Obituary of Larry Stephen Brown

BROWN, Larry Stephen passed away in his 73rd year on September 18, 2025, at Hamilton General Hospital. He is survived by his wife of six years Bernadette; his children Ryan, Gregory, Jeremiah, Theresa, Brittany, and their spouses; his eleven grandchildren; his father Stephen Brown, six siblings, their spouses, and their families.

He is predeceased by his mother Shirley Brown, and his nephew Jordan Brown.

Larry was born in Amherst, Nova Scotia, on June 20, 1953, to Stephen and Shirley Brown. He is their second-oldest child and eldest son. He has 6 siblings, Deborah, Anthony, Stephen, Kevin, Darren, and Mark.

As a baby, his mom and older sister made the train trip from Nova Scotia to join his father in Ontario where they have remained. The family eventually settled in Burlington where his father of 92 years still resides.

Throughout his childhood and well into his adulthood, Larry had an enthusiastic attitude towards athletic activities, often found either playing and/or coaching baseball, badminton, cross country, football, gymnastics, hockey, track, volleyball and wrestling, in no particular order. Playing road hockey with his brothers and friends was a favourite pastime. He was well known for his skill, fun personality, competitive nature, and accomplishments in sports.

Larry attended Brock High School in Burlington, where his love for food preparation began. He has training in culinary school as well as baking school and his reputation for delicious meals is well-known among his family and friends. He took pride in being asked to prepare food for various events for family and friends and he never disappointed in his culinary skills. He has now passed down his recipes for his family to continue that legacy.

Larry was the father of 5 children, of whom he shared with two women before marrying his wife of 6 years Bernadette. His family has been his pride and joy. Despite the upheavals and challenges of life, his love for them never wavered, even to his deathbed. He loved being a husband, a father, and a grandfather, and each one of us are grateful we could call him ours.

Larry had a great sense of humour and the ability to light up a room. He created smiles and even some moans at his “Dad” jokes. He eventually graduated to “Grampie” jokes, which he enjoyed exchanging with his cherished grandchildren. He was known for his belly laughs, dramatic eyerolls, and silly faces.

He loved his family dearly and prayed for them regularly. Whether enjoying delicious meals with his wife, sports games with his father and brothers, or visits with his children, grandchildren, nieces, and nephews, you can be sure he had smiles and pride for each of them. He is so greatly loved and missed by them all.

Larry was a member of Steel City Baptist Church for 26 years of which has come many well-cherished friendships for him. He loved his church family, and they loved him in return. Through his church connections, he gained a great group of friends who loved, supported and prayed for him through each stage of his life. The time and energy invested into his life did not return void and his family is incredibly grateful for every friend who loved him so very well.

We want to take this time to thank his wife Bernadette, his friend of 38 years Howard Hird, the staff at Good Shepherd Bishop Tonnos Seniors Apartment, Bayshore Home Health, and Hamilton General Hospital for the support they were to our family during Larry’s final days. It put our mind at ease knowing we had people advocating for his care and making him as comfortable as possible.

Larry’s favourite phrase when asked how he was doing, “I’m rejoicing in the Lord, thank you.” He loved to share his faith in God, even on his deathbed, to those willing to listen. He ran his race straight into the presence of his Saviour and is now at peace.

His Celebration of Life will commence at 4 p.m. on Thursday, September 25, 2025, at Steel City Baptist Church, 92 Parkdale Ave. N, Hamilton, ON followed by a reception, in which all are welcome to attend. A private family graveside service will have already taken place.

To watch a livestream of the Celebration of Life, please CLICK HERE.