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FUNERAL HOME

Henry Walser Funeral Home

507 Frederick Street

Kitchener, Ontario

Brian MCCARTHY Obituary

BRIAN McCARTHY Passed away on Saturday, February 25, 2022, from cardiac arrest at Grand River Hospital at the age of 79. Beloved husband of Arlene (née Jackson) for 55 years. Dear father of Erin McCarthy (Paul Forster), Scott (Kimberley), Christa Nesbitt (Justin). Dear Boppa to Shannon, Matthew, Sarah, Amy, Emma, and Kate. Dear brother of Peter McCarthy (Patricia), Mary McCarthy, and Elaine Hills. Predeceased by his parents James and Carmel (nee Egan) McCarthy. Brian was raised on an apple farm in Dixie, Ontario, and graduated from King's University College. After years of teaching at Barrie North Collegiate and Sheridan College, he ran a packaging and shipping business. Upon retirement, he worked as a travel consultant and, with Arlene, enjoyed numerous ocean and river cruises. An avid cribbage player and formidable opponent in Trivial Pursuit, he distinguished himself by applying "the muggins rule" to any sort of game he might play. He was a master gardener and pruner, a lover of literature, art, music, and theatre, and knew the words and music to any musical you could name. He will be remembered most for his kindness, quick wit, penchant for puns-- good and bad - and for his ability to forge an immediate connection with everyone he met. He was fiercely proud of his children and grandchildren - who will forever appreciate his patience, love, and sense of humour-and no less deeply devoted to Arlene, his wife of 55 years. He will be greatly missed. Brian's family will receive relatives and friends from 10:00 a.m. - 11:40 a.m. on Wednesday, March 2, 2022, at the Henry Walser Funeral Home, 507 Frederick St., Kitchener, followed by a liturgy service in the chapel of the funeral home at noon. Please RSVP your attendance for visitation and the funeral liturgy through the website or by calling 519-573-8467. Masks are mandatory. You are welcome to join the family for the service via live-stream at https://www.henrywalser.com/live-streaming. Please join the live stream at 11:45 a.m. to view the video tribute followed by the service at noon. As expressions of sympathy, donations to Hospice Waterloo Region, The Kitchener-Waterloo Symphony, and Grand River Hospital Foundation would be appreciated by the family (cards available at the funeral home). Visit www.henrywalser.com for Brian's memorial.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by The Globe and Mail from Mar. 1 to Mar. 5, 2022.

Memories and Condolences
for Brian MCCARTHY

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10 Entries

Ken and Evelyn Martin

March 13, 2022

Arlene and family: So very sad to hear of Brian´s passing. Will always remember our times with you two. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.

Leila sawaya

March 3, 2022

Arlene sorry to hear about your husband's passing. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. Sincere condolences to all and may his soul rest in peace.

David Ducharme, London Ontario

March 1, 2022

Brian and I met at King's College in the early 60s and became friends. In our two final years there we would spend a half hour after dinner on many evenings playing gin rummy before moving on to studies or other pursuits. He taught me to play the game and, while my skills did improve, he was often the more successful player.

After graduation we stayed in touch and shared a memorable trip to Barbados in the Spring Break of 1966. Later in the 70s Lynda and I recall the pleasure of visiting you and Brian in Oakville on one or two occasions.

As life unfolds, pursuits, circumstances and locations shift ... and contacts fade, but fond memories of enjoyable times with good people remain. May Brian rest in peace and, when the pain of loss recedes, may you and your family find warm comfort in the treasure of memories your life with Brian created.

Sharon and Anthony Buzzelli

March 1, 2022

Our condolences to you Erin, Christa, Scott and Arlene on the passing of an outstanding father and husband. Brian was a kind, intelligent, resourceful, witty, and empathetic human being who always attempted to see the best in people who in turn loved him for reaching out. Your family was and continues to be important to us. Thank you for your friendship over the many years since we met in 1979. Our children Michael and David always loved visiting the ballerinas' house and cottage. A humble and welcoming family. We think of you with affection and love at this sad time. Like you we treasure the memories of Brian who has made a tremendous difference in your lives and the many he touched during his life. May he rest in peace.

Single Memorial Tree

Jay and Louise Penney

Planted Trees

Karen & Marlin Bauml

March 1, 2022

Dear Arlene & Family, So very sorry to hear of Brian's passing. I first met Brian at the travel office in Waterloo many, many years ago and we spent hours talking about different destinations, world events, the best restaurants, what hotels NOT to stay in, and the easiest way to get from point A to B. I will remember him for his quick wit, that grin that was always there, and his love of travel. Marlin and I are thinking of you during this difficult time, take care.

Kay Turner

February 28, 2022

My thoughts and prayers are with you at this devastating time of your life, Arlene. You are very fortunate to have enjoyed so many happy, fulfilling years together with Brian, but it doesn't make your loss any easier, or that you can bear to part with him. It's always too soon.
We will never forget the fun we two couples had together, either in Portugal, China, or closer to home. We clicked immediately, didn't we?
Love, courage and reassuring hugs,
Kay

Linda Drouin

February 28, 2022

Please accept my most sincere condolences to you and the family. May God give you strength.

Karen & Jim Stephenson

February 28, 2022

So sad for the loss of this great man. Condolences to Arlene and family. I worked with Brian for many years in his retirement job as a travel consultant. Peace be with you

Christine McCarthy

February 28, 2022

Dear Arlene and family,
I am so sorry to hear about Brian and am sending love and prayers to you all.
Love Chris xo

Showing 1 - 10 of 10 results

Memorial Events
for Brian MCCARTHY

Mar

2

Visitation

10:00 a.m. - 11:45 a.m.

Henry Walser Funeral Home

507 Frederick Street, Kitchener, ON N2B 2A5

Mar

2

Liturgy

12:00 p.m.

Henry Walser Funeral Home

507 Frederick Street, Kitchener, ON N2B 2A5

Funeral services provided by:

Henry Walser Funeral Home

507 Frederick Street, Kitchener, ON N2B 2A5