Obituary of Norman Leslie Brown

Norman Leslie Brown 88, Bridgewater, passed away peacefully on Sunday, July 31, 2011, following a brief illness, with his family by his side. Born August 1, 1922, in Pittsfield, Mass., he was the eldest son of the late Norman B. and Edna (Price) Brown. Upon graduating from Glebe Collegiate in 1941, he enrolled at Toronto University to study Mechanical Engineering. While as a student, he volunteered for the Royal Canadian Navy in 1943, serving on a mine sweeper during the Second World War. Upon his graduation in 1946, he joined the navy as an officer, serving his country for twenty years. During this time, he participated in duties on board the H.M.C.S. Warrior, HMCS Magnificent, and the HMCS Labrador. As well, Les served at Naval Command in Halifax, Ottawa, and Shearwater. When he retired from the navy in 1967, he took up his second career at the Lunenburg Regional Vocational School in Bridgewater, NS where he served as principal for twenty years. He was active in the Lions Club, the Kiwanis Club and the Bluenose Golden "K" Kiwanis Club in Bridgewater. He was also a member of the Naval Officers' Association of Canada where he contributed to the restoration of the HMCS Sackville. Les had many varied interests and hobbies including amateur astronomy, model railroading and naval history. He was an avid curler and was a member of the Bridgewater Curling Club for many years. Until his passing, he always looked forward to playing in the morning senior curling league with his friends. He also enjoyed a round of golf during the summer. He was also an avid car enthusiast and always enjoyed taking drives around the province with his beloved wife Shirley. Les is survived by his wife of 62 years, Shirley (Montgomery), daughters, Heather Sayeau (Halifax), Moira (Bernie) Bolivar (Branch LaHave), son James (Bridgewater), grandchildren Jill (Karl) Warme (Bedford), Jeffery (Amanda Oickle) Bolivar (Bridgewater), Sarah Bolivar (Halifax), and Nicholas Brown (Bridgewater). He is also survived by three great-grandchildren, two nieces and a nephew. He is predeceased by a brother, Welly and son Norman in infancy. No visitation by request. Cremation has taken place under the direction of Sweeny's Funeral Home, Bridgewater, NS. A memorial service will be held at the Holy Trinity Anglican Church, Bridgewater on Thursday, August 4th at 11:00 am Lay Minister Vern Mossman officiating, with a reception to follow at the church hall. Family flowers by request only. In lieu of flowers donations may be made to the charity of choice. Special thanks go to the doctors and nursing staff of the South Shore Regional Hospital for their wonderful care and support over the last few months. As well thanks go to the workers of Lunenburg County Home Support Services and Care Choices for their support. Online condolences may be made by visiting www.sweenysfuneralhome.com.