Stephen Gordon Joseph Brown

Stephen Gordon Joseph Brown fell asleep peacefully Friday January 8, 2021 at the age of 94 at St. Peters Hospital in Hamilton, Ontario, Canada. He was born in Brantford, Ontario to the late Gordon and Lorna (nee Selby) Brown. Stephen lived in Hamilton for most of his life. He was, in his own terms, a country boy at heart. He was a man with a hard work ethic, and deep devotion to family. He was a generous man, and had a sharp mind for politics, social justice, mathematics, and ancestral history. Hidden behind a mischievous sense of humour, was a tender, romantic heart. He loved fishing, fruit-picking, horses, roast beef, apple pie (with a slice of old cheese on it), coffee, and you better not deny him his ice cream or his jellybeans. He was an animated storyteller, a great dancer, and made the silliest faces. All of his grandchildren knew better than to fall asleep in his presence, for they were certain to wake up and find the ends of their socks tied together. He is remembered for his youthfulness, resilience, perseverance, and love of social commentary.

In 1947 Stephen married Cora Josephine Lawson, who predeceased him on September 27, 1995. He is survived by his sister Thelma Johnson, his seven children, :Yvonne, Stephen, Joyce, Kelvin, Janice, Leeman and Marilyn, 18 grandchildren, 13, great-grandchildren, 2 great-great grandchildren and host of nieces, nephews, and cousins.

Stephen expressed his desire to leave his family with memories of the vibrant man that they loved. Per his wishes, he was quietly cremated without pomp and circumstance. To allow for social distancing, a (likely outdoor) memorial will be held for family and friends to celebrate his life and honour his legacy in late spring/early summer. For those who wish to express their condolences to family, please email stephenbrownmemorial@gmail.com or call/text (317) 721-8060‬ for appropriate contact information. Condolences and kind words can also be shared publicly on this page.

“We ask that you please refrain from posting about (Stephen’s passing) on any social media, or online. Dignity Memorial provides superior digital media that best shares information in a safe, genuine and loving manner. Additionally, Dignity Memorial offers confidential grief counselling services free of charge for the loved ones of Stephen for the next year. The phone number is 1-866-649-9641.