley, Andrew and Julianna, my heart is with you at this very sad time. What a beautiful tribute to Brian. You had such a beautiful life together and shared many wonderful adventures. Most of all, you were that loving family that we all aspire to have in our own lives. Thank you for sharing your family and for loving Brian in such a giving manner. He was lucky to have you but I also know you and the boys were lucky to have him. May these many amazing memories of such a gentle and wonderful man carry you through these current difficult moments. Sending love, Barb
Martha, David and Andrew, So sorry for your loss. I have very fond memories of Brian when we taught together at St. Pat's, Lucan. My thoughts and prayers are with all of you and your families at this difficult time. Hugs, Anita
Our deepest sympathy to Martha. the boys and their families. In our view, there is no doubt that Martha and Brian were soul mates. We enjoyed dinners together and attending live performances whether they be school or professional theatre . Brian would always order seafood when we were eating out. We hope that we will be able to attend his Celebration of Life.
As a young priest, Brian hired me in 1965 to play the organ at the Sunday 5:30 PM Mass at St. Alphonsus Church in Windsor. It was the beginning of a long and very long association with the Redemptorists at St. Al's. Our paths crossed again as teachers for the London-Middlesex S.S. Board in the mid to late 1970's. I fondly remember Brian as a very kind and gentle man. He was a great listener and non-judgemental - a rare combination in the teaching profession. I will forever be grateful to him for being a great friend to me at the end of my teaching career in London in December 1979. He helped me over some very rough times. Go in Peace, Brian. With love, Leo Marentette
Sharing in your sadness and keeping you in our prayers. My late brother Doug Leinweber knew Brian and went to Brockvilke and Holy Redeemer College with him. Hope you feel surrounded by much love. Kathy (Leinweber) and Rocco Megaro
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Dear Martha and family, My heartfelt sympathy and prayers to you all. May many happy memories help you through the days ahead! I will always remember seeing you cheering on the goalie at my nephews' hockey games! Sending many thoughts and prayers.
~ Rosie McHugh