Brooke Pattison Townsend

It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Brooke Townsend, age 87, on February 21, 2022. Brooke died peacefully at home, overlooking the Hamilton Escarpment, with his family by his side. Brooke led a healthy and active lifestyle right up until his diagnosis of pancreatic cancer in September 2021.

Brooke was down-to-earth, kind, and had an extraordinarily positive outlook on life. He will be fondly remembered for his warm smile, selfless nature, adventurous spirit, hard-working ethic, sense of humour, and always saying 'yes' to being with his family and friends.

Brooke leaves behind his wife, Irene Townsend; his four children, Kirkby, Kimberley (late Brett Sampson), Trevor, and Deborah; and their mother, Anne. He will be greatly missed by his grandchildren -- Kirk, Annie (Ryan Summerfield), Rory, and Perry Townsend; Brooke, Charlotte, and Tess Sampson; Jason and Megan Townsend; Andrew and Michael Dudley; step-grandchildren Tyler Garvey and Lindsey Ballantine; and predeceased by grandson Jack Townsend.

Brooke was born on May 1, 1934 in Hamilton, Ontario to Kirkby and Lena Townsend. He was in the inaugural Bachelor of Commerce class at McMaster University, graduating in 1957. After graduation, he followed his love of accounting and management consulting into a lifelong career starting with Clarkson Gordon where he became a CA. His passion for systems and financing assignments led him to Woods Gordon (now Ernst & Young), where he was a Partner for 35 years. On retirement in 1991, he joined his good friend, Gary Christie, at Fastforms and became its Chairman.

Outside of the office, Brooke had many interests that filled his life. He designed and built his family home and cottage. He loved the arts, outdoors, hiking, and boating. There were many camping adventures to the Rockies and BC in the family Ford Falcon station wagon. He was an avid skier and world traveler, and had interests ranging from antique cars to classical music, jazz, theater, real estate investment, and international affairs.

Brooke firmly believed in the importance of giving back to his community. He was the Chairman of the Executive Committee of the Canadian Institute of International Affairs and volunteered as Treasurer of countless organizations including the Hamilton Philharmonic Orchestra and Canadian College of Naturopathic Medicine.

Heartfelt appreciation to Dr. Levine and Dr. Alzahrani at the Juravinski Cancer Centre, and Lorraine Viilleneuve who was a dedicated and compassionate home care giver. A Celebration of Life will follow in the spring. In lieu of flowers, family and friends wishing to honour Brooke can contribute to the Alzheimer Society of Canada, the Hamilton All Star Jazz Band, the Canadian Cancer Society, or a charity of your choice.