Obituary of James Benedict Brown

It is with great sadness that the family of James Benedict “Benny” Brown announce his passing, which occurred on March 20, 2024, at his residence in Smiths Creek. Born in Ballylough, County Down, Northern Ireland, on July 15, 1944, he was a son of the Late John and Roseann (Bannon) Brown.

Benny is survived by his loving wife, Karen; his brothers: Sean Brown (Bernadine), Tony Brown (Late Margaret), Francis Brown (Late Vera), Sam Brown, Noel Brown (Brid), Colmn Brown (Elizabeth), Brian Brown, Paddy Brown (Joan), and Lawrence Brown (Anne); and his sisters: Marion Morgan (Dan) and Bernadette Kelly (Anthony). Benny is also survived by many nieces and nephews in Ireland and Canada.

Along with his parents, Benny was predeceased by his brother, Bonny Brown (2020) and his nephew, Martin Brown (1994).

Benny’s vibrant spirit and infectious enthusiasm could light up a room.

In 1959, The Brown family moved to the Bannon homestead at 25 Ballymaginthy Road, Castlewellan. Benny stayed there until his journey led him across the Atlantic in 1972. He settled in Toronto, where he found work in construction and joined the Labourer’s Union 183. In 2013, 9 years after his retirement, Benny and Karen moved to the East Coast and settled down in Smiths Creek, New Brunswick, where they planned to enjoy their golden years.

Benny found joy in the simple things…crossword puzzles, Sudoku puzzles, watching sports, and tending to his beloved gardens. May Benny’s legacy be a reminder to find happiness in the simple things; to live fully, love deeply, and laugh often.

When our tears have dried, let’s remember Benny for the love and joy he brought to all of us and try to pay it forward during the time we have left here before we see him again.

You may have left this world, but your spirit will continue to light up a space in our hearts. Rest in peace, dear Benny.

Yabadabadoo!

Arrangements have been entrusted to Wallace Funeral Home, 34 Sunnyside Drive, Sussex, NB (506-433-1176) from where a visitation will take place on Tuesday, March 26 from 10-11am. A service will follow from the Wallace Community Chapel at 11:00am.

Donations in memory of Benny may be made to the Heart & Stroke Foundation, S.O.S. Strays of Sussex, or a charity of the donor’s choice. Personal condolences to the family and donations may be made through wallacefuneralhome.com