Lynn Leighton BASc Mechanical P. Eng. MBA Brush
June 9, 2020
Of London, Ontario, passed away with family at his side, on Tuesday, June 9, 2020, at the age of 81. Born in Windsor, Ontario on March 6, 1939, to Leighton and Isobel Brush. Beloved husband of Linda Brush (née Marshall) for 59 years. Loved and missed by his children: Laird Brush (Lise), Susan Brush (Dan), and Eric Brush (Pam). Cherished grandfather of Taylor, Sarah, and Jacob Brush; Jesse (Kayla) and Lexi Sherriff (Derek); Maegan (Adam) and Avery Brush. Great-grandfather of Benjamin and Gwenyth. Big brother of Gary Brush (Donna), Camilla MacKinnon (Lorne), and Catherine Gniposky. Remembered by his many nieces and nephews and one crazy sister-in-law, Norma Iles (Steve).
Our father was about family: in his words…
“When I hear a piano – I think of Laird
When I think of beauty of the soul and body – I think of Sue
When I think of joy – I think of Eric
And when I think of constant love – I think of you (Linda)
Nothing is more important than family.”
Losing Lynn is one of the most difficult things we have gone through. As we reflect today, we realize how fortunate we were to have him in our lives. There are not words to express his positive influence in our lives and in the other lives he touched.
He showed strength and love right up until his last days with us. We hope that one day, when we die, our children can look back, tell funny stories about us, and talk about how we loved them. Then, like our father, we will have led a complete life. There is a special bond that a father has with his children. That bond builds strength over the time and experiences that each of us are fortunate enough to share. We are privileged, honored, and extremely lucky to be our father’s children and grandchildren. He was, quite simply, a great Dad and Pa.
Our dad was proud to be an engineer. He was the smartest man we have ever known. It has made these last few years all the more difficult, knowing his incredible mind was trapped inside his head. If what happened to our dad had happened to someone else, they might be angry, but not Dad! He never lost his sense of humour; at least not in front of us.
Dad was hardworking, strong, loving, and gentle. He was a scout leader, coach, hiker, creator of whatever was required to support our dreams – including carving out a small nook for a sewing room for Sue. He was a leader in his professional life as well as his personal life. He was honest, kind, tough and funny.
He loved his family and was deeply devoted to Linda for 59 years. He was a great “Pa” to his grandchildren and, for a short time, a “Great Pa” to his great-grandchildren.
Dad loved to be outside. We all remember him sitting in his little beach chair daring the Atlantic Ocean to knock him over; when the tide would finally take him down, he would move that chair back a few feet and challenge the ocean all over again. We wonder how many people witnessed that and still wonder who that crazy Canadian was who refused to give in to the ocean.
Our dad was someone to look up to, someone to follow and someone to admire; someone to be proud of and someone to brag about; someone to learn from and someone to respect; someone to listen to and someone to talk to; someone to try to impress and sometimes even rebel against.
Thank you, Dad, for all that you taught us. We are so very proud to be your family. We love you and will miss you every day.
As his eldest grandson says, “They don’t make ’em like that anymore….”
Our sincerest gratitude goes out to all of his caregivers for their kindness and compassion in his time of need.
Cremation has taken place and a small, family service will be held at Woodland Cemetery.
As an expression of sympathy, memorial donations may be made to the Canadian Cancer Society, Heart and Stroke Foundation of Canada or Thames Valley Trail Association (TVTA).
Leave a tribute for Lynn Leighton BASc Mechanical P. Eng. MBA Brush
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(Donated to Thames Valley Trail Association)
Our deepest sympathy to Linda and family! We fondly remember Lynn for the many stimulating conversations along the hiking trails, his infectious laughter, his leadership at TVTA board meetings, and his readiness to volunteer. He will be missed!
I am so glad we got to see your dad at Maegan's wedding, he was so proud. The guy I knew when we were growing up was still in there. I remember one time when we were over at the house for a visit when our kids were young, while the adults chatted, Lynn would disappear to the basement with the kids, to teach them to play darts with him as the target I think... He was just a big kid sometimes. We will miss him.
My condolences to Lynn's family. I enjoyed many conversations with him on the trails or at coffee after a TVTA hike. He is missed.
I knew Lynne through Tuesday and Thursday TVTA Ramblers where his infectious good humour brought a little sunshine to everyone's day. He was just a joy to be around, a joy to share coffee with afterwards.
Linda, we were so sorry to hear of your loss. May the wonderful memories you have created together help you through this time.
I am sorry to hear of Lynns passing. My sincere sympathy to you all. I have many warm memories of a wonderful funny man. My parents also extend their condolences.
(Donated to Canadian Cancer Society)
(Donated to Thames Valley Trail Association)
(Donated to Heart and Stroke Foundation of Canada)
(Donated to Heart and Stroke Foundation of Canada)
(Donated to Thames Valley Trail Association)
(Donated to Thames Valley Trail Association)
(Donated to Heart and Stroke Foundation of Canada)
(Donated to Thames Valley Trail Association)
(Donated to Canadian Cancer Society)
(Donated to Heart and Stroke Foundation of Canada)
(Donated to Thames Valley Trail Association)
(Donated to Canadian Cancer Society)
(Donated to Thames Valley Trail Association)
(Donated to Canadian Cancer Society)
(Donated to Thames Valley Trail Association)
Dear Linda, It was with sadness that I learned of Lynn's passing. May the love of family and friends help to sustain and strengthen you in your time of grief. As the days and weeks pass, you will look back on all the happy memories you were able to share...may they give you peace and comfort. My heartfelt condolences.
My deepest condolences. Thoughts and prayers are with you. May your memories keep you strong.
Sue and family. So very sad to hear of you dad passing away. Be strong together for your mom my friend. Thoughts and prayers are with all of you.
Our love to a wonderful family that we have enjoyed a life time of great memories with.
We are so very sorry for your loss. Thinking of you at this difficult time.
Sue and Family - I will remember your father as so many us will - as a man with a passion for life, a heart with unconditional love and father that held his family with the highest regard. Our school year memories are filled with the many days and nights spent at the Brush household, always being welcomed in by your mom and dad. Thank you for sharing your father with us! I pray for all the happy memories to overcome your feelings of loss and sadness now. Sandra
Lots of wonderful memories of spending time with Lynn - Myrtle Beach, dances, hiking with TVTA (picking up trash along the trails), many dinners and shared laughter, stories told, talk of family, admiring flowers but pointing out weeds! Humour, intelligence, a willingness to debate (or argue a point), love of family - all things we will miss. Even though he could not share the stories at the end, he sure enjoyed hearing them and laughing along. We will miss him. Love to the Linda and the family.
Uncle Lynn was well loved and loved well. We will all miss him and remember him well. His quick wit and big cheshire like smile were the very best. Our love and hugs to you Aunt Linda and all of the family. Love & Hugs Bev & Norm & Family x0x0x
What a wonderful tribute to a remarkable man! He surely was as proud of his family as his family is of him. Our hearts break with yours but we know that you'll carry Mr. Brush's legacy forward. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Dear Sue and Family - what a beautiful tribute to your dear dad. I have so many great childhood memories of visits to your house and visiting with your parents. I would have to say one of my favourite memories would be our trips to Wheels in the cube van! My heart breaks for you all, much love Brenda
Linda and Family, Your nephew Dave and my family are sorry to hear of uncle Lynn's passing. As a young fellow, I loved how uncle Lynn could beat our dad in a contest of wit and one-liners. All our love to you.
What a great tribute, and so very true. Your Dad was always very kind no matter what. welcoming, friendly, and willing to teach and interact. our thoughts and hearts are with you.
Our heartfelt condolences to the Brush family. When we think of Lynn, we smile, such a cheerful friend to have for so many years! We will cherish our scrapbook of memories of the fun times. May God's comfort and peace surround you all. You will be in our prayers on Sat. at 10 am. love, Bev and Bill
Mine and my sisters sincere condolences go out to the family. As cousins we seem to drift apart but not in our memories. Rest in peace Lynn. You will be remembered.
Linda, my sincerest condolences to you and your family for your loss. May all the happy memories you shared together help you through this difficult time. Trish
Dear Camilla Deepest sympathy on the passing of your brother. I remember him from my preteen years as the kind, older brother of my friend who let us listen to his treasured 45 rpm records on his record player. My condolences to to Catherine and Gary and all your family.
Lynn was an active member of the TVTA hiking club. It will be these memories that we have of him helping with trail maintenance, being part of the board and a grateful resource when it came to question about the governance of our club that we are so thankful for. A man who touched many community lives with his volunteer help. Please accept our heartfelt condolences. Pat and Tilman Joosten
My condolences to Linda & family. I remember Lynn having a lively sense of humour & fun. We missed him hiking when he was no longer able to join us. Debbie Buck, TVTA
I will always cherish the memories of the 4 of us playing cards or having an enjoyable breakfasts together. My deepest sympathies.
When Tom and I think of Lynn, we remember all the fun and laughs we had, especially playing cards. He was a man of pure joy, a heart of gold yet while playing cards it became a friendly war. We loved him, and love his wonderful wife Linda. We'll miss you Lynn, and promise to always hold Linda close to our hearts. Linda, you and your family have so many great memories of Lynn, hold on to them.
Rest well Uncle Lynn. You left a mark on more people then you may be aware of. I will always remember your laugh and quick Wit. Yours was a life well lived. You will be missed.
Linda we are so sorry to hear of your loss! Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family at this difficult time. Cherish the memories. Give your family hugs from Mike and I.
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(Donated to Canadian Cancer Society)
~ Camilla & Lorne