Philip Claude BROWN

1943 - 2023

PHILIP CLAUDE BROWN August 18, 1943 - September 13, 2023 After 80 years of a full life, Philip Brown died peacefully at home of complications from ALS, his beloved wife, Judith, by his side, and surrounded by friends and family on September 13, 2023. The family is grateful to friends and caregivers for their warm support in these last months, especially Andrew, Brad and Tracy, Jen and Craig, Katherine, and Adam, Bolaji, Maura, Nicolette, and Raj. A metallurgist, a passionate model railroader, a wine lover, collector of art, and a sports fan, Phil had an immeasurable impact on so many throughout his life. His quiet wit was always ready to burst forth, along with a story or two. Predeceased by his parents, Claude and Vivian; and his beloved first wife, Marilyn; he is forever remembered by his family – wife, Judith; sister, Gail Sleeman; brother-in-law, Mike Badyk (Natalie); and niece, Nicole; stepson, Owen (Sarah); stepdaughter, Erica (Guy); London daughter, Jen (Craig); grandsons, Isaac and Elliott; and nephew and niece, Geoff and Ginny. Phil's love of music produced a great collection of classical and jazz music albums. Moreover, singing in the Canadian Welsh Singers/Cantorion Cymraeg Canada also led him to Judith, his wife of almost fifteen years. He could often be heard belting out popular songs alongside friends and family, and his booming voice was a favourite for readings as well as singing. Aside from a long career with Wolverine Tube (now Great Lakes Copper), which took him from Toronto to London, Ontario, with travels around the US and Europe, Phil also spent many hours building an extensive model railroad that replicated the rail lines and towns of southwestern Ontario. It enthralled his grandsons and other visitors to the house. Paddling a canoe, spending time outdoors camping or on a bike, Phil was ever an adventurer. As an avid athlete in his younger years, he remained a fervent sports fan, coaching local youth teams and throwing a ball with his grandsons whenever he could. His passions were many, including enjoying fine wines, training and showing dogs, and collecting art – especially Inuit and other Canadian artists. Phil was also deeply involved in his Church, initially as a Warden with St. James' Cathedral in Toronto, and again in London at St. Paul's Anglican Cathedral Church, as well as an active member of numerous committees. The family will be accepting condolences at a visitation scheduled for Friday, September 15, 2023, from 4:00 to 6:00 p.m. A Celebration of Life service will take place on Saturday, September 16th at 2:00 p.m., with a reception to follow. Visitation and Celebration of Life will take place at Harris Funeral Home, 220 St. James Street, London, Ontario. Memorial contributions may be made to the ALS Society of Canada.