Thomas Bryan IRWIN

THOMAS BRYAN IRWIN Beloved husband, dad, grandfather, brother, and "Uncle Bryan" to countless kids, Thomas Bryan Irwin, 79, of Toronto Ontario, passed away surrounded by family and his adoring wife Betty, on Father's Day, June 19, 2022. Appropriate timing for "Pappy" to leave, as he was indeed the greatest of dads, and loved by his community for his big and generous heart. Described as a "starter pistol of happiness", Bryan could make you laugh until it hurt. He was naturally playful, and whether it was charades, conga lines or beach volleyball, with Bryan games became all-day Olympic-level events. Born to parents Samuel and Beatrice Irwin in Toronto, he was the youngest of four children, older brothers Arnold and Mac and his favourite sister, Marilyn. After a mischievous childhood, he attended Ridley College and then graduated from the University of Western Ontario Business School. Bryan went on to obtain his law degree from Osgoode Hall in 1970. Joining the family business Irwin Toy in 1972, he became a legendary salesman and a mentor to many in the industry. In serious business meetings, he'd delight his customers by getting on the floor and pretending to be a baby to demonstrate a toy. Bryan also served as a board member for Gilda's Club of Greater Toronto and helped to raise money to support families of cancer patients. Passionate in all things, Bryan loved history, discussing geopolitics, playing tennis and golf and was the self- proclaimed "Club Champion" anywhere he played. He was also a lifelong, albeit tortured, fan of the Maple Leafs. Bryan and Betty lived a big life. Side-by-side, they hosted family and friends at their cottage every weekend on Lake of Bays, traveled the world and even survived a plane crash! The greatest joy of his life was his family. He was very proud of his two children, Jennifer (Rich McKay) and Mark and took every opportunity to boast about their accomplishments. His grandchildren Will, Matt, Erika and Mina were the light of his and Betty's life and he soaked up every second he had with them. When Bryan was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer last year, he never once showed a second of self pity or anger, and instead considered himself fortunate that he had time to tell his family and friends how much they meant to him. As he fought hard to prolong his life, he greeted every morning by saying, " I am the luckiest man alive!" Bryan was humbled by the support that he received from his family and his vast circle of friends, who called, emailed and flocked to his and Betty's side to help, listen, and laugh together. Bryan's family is indebted to Pancreatic Cancer Canada for unwavering help in navigating this past year and they thank specifically, Michelle Capobianco and Dr. Daniel Reneuf. Donations in lieu of flowers to Pancreatic Cancer Canada, pancreaticancercanada.ca or in the US, www.pancone.org would help to find a cure for this devastating disease. This wonderful, magical man started his last conga line last Sunday and he wants us to continue dancing and laughing to the music of Boney M. Bryan gave us the template and tools for a wonderful life, and we thank him and love him "like a rock." If his story touches you, please honour him by doing something out of your comfort zone; dance, sing loudly without the lyrics, give someone a hug, speak to someone who is shy, or just do something silly. There will be a celebration of life this fall in Toronto. Memories can be left at vernon@myalternatives.ca and would be greatly appreciated.