It is with deep sadness that we announce the passing of L. Brian Haywood, age 84, departed this life peacefully on May 1, 2025, at Huntsville Algonquin Grace Hospice. Born on March 11, 1941, at Civic Hospital in Ottawa, Ontario, Brian lived a life defined by dedication to family, community service, and personal growth.
Brian grew up in Chelsea, Quebec with his parents, 3 sisters and 2 brothers. He began his career with the Royal Bank, travelling throughout Eastern Ontario including Belleville, Brockville, Carleton Place, and Smith Falls. After marrying Diane Carol Bisson on October 2, 1965, they relocated to Montreal where their first daughter was born in 1969. The bank later moved Brian and his growing family to Frobisher Bay, NWT (now Iqaluit), where they welcomed their second daughter in 1972.
Brian later resigned from the bank, dabbled in many construction projects and then joined the Ottawa Board of Education followed by Elmwood School and finally with Torbram Electric until his retirement. Upon retiring, Brian and his wife Diane moved to Huntsville, Ontario. Never one to remain idle, he drove car transfers and delivered parts, and found a true sense of community.
An avid reader across many genres, Brian also shared his passion for sports. In his youth teaching downhill skiing for several years at Camp Fortune in Gatineau, Quebec. He loved golf and proudly achieved a hole-in-one in 2009 at Deerhurst .
Brian was deeply committed to community service, dedicating over 15 years to the Knights of Columbus. He was instrumental and helped to organize the Knights’ Huntsville Hockey tournament and sold calendars among many other projects for fundraising initiatives.
Brian took special delight in his role as father to his two daughters, grandfather to Kyanna Morgan Leafloor, and great-grandfather to Lydia Marie Rose Leafloor. He was known by all as a generous, kind, and loving man whose warmth touched many lives.
Brian is survived by his loving wife of nearly 60 years, Diane Carol Haywood (née Bisson), daughters Karen Ann and Kelly Jane and spouse Jacqueline, and his siblings Gail Hennessey (Russ), Bruce Haywood (Carrol), and Lynne Morin (John). He was predeceased by Sandra Garbutt (Ray) and Robert Haywood (Debbie). Brian’s life also created a lasting impression on his nieces and nephews, who will forever carry his captivating storytelling, unwavering work ethic, and spirit within their hearts.
A service to celebrate Brian’s life will be held at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Huntsville on Friday, May 9, 2025, at 2:00 p.m. followed by a reception in the church hall. A celebration of life will occur in Ottawa this spring. In lieu of flowers, donations to the Huntsville Hospital Foundation or Huntsville Hospice would be appreciated by the family.
He will be deeply missed but his legacy of kindness and service will continue through all who knew him.
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Aunt Diane, Kelly, Karen and family,
We were so saddened to hear about uncle Brian’s passing, you are all in our thoughts and prayers during this difficult time. I have very fond memories working with uncle Brian as a teenager building fences and cleaning downtown office buildings. We shared some good laughs. He always had a warm smile and twinkle in his eyes. I also think about the times spent a the cottage and he always had a book in his hands!
Take care of yourselves and each other.
Patrick & Norine
Brian will be missed by many who respected and loved him.
Our sincerest condolences Kelly, Jackie, Diane and family! Brian was was a great guy!
Greg and Sandra