RUSSELL IVOR BRAKE

1928 - 2024

Russell Ivor Pelham Brake, 96, passed away peacefully at his home in Oakville, Ontario, on November 2, 2024. Predeceased by his wife, Barbara Brake (nee Crehan), he will be sorely missed by his children, David and Michael and Michael's wife Lisa; and his grandchildren, Adrien and Emmeline, and Ben and Owen. Russell was born September 15, 1928, and grew up an only child in London, Ontario. He was the first of his family to attend university, getting a degree in economics at Western University. His father, Ivor, was a Lt.-Col. in the Canadian Fusiliers and Russell became a Captain in the same regiment while at university. He met and later married Barbara in 1962 and was a devoted husband for over 50 years, living with and supporting her to the end of her life. Russell had a long and successful career in investment banking. He started with Bay Street firm A E Ames and moved with them to New York and London, UK, in the '60s and early '70s before returning to Toronto to bring up his family. In 1988, Russell and Barbara moved to Oakville and quickly became a key part of the local community. They enjoyed hosting parties in their beautiful home and shared their love of sports including tennis and golf with friends. Russ also loved travel, photography and jazz, and passed on his love of music to the next generation. In their final years, Russell and Barbara were selflessly supported by his wonderful caregiver, Alice Galasi and her son, Lexcle Ducusin. His ashes are buried beside those of Barbara in the memorial gardens of St. Jude's Church, Oakville. Friends and family will gather at the Oakville Club (56 Water Street, Oakville) for a Celebration of Life on Sunday, January 5th, at 2 p.m. To contact the family with messages of condolence or pictures and memories to share, please share them via oakviewfuneral.ca or directly to davidbrake@gmail.com. Donations in his memory may be made to the Heart and Stroke Foundation.