Stewart Patrick “Pat” McBrien
The McBrien family wishes to announce the death of Stewart Patrick “Pat” McBrien, at the age of 77, following a two-year cancer illness. Pat grew up in Aylmer, ON, the son of Stewart and Helen McBrien. He moved to Halifax to study education at St. Mary’s University where he met Charlene (née Higgins) whom he married in 1969. Pat and Charlene moved to Ottawa the following year where Pat studied at the University of Ottawa and began a 34 + year career at Friesen Kaye and Associates as a training consultant. In 1975 they settled in Old Ottawa East beside Brantwood Park. Pat is missed by his wife Charlene, his daughter Judy (Guy Obrecht) grandchildren, Alexandra, Helen and Harold, daughter Kerry, grandchildren Evelyn and Ian, sisters Catherine (John Schrader), Mary Helen (late Bob Gilson), and Ruth (Brad Perkins), in-laws Margaret (Larry Drew) and Judith (Chuck LeCain), and many nieces, nephews, friends and neighbours.
Pat had a special connection with his cherished dogs, who accompanied him on many long walks. He was also an avid cyclist. Barring the Ottawa winter months, Pat commuted to work daily to the west end through the Experimental Farm. In the summer months he biked Gatineau Park each weekend, training for his annual pilgrimage to Cape Breton’s Cabot Trail. He packed up and brought his treasured bicycle to destinations around the world, including the Southern US states, Germany and Ireland. Pat followed the Tour de France each year and was also an enthusiastic hockey and baseball fan. He enjoyed a good game of golf, the odd game of pool and playing frisbee in the park. Around the house were stacks of New Yorkers, newspapers, and books to read. He especially enjoyed spending time in the garden, where he planted vegetables each summer, maintained ever-expanding flower beds, and kept several birdfeeders and birdbaths for the local Brantwood park birds. He was especially proud of his tomato crop and beautiful rosebushes. He connected often with family and close friends whom he enjoyed spending time with on many trips and at family get-togethers. For more than 20 years, he and Charlene have enjoyed their summers at Sand Point, NB. From the cottage deck, Pat loved watching the sailboats and birds on the Saint John River.
We would like to thank Dr. Wheatley-Price and Dr. Haddad of the Ottawa Hospital. We would also like to thank Dr. Gupta and Dr. Wang of the Bytown Palliative Care group, and CareFor nurses Melissa, Diego and others who helped make it possible for Pat to remain at home.
Cremation has taken place and as per Pat’s wishes there will be no visitation or service. Condolences may be posted and donations made to the Canadian Cancer Society, a charity that Pat canvassed for, online at Kelly Funeral Homes Walkley Road arbormemorial.ca.