Bryan Edward Austin

Bryan Edward Austin: problem-solver, common-sense king, self-made man, a good guy, the kind of guy you'd want on your baseball team or your team at work--Rustcraft Greeting Cards--or the family pick-up game in the hydro field next to the house. Lover of dogs-Ginger, and of cats-Friendly.

Bryan basically raised himself from the age of 8, the year his older brother, Ken, left home, and cared for his mother, doing whatever kind of job like delivering groceries for a shop in the Bluffs on his bike.

Started working at Rustcraft at 14, married at 16, started a family. Took himself up the company ladder from plant to Merchandising, a quick study. For many years the Merchandising Manager then later, a Director.

Clever at darts, cards, building, sorting, hoisting a beer, having a laugh and being a buddy and friend, Bryan took great pride in his acquired skills, being able to buy a house on a small paycheck (1970's) and keep it all going.

Time passed and Bryan found his soulmate at Rustcraft, Cathy, his second wife and partner for 40 years. In 1984 they bought and ran a flower shop, Courtesy Flowers, for 20 years. Bryan retired in 2005 happily beginning all the things on his fix-it list while Cathy worked in publishing for 10 more years. In 2015 they began their TTC trips around Toronto, walking every inch they could. They enjoyed their Scarborough home, beautiful garden, reading side by side (crime, sports, mysteries), feeding the wild birds and songbirds, hosting friends and family get-togethers and taking long rollator walks in the neighbourhood.

Bryan truly had a wonderful life.

Born Sept 5, 1942, Bryan passed away the evening of Nov 19, 2024 gripping Cathy's hand. Admitted to SGH on Nov. 14th due to complications and severe side effects from a first round of chemo and having been diagnosed with liver cancer on Sept 30th, no more treatment could be given in his weakened state with internal organ decline and cancer spread. Making him comfortable was now the end goal.

Predeceased by daughter, Sandy, and son, Brent, Bryan leaves daughters Cheryl and Dee, and son, Bryan (Butch), assorted grandchildren and great-grandkids.

He leaves his most beloved wife, Cathy, his soulmate and best friend. And he leaves a couple dozen of the dearest friends and neighbours anyone could ever hope to have.

Thanks go to the stellar teams of doctors, nurses and staff at SGH and the paramedics who took him into hospital on the 14th. Bryan was well cared for during his brief cancer journey.

Thanks to all those devoted friends, especially Rose & Brian, Cel, and Joanne & Sam.

Please donate to one of these charities that Bryan and Cathy support yearly: Variety Village, Princess Margaret, Terry Fox Foundation, SGH, Toronto Star Santa Fund.

Do a good deed, drop a fiver in the Sally Ann pot at your local mall. Bryan recognized kindness and paid it forward whenever he could.

Wish him well in his new celestial home where he might be golfing, playing darts or celebrating the Argos Grey Cup win :)

Note: Cremation has taken place.