Brian Alsford

Our thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief. May your memories bring you comfort.
Brian was a wonderful man, loving father and husband, and will truly be missed by us all.

To:
The Alsford Family
We were deeply saddened to hear the news of Brians passing. May you
find comfort and strength in knowing that your family will continue to
be in our prayers during these difficult days.
We were indeed priviledged to have become aquainted with Brian through
his many years of service to us. We developed a relationship that was
unique and uncommon in a business/customer environment but... that was
Brian. He was always smiling, always sincere and simply a friend. We
often talked about family and house renovations or life in general and
we will miss that but remember it always. His legacy is reflected in
his family... his values, his honesty, his good nature and smile and we
appreciate him for it.
We will miss him.
God Bless

To: The Alsford Family,

There is only too little that can be said about the wonderful man Mr. Alsford was. In our eyes he was a fun, kind and loving family man as well as a business man extraordinaire and he touched our hearts in many ways.

He will be greatly missed but never forgotten and he will remain in our hearts and memories with the utmost respect forever.

Our thoughts remain with all of you, Mrs. Alsford, Mel, Dan, Brad, Krys and Alex. Much love always.

To: The Alsford Family,

Mr. Alsford demonstrated to our team the kind of person he was through his generosity and support, as well as from his excellent service at the butchery.

He will be remembered by each and every one of us and respected always.

brian we will miss you very much and you nice blue big eyes

Thanks Brian, we are really glad to have known you
The Roy's

Brian's Butchery not only became a very successful business but it quickly morphed into a wonderful neighbour and fixture in our neighbourhood. When I think of Brian I think of excellent meat, superb customer service, and I don't think anyone will ever forget their unique sign that was hung out every morning and brought in every evening. I purchased a ham leg this past summer for a 25th anniversary. Guests raved about the meat, even those who were not fond of ham. After the event, I dropped by to tell Brian how good it was and that I happily provided his store information so that they could enjoy this gem of a store. To this day, people still come up to me to rave about that ham.

My sincere condolences go out to his family. I am confident Brian's family will continue his legacy and I wish them many many years of continued success!

Brian was a dear brother and uncle, a devoted husband to Sue and a dedicated father and grandfather to his five wonderful children and three grandchildren. Brian led a full life with his love of music, love of people, love of children and love of animals and he had so many other creative talents. He will be particularly remembered for his great sense of humour - he was always ready to share a joke. His home was his castle and his wife and family were his treasures.It is hard to express the sympathy and sadness we feel for all the family but we need them to know that we are there to give them support whenever they need us. Brian's legacy will be in his five wonderful children, whom he taught so well and instilled in them his own family values. Brian, we will miss you so much. You died in the same way that you lived - with pride and dignity and still in control! It is hard to describe the emptiness that we feel now you are gone. Our only consolation is that you are now at peace and out of pain and rejoined in heaven with our dear parents you loved so much. God Bless!

We discovered Brian's pretty much as soon as he opened on Cobden as my Mom and Dad lived just down the street and highly recommended him. Since first going to Brian's in 1989, we have moved away from Ottawa many times, but have always returned to Brian's when we were back in town and can't recall ever buying a steak from anybody else. But as echoed by so many, Brian's was not just about the great product and service. It was about Brian. Whenever we were living elsewhere, invariably my Dad would mention that he had been in to see Brian and that Brian had asked about my family and me and when we would be back for a visit. We would always drop in for a visit when we were back. There was a certain kindness and calmness that he possessed that drew people to him, and is clearly the common theme amongst all who now remember him so fondly. Coincidentally we now live in the UK not far from where Brian used to live in Brighton and when we were back at Christmas we were driving by the store and said that we would have to drop in. As it turned out we didn’t but from a selfish perspective, it was probably for the better. My Dad called us here in Dorset the day he read about Brian’s passing in the paper. We were deeply saddened by the news. Our thoughts and sympathies are with his family. Brian, Linda, Christopher and Cameron Smith.

My thoughts and prayers are with you. Brian was a good man and friend. He will be really miss.

God Bless: Linda Malboeuf and Family

So many fond memories of happy times when we were young.
Brian was without doubt one of the nicest people you could hope to meet.
Our thoughts are with Sue and the family at this sad time.

Richard and Christine Simpson
(Rustington England)

Our thoughts and prayers are with Brian's family and friends. We have been long time customers of Brian's, I believe for about 18 years. He will be greatly missed. God Bless.

Krystal & Family: My thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time.

We will miss Brian.
No camping trip was ever complete without two pounds of bacon and a pound of breakfast sausage from Brian.
Our sons, Russell and Steven, have always enjoyed spotting "Fernando the Bull". In the mornings, if we timed it right, we'd drive by as Brian was putting Fernando out. Brian always had a smile and a wave for us.

We've been customers since 1996. To us, Brian has always exemplified what a shopkeeper should be - warm, welcoming and knowledgeable. Our deepest sympathies.

Claude and Jennifer Doucet

We are deeply saddened at the loss of Brian. As we were growing up I was part of his crowd. We spent a lot of time together doing boys things like fishing,sailing, swimming and scouting. We even managed to hike across Dartmoor and Germany. We shared in his fears and enthusiasm at the opening of the first business and in the joy associated with his wedding to Sue and establishing the marital home. I also attended many of the regular band rehearsals. Brian was a mate. In all the time that we spent together I cannot recall a moment when he was not cheerful. When the family paid a return visit to England in 2000 we held a grand reunion where those years of separation melted away and we were all boys again. Then followed that freak accident on the South Downs resulting in hospitalisation. Even then, whilst in obvious discomfort, he remained in good spirits longing to return to his beloved Canada and to his loving family. I feel privileged to have known Brian and very proud to call him my friend. For Sue and the family: We do hope that in the passage of time you will be able to draw comfort from the fact he is now no longer in pain and that by knowing so many of us share your loss will help you through these difficult times. We know that on the 4th a light went out in Ottawa but we believe that as of tonight a new star will be shining brightly in the sky above that city. Our thoughts are with you all.

Such a nice gentleman, such a terrible loss. Haven't found a butcher of his calibre since moving to Toronto. My sincere condolences on your loss (a long time customer)

It was with great sadness that we learnt of Brian's passing. My husband introduced me to Brian 21 years ago, having already been a long time customer himself. Throughout the years we enjoyed not only great meat from the store, but also the friendly and caring service. Our BBQ parties were always very popular thanks to Brian's great streaks, california roasts, and stuffed pork chops. My children loved the pepperettes Brian always gave them. Coming from England, it was always great to chat with someone from home and share stories. His love of family was always apparent. His pride in his children was obvious whenever he spoke of them.
Brian will be sorely missed. Our thoughts are with you during this difficult time.

You were more than our local butcher. You were a friend. You will leave such a big hole in our community. One in a million you were. Sue, to me, the backbone of an amazing family. The girls, who always seemed to be in the store, a part of the store. Brad, who just seemed to be expected there, just because he always was. He was missed when he went on to different endeavors. Always such a joy to be near. Daniel, who has the gift to gab as his dad did, will probably become one with his father as far as the customers are concerned. My family and I look forward to you taking over the special tasks that lay ahead of you. There is no doubt that you can fill you're dad's shoes. We love you and your family and we are so very sorry for your loss. Brian will never leave our hearts.

Deepest sympathy for your loss. Though we were not able to meet Brian, we are sure that some of him lives on in his daughter, Mel, and she has been a wonderful addition to our family. Her love of life and of family and fun seems to run in the Alsford family. Take Care. Sincerely, Tom and Mary McLoughlin and Family

Please accept our condolences and know our thoughts are with you all at this difficult time. Brian will always be remembered for his laughter, smiles and enthusiasm for life. Denise and I have great memories of our stay with you all in Canada and we all remember fondly Brian's last visit to England and all the family gatherings. Just a lovely guy who will be greatly missed by all who new him. Love Jez, Denise, James, Abi and Lauren.

Our thoughts and prayers are with you all at this very difficult time. Brian will always be remembered as a great friend to us and cannot express how much he will be missed.
He will always be in our thoughts forever.
With love from Frank,Maggie,Marc & Carla Laurella

Brian always had a smile and spoke to his customers by name. We were usually able to solve at least a few of the World's problems with the counter between us. He was so proud of his children and grandchildren and there was a little added life in his speech when he spoke of each one. Brian was a true gentleman, and someone I wish I had known as a friend rather than someone I was friendly with. We will all miss his genial attitude, his spirit and manner.
A quiet, steady light has gone out.

Our deepest sympathies to the family on the loss of such a wonderful and kind man. We were customers and will always remember his friendly smile and gentle manner. We were fortunate to have known him and the world has lost a special person.

Our deepest condolences for the Alsford family. You are all in our thoughts and prayers during this difficult time.

Our deepest condolences to the Alsford Family from all of our team at Bells Corners Animal Hospital. Our thoughts are with Krystal and the whole family.
Ed, Joseph & the BCAH team

to suellen&family:my deepest sympathy to all of you in your loss of a loving husband,father,and granddad,andgrandy.i was so happy to have met you as a family through my brother jerry.mel is a super person in every way possible.judy aubin

Brian's passing is a great loss to many people in this community. He has been a big part of many peoples lives for many years. He will be greatly missed by all. Our thoughts are with you in your time of loss.

Cathy & Gord O'Shaughnessy (long time customers)

My deepest condolences to the Alsford family, i've been a client of Brian's for a while and this is a complete shock to me.... Truly one of the nicest souls I've ever met.

It is so difficult to think of Canada without Brian. Lynne and I would just like to say how desperately sorry we are at your sad loss. Let us celebrate Brians life, which touched the hearts of so many, and gain strength from the memories we share.
Our love and prayers go out to all the family. John and Lynne x x

My condolences to Brian's family. I knew Brian only as a customer of his store. I appreciated the quality of service and products, and especially the friendliness of Brian and everyone else behind the counter.

Melanie:
So sorry to hear of your loss. I have fond memories of your father's smile and laughter.
My sincere sympathy to you and your family.

May the love of friends and family carry you through your grief.

Our prayers and thoughts are with you all at this time of sorrow. We will miss Brian's smiling face. We are happy to hear that the Family Business will continue and that his legacy will carry on.

Susan & Bob Fenn, Kanata
(Long time customer & friend)

Our deepest condolences to Brian's family. Brian was always so nice and pleasant to his customers, a real gentleman. Our thoughts and prayers are with you at this most sorrowful time.

Rick & Debbie Chamberot (Customers)

A POEM FOR BRIAN

To me you were like a waterfall you always run and run
sometimes it made me wonder how you were so much fun
I remember I was little and came tearing through that door
you said you were glad to see us like so many times before
you were always the best to me and you'll still be in my heart
I smell the smell of the butchery when I'm lying in the dark
I see you standing on the other side of that door and welcoming us once more like so many times before.

from your friend Jessica Egan
age 11 2007
i will miss you may god lead you the rest of the way.

Brian will be greatly missed by everyone that he touched. I will miss our conversations about Manchester United and the way he always had a big smile and a cheerful word for everyone. He was one of the good guys and I will deeply miss him.

Mel,
Please accept our deepest sympathy on the loss of your Dad. You will be in our thoughts as you pass through this difficult time of bereavement.

Dear June and Melanie
Our deepest sympthies. He was a great guy and loved by many. Sorry we cannot be with you at this time. I know how difficult it must be for you both and your families. You are all in our prayers.

Our thoughts our with you during this difficult time. We will miss Brian.He was a great man, very personnable with his customers. We are longtime customers,and will miss our conversations.

I was so sorry to hear of your loss. The thoughts of many are with you at this time of sorrow.

Please accept our condolences. Brian was a huge support to me when I was growing up, particularly for four christmases when his family became my family due to his generosity of spirit and love of life. I remember him always laughing and joking and getting along with everybody he met. Although we did not see much of Brian in recent years his presence will be sorely missed and I am sorry he did not know my own children. Please accept all our love at this time and know we are here for you. Nigel, Elaine, Harry and Sam.

Please accept our deepest sympathies.

My deepest sympathy to his family.
He will be missed very much.

Krystal,

I was so sorry to hear of your Dad's passing. I am thinking of you and your family during what I know will be a very difficult time for you all. If you need anything at all, please don't hesitate to ask - I am here for you.
You are in my thoughts and prayers.

Love Joanna

Brian was a master of his trade and shop – consistently welcomed the customer, sold superior products, gave excellent suggestions, was always accommodating for special requests and provided a much appreciated small business environment.

My sincere condolences to all of you and I hope your memories of your lifetime together will comfort you today and always.

Betty Jean Bone
Customer

Our thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief. May your memories bring you comfort. We will miss Brian's great love of live and his cheery "Hello" - please let us know if we can help in any way.

My deepest sympathy.

Brian was always so friendly. We are so sorry to hear of your loss.

Our sincere condolences and prayers go to Sue and Family. Brian and I were partners in the meat trade in England. I have many happy memories of the times we spent together in the shop with Brian and Reg Slack. Brians death has left a great void in our life. Bob and Jan

Our thoughts are with our Auntie Sue and cousins in Canada.
We were so looking forward to seeing Uncle Brian this year after his visit to England several years ago which was so memorable, always laughing and full of fun. The photo of Brian on this site sums him up.

We were so sorry to hear of your loss. The thoughts of many are with you at this time of sorrow.

We were so sorry to hear of your loss. The thoughts of many are with you at this time of sorrow.

Our thoughts and prayers are with you through this difficult time.

My sincere condolences to the Alsford family. Brian always greeted his customers with a smile and always made you feel welcomed. We will truly miss him.

Lockie Hendsbee