Humphrey Brown

Sadly lost his battle with cancer on March 14, 2014, Humphrey Stephen (Steve) Brown Husband to Sylvie; Dad to Jeremy (Shelley) and Nicky; Poppa to Matthew; little brother to Anne (Brian); Uncle Humph to Roger (Christine), Mandy (Dwight) and Sang Soo (Jennifer). Predeceased by big brother Frank (Kath) and niece Bethan (Carlos). Born December 31, 1937, Steve grew up in Derbyshire, UK and began married life with Sylvia in 1957. Leaving England in 1970 to start a new life in Canada, the Browns, now 4, soon settled in Victoria. Steve worked at many jobs in his life his happiest working years were spent at the Gorge Road Hospital where he applied his numerous skills and creativity to maintaining, repairing and inventing equipment to help the patients and staff. Fond of a pun, Steve was a true Renaissance man he wrote poetry and knew a little bit (or a lot) about everything; could do and fix just about anything, including most of his garage sale treasures but his true passion was golf. Following his retirement Steves happiest hours were spent at morning coffee with Sylvie, and as often as possible with the lads on greens around Victoria. Although the end came quickly, Steve knew he was on his way and was looking forward to seeing his Mum and Dad, Frank, Bethan, dear Lil and Art, numerous beloved Brown dogs, and the many good friends who have gone before him. Profound thanks to the endless stream of caring friends who came to give comfort throughout his illness and final days, and to the wonderful staff and volunteers at Victoria Hospice. Special thanks to Bill Adams who published Steves poems just days before the end and gave Steve his final happy moment. Flowers gratefully declined but donations to the Canadian Cancer Society are heartily endorsed. No service at Steves request a gathering of friends will take place at a later date. I Wonder I wish I knew and could be sure that after life theres something more than nothing but a dark and silent emptiness.
I wonder if in all one hears of light and grace quite free of fears, some part is true or is it only fancy, hopefulness.
What of the tales by travelers told whove been beyond, returned from cold hard death to say I saw, I felt, I know pure happiness.
Is there a place where we shall go in which pure light and love will show that even those like me will know the final and first ecstasy. -Humphrey Stephen