Obituaries

 

Brian Donald Eady

Passed 01/13/2021

Text:

Obituary For Brian Donald Eady

Brian Donald Eady.

It is with broken hearts that we announce the death of Brian Eady, our incredible husband, father, grandfather, uncle and brother, on January 13, 2021. Brian is survived by his loving family which includes his wife of 52 years, Jackie (Neal) Eady, his daughters Julie Rao (Vik), and Susie Bartelt (Dirk) and grandchildren Jordan Rao, Jaimie Rao and Sam Bartelt. He will also be missed by his brother, Clarke (Ginnie), sister-in-law Judy Neal, nephews Derek Neal and Brydon, and nieces Kirby and Kendal. He was predeceased by his father and mother, Ken and Dot (Dalgleish) Eady.

Always quick with a smile and a helping hand, Brian was a kind and loyal friend. He had an infectious laugh and gave the best hugs. He was a humble, caring man who had little room for pomp or pretense – the embodiment of what it means to be both down-to-earth as well as a true gentleman. He was passionate about the Leafs, the Packers, Springsteen, Dire Straits, martinis, a good single malt, travel, golf and a warm Timmy’s dark roast.

Brian will most be remembered as a family man. He loved sing-alongs around the campfire, tucking in his kids and grandkids with bedtime stories and playing games at the cottage. He was there for Julie and Susie throughout their various ups and downs in life and the girls knew that they could always count on their dad. Brian loved and adored Jackie with all that he had. They were each other’s best friend and in each other, they found a steadfast and abiding love.

Brian’s education and chosen career path in life paved the way for him and his family to see much of the world. His early school days were spent at KLCVI in Kirkland Lake. His father’s work would later take the family to North Bay, where Brian would meet his future bride at Chippewa High School. When not on the football field at Western, Brian could be found traveling back and forth to Queen’s to be with Jackie.

After marriage, Brian and his family lived in Dartmouth for many years, during which time he and Jackie gave leadership on Worldwide Marriage Encounter and directed the United Church’s Camp Kidston. While in Dartmouth, some of Brian’s favourite things included tobogganing, pranks, charades, and touch football games at Shubie with the gang.

Serving his country as a military pilot, Brian flew trackers from HMCS Bonaventure, Canada’s aircraft carrier, as well as Sea King helicopters. His military career found him and family traveling the world. In Montgomery, Alabama, where he attended the USAF Staff College, Brian earned a Master’s degree in Public Administration from Auburn University. For three years, Brian worked in Washington D.C. where he served with the US Navy as a Project Officer on the LAMP Mark III aircraft.

Brian spoke fondly of his time with the US Navy Command College in Newport, Rhode Island, where he studied as the Canadian representative amongst over 30 other international officers. Brian and family were fortunate to foster many lifelong friendships during this time as they travelled, entertained and embraced new cultures.

Following his return to Nova Scotia, Brian was promoted to Lt. Colonel and became the Commanding Officer of HS443. The helicopter squadron moved from Shearwater, NS to Pat Bay, BC. Brian enjoyed mentoring the men and women who served with 443 on both the east and west coasts. Brian’s final posting outside of Canada was to teach at the Royal Air Force Staff College in Berkshire, UK. He and Jackie were pleased to get to know better their future son-in-law, Vik, who was completing a masters degree nearby, at the London School of Economics. Returning to Nova Scotia, Brian worked in the Air Reserve, where after five years he retired to Pigott Lake.

Brian was truly happiest at the lake, enjoying a swim or a paddle, manning the BBQ or simply sitting on the dock with Jackie, taking in a sunset or the night stars. Building the dock with his son-in-law Vik was a special highlight for him and it was a source of pride for Brian that the Eady family never missed a summer on Pigott. In recent years, Brian and family were very grateful to his ROMEO pals for helping to ease the burden of tasks such as lawn maintenance or putting in and taking out the dock. When Brian and Jackie made the tough decision to sell the cottage in order to move closer to hospitals, his ROMEO pals were right there again doing the heavy lifting. Even after moving to the city, Brian and Jackie were able to spend a couple of weeks each summer back at the cottage, thanks to the kindness of its new owners. Brian was grateful for those last sunshine and laughter-filled few days he spent with Jackie, Julie, Susie, Vik, Dirk, Jordan, Jaimie and Sam at his beloved Pigott Lake.

Brian managed his illness with strength, grace, and a remarkably positive attitude. During his battle with MDS and AML, a bright spot for him was receiving words of encouragement from his friends and family via text, phone, and Facebook. It was beautiful to see his smile as he read the many heartfelt messages expressing how much he meant to so many people.

Brian spent his final days being cared for in the Hematology Unit 8A at the VG. There, he received the most compassionate, kind, and dignified care that one could hope for. In the Medical Day Unit, where Brian received his countless transfusions, he found gentle kindness and even a willingness to indulge his corny jokes. We are eternally grateful to both teams for their tireless efforts in caring for Brian.

A private cremation has already taken place and a Celebration of Life will follow at Pigott Lake, when covid allows. It was Brian’s wish that any donations in his memory be made to the Hematology Department via The QEII Foundation (qe2foundation.ca) or to Canadian Blood Services (blood.ca).

High Flight - John Gillespie Magee

Oh! I have slipped the surly bonds of Earth And danced the skies on laughter-silvered wings; Sunward I’ve climbed, and joined the tumbling mirth of sun-split clouds,—and done a hundred things You have not dreamed of—wheeled and soared and swung High in the sunlit silence. Hov’ring there, I’ve chased the shouting wind along, and flung My eager craft through footless halls of air. . . .

Up, up the long, delirious, burning blue I’ve topped the wind-swept heights with easy grace Where never lark nor ever eagle flew— And, while with silent lifting mind I’ve trod The high untrespassed sanctity of space, Put out my hand, and touched the face of God.

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Condolences

  • 03/16/2021

    Dear Jackie, I was saddened to hear of Brian's passing. Although it has been many years since I worked with Brian (2000), to this day, I often think of his kindness and humour. He was a wonderful person and helped me through difficult times. He was truly a blessing. You and your family are in my thoughts and prayers. Best Regards Paula

  • 01/31/2021

    Dear Jackie We are sorry to hear of Brian's passing. It has been many years since Brian & Bob served as COs at Shearwater. Our deepest condolences. Bob & Darlyn (Lynn) Hardy

  • 01/24/2021

    Feel very blessed to have grown up beside Brian ,Jackie ,Julie and Sue. So many wonderful memories and warm feelings of family. I remember Mr Eady constantly working on projects. I remember him crying and hugging me when the dog Charlie got hit by a car.I remember the building of the tree house, dock, and deck. I loved having bbqs and meeting all the new and endless friends that came to visit. I was always welcome into their home .Every time Brian and family would move , I would have to look it up on a map. Hours of swimming, camp fires, boat rides, and playing games like Sherades until midnight! Mr Eady was so cool and relaxed but he loved his uniform. I remember seeing him in it. He had a big influence on me and we had lots of talks about policing and military. I am deeply sad but feel so blessed to have known such a man. Sgt Harvey

  • 01/24/2021

    I was Brian's Squadron Administration Officer at HS 443 (Pat Bay) in 1990-91. Arriving with no experience and very junior in rank, I was uneasy. He immediately made me feel a part of the team. We worked closely on some big items: the hangar renovations, and mounting helairdets for the Gulf War. Never did he display any lack of confidence or trust in my abilities, which gave me the assurance I needed to succeed. Brian and Jackie welcomed me into their home on Anson Street, and their warmth and kindness was sincere. I look back on that era as the highlight of my service, thanks largely to Brian Eady, and I am so glad we had a chance to reminisce recently. Fair winds and following seas, Skipper.

  • 01/23/2021

    I was sad to read the news of Brian's passing. We met when Brian and his family moved to Ferris and we played football together at Chippewa beside each other for three years. He was a great teammate and a real leader.

  • 01/23/2021

    We read with sorrow not only the passing of Brian but also his health struggles in his final days. It was wonderful to read the great comments about the wonderful impression he made on so many people over his lifetime. As we look across the street at the family home in North Bay we often think of the Eady family and the strong bonds Brian and you had with the Norries and the Colvins. The dating years at Chippewa that we had in common were topped off with your very special wedding and calls up some fun memories. I can only imagine that Brian would have some very sage advice to help you through your grief. You are in our thoughts and prayers. Selma (Sally) and Russ Colvin

  • 01/23/2021

    I knew Brian at Western when he was a Navy Cadet and I was a young First Hussar -but neither of us knew of our military aviation connection. Subsequently we "remet" at Portage La Prairie as young pilots and later at Staff School in Toronto. Of course I now regret having lost touch for about 4 decades -but it is too late! The second I saw the obit in the Globe I realized it was him and he was not to be recaptured. Brian was one of the finest guys ever -we ran many miles together and shared some great times! I am sure he will be missed by many. I will regret forever my inactivity re getting back in touch! Fair winds my friend! Jock

  • 01/20/2021

    Dear Jackie, Our heartfelt condolences on the passing of your incredible husband Brian. Don and I had the pleasure of making your acquaintance in Florida thanks to Dave and Mary Dufresne. We shared some wonderful meals together. Mary and I used to comment to our two husbands you won the lottery with Brian. What a wonderful man. A smile and helping hand always. God bless. He's in our prayers.

  • 01/20/2021

    So sorry to hear of your loss. It's been many, many years since I babysat for the girls on Avery Avenue. Brian was kind and had a good sense of humour.

  • 01/19/2021

    So sorry to hear this news, Jackie. The obituary aptly described Brian and your loving relationship. I'll always remember how he treated everyone so kindly and loved to watch you enjoy lemon pie. A very special and accomplished man.

  • 01/19/2021

    Dear Jackie and family, our sincere condolences. From our first meeting at Shearwater, Brian and you made us feel so very welcome and for that we will be forever grateful. Let me also add, that within the Naval Air Community, Brian was truly one of the stalwarts and he inspired generations of our future leaders, forever leaving his mark on our maritime air operations. Again, our sympathies to you and your family Jackie, wishing you the very best, in these most difficult times. Dorothy and Brian Akitt

  • 01/19/2021

    Dear Jackie or Mrs. Eady, It has been a long time since I drove with you, as freshman to Dalhousie University. While it was over 40 years ago, I often recall the kindness, humour and guidance you shared during our commute. I was saddened today, to see Brian's obituary. I cannot imagine how difficult these times are for you and your family. I wanted to share some brief memories of the short time our lives intersected. As a teenager of a rather strict Naval man, I saw "Capt. Eady" as a handsome, funny and "cool" young pilot who always had time for a quick word of assurance or a question on how my swimming was going. This is no small thing when as a young man I was desperately looking for "footing" of some sort. He was such a refreshing contrast to most of the adults that I had met up to that time. Both you and your husband were instrumental in ways you cannot imagine on my development and growth. The "Eady's" as my mother Barbara, would say, not only cut a striking image but also brought vitality, kindness and humour to our little neighbourhood. Thank you for all that you have done. Gareth Luke

  • 01/19/2021

    Such sad news. Dot and I remember with love and affection the great times we shared at RAFSC Bracknell. In our thoughts and prayers.

  • 01/18/2021

    What a fantastic tribute to his life and career! Brian was my first Commanding Officer at 443. He created the conditions for me and many others to move on to an incredible And exciting career. He cared!!. Thoughts and prayers to Eady family.

  • 01/18/2021

    Jackie and family: what a tragic loss this is for so many veterans, neighbours and friends. What a wonderful testament the obituary is to his life, chosen career, friends and family. We will all miss him greatly, especially that smile and hearty laugh. We treasure the days we were able to spend with the Eady Clan wherever good friends gathered. Our sincere condolences.

  • 01/18/2021

    Dear Jackie, Jim and I offer our most sincere sympathy and heartfelt condolences at Brian's passing. We know his loving spirit comfort you and your family. Brian was truly a good man and we will always remember him fondly.

  • 01/18/2021

    Brian was one of the nicest people I have ever met, on or off the beach. Farewell.

  • 01/18/2021

    Dear Jackie and family. Sending my deepest condolences on the loss of your wonderful Brian. He is an unforgettable and beautiful soul and a genuine prince of the clouds. Sending love from PEI.

  • 01/18/2021

    Thinking of you at this sad time, Jackie. Reading Brian's obituary has brought back so many memories. We shared some wonderful days. My sympathies to you and your family. Penny Reynolds

  • 01/18/2021

    My sincere condolences to Jackie and family! Brian was a good friend and fellow worker. Brian had a contagious smile and always a positive attitude! Brian had replaced me at MAGHQ but I knew him from the time he moved the Squadron to Pat Bay! You will be missed old friend! " At the going down of the sun, and in the morning, we will remember him!"

  • 01/18/2021

    I remember the Eady family very well. We were old neighbors on Avery Ave. Pigott Lake was special then. Brian was a gentlemen from the word go. My sincere condolences to Jackie and family. Joie

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