28 Feb 1954 – 31 Jan 2023 (69)
2 PPCLI
It is with deepest sorrow that we announce that Brad passed away at the Ottawa General Hospital on Wednesday, January 31st, surrounded by his loving family. He was 69 years old.
Brad leaves behind his loving wife of 47 years, Dianne (nee Hardy), as well as his adoring children, Ryan (Jennifer Thom) and Kelly (Keith Lax), and grandchildren (Abby and Hannah, Jake and Alex). He also leaves behind his mother, Margaret (Napier), and brother, Craig. He is predeceased by his father, Dal. Brad’s eventual internment will be in Alberton, PEI, alongside his loving in-laws, Wes and Betty Hardy.
Brad was in the Canadian Forces for 21 years: first as an Officer Cadet at CMR in St Jean, then as an Infantry Officer with 2 PPCLI in Winnipeg and Montreal, and then as an Intelligence Officer in various postings which included Cyprus, the Airborne in Petawawa, NATO in Germany, and the Oka Crisis. He retired as a Major in 1991.
Brad’s second career was with the Commonwealth War Graves Commission, where he spent 20+ years helping the Commission to tend for the graves of Commonwealth soldiers who died during the two world wars. These soldiers died on battlefields throughout the world, but also during training, sickness, accidents or as a result of injuries. As such, this work took Brad on countless trips throughout North America, Europe, Asia, and Africa. Although based mostly in Ottawa during this time, he and Dianne also spent two years living in England, where they travelled extensively for pleasure as well. Brad retired from the Commission in 2013.
Brad prioritized shared experiences in his life. Family vacations as well as later travel with Dianne brought him great joy. Recent highlights included a 3-week vacation to Disney World with Dianne, his children, their partners, and his grandchildren, as well as a multi-week trip with Dianne and their friends last year when they hiked the Amalfi Coast
in Italy.
Brad’s belief in living to the fullest was also evident in his day-to-day life, where he prioritized adventures with Dianne: kayaks, bikes, snowshoes, skates, cross-country skis or long walks. A lifelong fitness enthusiast, he loved jogging and working out, and his absence will be noted on paths throughout Katimavik.
A selfless volunteer, Brad coached many hockey teams during his children’s childhoods. At various times he and Dianne volunteered with the Kidney Foundation, the Kanata Seniors Centre and the Kanata Food Cupboard. Even more impactfully, he and Dianne have volunteered countless pro bono babysitting hours over the past 13 years for their grandchildren.
Brad will be remembered for his character, dry humour, and big heart. He will be forever missed.
Brad’s family would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to the amazing staff at the General, and particularly the caring people at 5 East. In lieu of flowers, Brad would have appreciated you making a donation to a charity near and dear to your heart, as he did with many throughout his life.
Funeral to be held at Kelly Funeral Home (580 Eagleson Road Kanata) on Saturday, February 17th at 1:00pm, followed immediately by a reception.
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