John S. Brown
July 8, 1933 - January 1, 2025
John passed away peacefully on Wednesday, January 1, 2025, at his home with his family by his side. In his 92nd year, he still enjoyed working out, taking walks, spending time with his family and friends, and demonstrating his passion for art through his incredible paintings and drawings. He has touched the lives of so many by creating heartfelt and personalized works of art to commemorate the lives of people who have made an impact on him and others, and to help them celebrate themselves and their loved ones.
John was predeceased by his beloved wife of almost 56 years, Margaret S. Brown (née Armstrong) and his parents, Edith Anne Brown (née Lamb) and Sam Brown, his sister Audrey Sandilands, brother-in-law Andrew Sandilands, and his mother and father-in-law, Mary Armstrong (née Johnston) and Jim Armstrong. He will be lovingly remembered and missed by his daughters; Kerry Brown, Helen Brown (Andy Smaldon) and Natalie Brown, as well as his “grandpets”, Georgia, Hazel and Sadie (and by other family pets now in heaven). He was loved and cherished by all who knew him, including family still living in England.
He was celebrated and rewarded for his service and successes as an NCO in the British army, a decorated ballroom dancer and instructor, an internationally recognized graphic designer and illustrator, an accomplished fine artist, an arts professor at three Ontario colleges and chairman of the school of design and communications at one of them, and head of the arts school at another.
He was a recycler, artist, renovator, builder, and gardener. He excelled in many sports and athletics and kept active and healthy for the duration of his life. Even at the age of 91 and a half, he was remarkably young at heart and in soul and lifestyle, and he often enjoyed hearing that he did not look even close to his age! He was known for his British Yorkshire sense of humour. Before moving his young family to Canada in 1968, he took them on many holidays all over Europe, and continued his love of travel throughout his entire life.
His strength through his brave and tireless battle with cancer is to be greatly commended. John will be greatly missed by his family, friends, colleagues, students, and by all whose lives he has touched.
Rest in peace, dear Dad. Xoxo
A private family ceremony will take place after cremation.
In lieu of flowers, donations to the Verspeeten Family Cancer Centre would be appreciated.
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We were very sorry to hear about the loss of Helen’s father. Our deepest condolences and warm hugs to Helen, Andy, Natalie, and Kerry. Your father will always be remembered as an incredible person; loving husband and dad, talented artist, celebrated professor, and lifelong health enthusiast. May you find comfort in the beautiful memories you shared together. Love, Kathleen and David
John was a great designer. He hired me at Fanshawe college. I will always remember his cheerful smile, enthusiasm for design and wonderful characteur drawings. He was a talented man that influenced many students and teachers. My condolences to his family. Angela Bourne
On behalf of the Fanshawe College Retirees’ Association our condolences are extended to John’s family and friends. He was a professor and Chair of School of Design at Fanshawe College.
My sincere sympathies to John's family and friends. John and I worked at Fanshawe College, went to the same fitness centre, and lived on the same street for many years. I enjoyed our many conversations. John was a very talented artist.
A heart felt goodbye to a good family man and a person one could aspire to be in your life. His art work has made life a better place. Also he had set the standards on graphic designs all over. Cheers to you John Brown.
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John was someone who I admired for his amazing talent as an artist, his support, leadership and guidance at Fanshawe College. He loved to teach the fashion students his skills of figure drawing and fashion and was a great inspiration for all of the students. He gifted many character drawings to his faculty at the college and brought many smiles to all that received his farewell gift upon their retirement. I have several of his art pieces hanging on my walls in my home and admire each one when I pass by. I will always remember John for his sincere smile, cheerful hello and his fatherly advice when he thought I needed it. Farewell my friend…… My deepest condolences to his family… his girls meant the world to him!!! Theresa Vander Hoeven
~ Theresa Vander Hoeven