Obituary of Gordon Keith Brown

Brown: Gordon Keith

Brown, Gordon Keith, Member of Parliament Leeds-Grenville, Thousand Islands & Rideau Lakes, passed away suddenly in Ottawa on May 2, 2018, age 57. He is survived by his loving wife, Claudine Courtois and his two sons Chance, and Tristan. Also surviving are his brother Jeff Brown (Courtney Small), his sister Janice Deryaw (Pat Deryaw), nephews Colin, Sean, and Graeme Brown and niece Nicole Brown.

He was pre-deceased by his father Sydney Brown, his mother Lillian Brown, and his brother Greg Brown.

An avid hockey player and Toronto Maple Leafs fan, Gordie made no secret about his love of Canada’s favourite past time.  But nothing compared to the love he had for his family.

He still kept “date nights” with Claudine, always bragged about his two boys and relished the role of being a sports dad.

As the proud Member of Parliament since June 2004, he was known for advocating for his constituents in Ottawa and working tirelessly to improve the riding. He was renowned for his ability to unite MPs from all parties to advance the issues that were important to him and his constituents.

In the riding he helped raise money for charities and non-profits and spearheaded economic summits to help develop the business environment and economic opportunities for everyone.

A member of many inter-parliamentary groups in Ottawa he was noted for his efforts on behalf of Canadian interests in Washington and around the world.

Prior to being elected MP, Gord was Chair of the St. Lawrence Parks Commission, President of the Gananoque and District Chamber of Commerce and twice served as a councillor in the town of Gananoque.

He was also known for his contributions to many community committees and organizations.

Gord was also a Canadian Champion Paddler with the Gananoque Canoe Club.

Gord and his brother Jeff own Brown Hospitality Corporation, the largest accommodation business in the 1000 Islands. His initiative and efforts saw the formation of the Thousand Islands Accommodation Partners that supports events and activities in Gananoque.

Visitation is at Tompkins Funeral Home in Gananoque on Wednesday, May 9 from 2 to 4 pm and from 7 to 9 pm.

The funeral service takes place at the Lou Jeffries Recreation Center in Gananoque at 11 am, Thursday, May 10 followed by a graveside service at Gananoque Cemetery. A reception will be held at The Firehall Theatre from 2-4 pm following the service.

Gord’s vision for Gananoque included a second ice pad to be located near the current recreation center. To that end TIAP has contributed $100,000 to the initiative.  In lieu of flowers the family requests donations be made to a GoFundMe Account for the Second Pad Ice Rink that Gord was hoping to develop for the town of Gananoque. Details and donations can be made at https://www.gofundme.com/help-gord-browns-gan-ice-pad-vision