Obituary for Brian Garnet Rawn
Brian Garnet Rawn - November 10, 1951 to March 24, 2022
Our family sat reminiscing; pondering how one man, Brian Garnet Rawn, could possibly be so loved by so many? The response was overwhelming: ‘because he loved so deeply and unconditionally, yet asked for very little in return.’ On March 24th, 2022, Brian died peacefully with his dear family by his side. His hard-fought battle with cancer finally over. However, Brian will live on forever in our hearts and souls. He touched so many lives.
Brian was born at Dufferin Area Hospital in Orangeville, Ontario on November 10, 1951. He was the son of Bernice (Kidd) Rawn and Garnet Rawn, and brother of Doug (1991) and John (2017). He remained a proud member of the Orangeville community for the next 40 years as he worked, volunteered, and raised a family. Along with a maverick but dedicated team lead by his older brother, and hero, Doug, Brian played an integral role in the development and success of Orangeville Pre-Cast Concrete for over 30 years. His peerless work ethic, limitless enthusiasm to do whatever it takes, and boundless energy served this growing business well. Brian quickly fell in love with trucks – the bigger the better. This love evolved into teaching himself everything he could about the inner workings of these big rigs. With only a simple single volume of instruction, and without apprenticing a single day, Brian became a licensed, certified diesel mechanic.
Seeking different challenges Brian moved to Flesherton, ON where he spent the next 30 years of his life. He became the diesel mechanic for Fleshcon/Clearveiw Concrete, and then Ryder Truck Leasing where he maintained Chapman’s Ice Cream’s national fleet of tractor trailers. When Brian grudgingly retired at age 66, the company replaced him with not just one employee, but 2.5 employees.
Brian often claimed that work was his hobby, but he always found time for fun and laughter. Brian had a warm, natural, and honest approach to friendship; he delighted all those that knew him – supplying a helping hand, an ear, a shoulder, or much needed comedy, and often all of the above. Brian loved so many sports & games… as long as there was competition, and that he could play with his children or grandchildren. Brian especially loved hockey: coaching, playing, or cheering on his loved ones (often too generous with his enthusiasm to say the least!) He enjoyed stock car-racing – and driving his beloved 51 car at Sauble Speedway.
Above all though, Brian loved his family. Brian will be survived by his four children and their spouses: Ed Brando (Nikki), Michael Bray (Tina), Jason Rawn (Rebecca), and Kimberley Williams (Joel). He will be dearly missed by his grandchildren: Tyler, Jessica, Payton, Heather, Owen, Carmen, Mackenzie, Keely, Clara-Mae, and Victoria. Lastly, Brian will be survived by his beloved wife of 40 years, Margaret Joyce Rawn. He fell in love with Joyce almost from the moment they met in the autumn of 1977, and they were rarely apart afterwards. They created a wonderful home where their children could feel safe, make mistakes, laugh uncontrollably, be rewarded for accomplishment, and most importantly feel loved each and every day. May the love the two of them showed each other until his final moments be of inspiration to us all.
Additionally, Brian was a special brother-in-law of Rosanne Rawn (Doug 1991), Beverly Knaeckel (2010), Shirley (Russ) Dickson, Ken Horsman (2013), Bill Horsman (2021), Rolly (Lila) Horsman, and Linda (Wayne) Cornelius. He was loved by many nieces and nephews and great- nieces and nephews.
Brian/Son/Dad/Brother/Grandpa/Papa/Uncle thank you for teaching us that we can be anything we set out to be… we just need to be brave, to believe in ourselves and to work hard. We love you. Text us when you get there! An announcement for a memorial service will be forthcoming. Donations would be gratefully accepted in Brian's name at Centre Grey Health Services (Markdale Hospital) at www.cghsfoundation.com or the Canadian Cancer Society at www.cancer.ca. Arrangements entrusted to Fawcett Funeral Cremation Reception www.fawcettfuneralhome.ca
Our family sat reminiscing; pondering how one man, Brian Garnet Rawn, could possibly be so loved by so many? The response was overwhelming: ‘because he loved so deeply and unconditionally, yet asked for very little in return.’ On March 24th, 2022, Brian died peacefully with his dear family by his side. His hard-fought battle with cancer finally over. However, Brian will live on forever in our hearts and souls. He touched so many lives.
Brian was born at Dufferin Area Hospital in Orangeville, Ontario on November 10, 1951. He was the son of Bernice (Kidd) Rawn and Garnet Rawn, and brother of Doug (1991) and John (2017). He remained a proud member of the Orangeville community for the next 40 years as he worked, volunteered, and raised a family. Along with a maverick but dedicated team lead by his older brother, and hero, Doug, Brian played an integral role in the development and success of Orangeville Pre-Cast Concrete for over 30 years. His peerless work ethic, limitless enthusiasm to do whatever it takes, and boundless energy served this growing business well. Brian quickly fell in love with trucks – the bigger the better. This love evolved into teaching himself everything he could about the inner workings of these big rigs. With only a simple single volume of instruction, and without apprenticing a single day, Brian became a licensed, certified diesel mechanic.
Seeking different challenges Brian moved to Flesherton, ON where he spent the next 30 years of his life. He became the diesel mechanic for Fleshcon/Clearveiw Concrete, and then Ryder Truck Leasing where he maintained Chapman’s Ice Cream’s national fleet of tractor trailers. When Brian grudgingly retired at age 66, the company replaced him with not just one employee, but 2.5 employees.
Brian often claimed that work was his hobby, but he always found time for fun and laughter. Brian had a warm, natural, and honest approach to friendship; he delighted all those that knew him – supplying a helping hand, an ear, a shoulder, or much needed comedy, and often all of the above. Brian loved so many sports & games… as long as there was competition, and that he could play with his children or grandchildren. Brian especially loved hockey: coaching, playing, or cheering on his loved ones (often too generous with his enthusiasm to say the least!) He enjoyed stock car-racing – and driving his beloved 51 car at Sauble Speedway.
Above all though, Brian loved his family. Brian will be survived by his four children and their spouses: Ed Brando (Nikki), Michael Bray (Tina), Jason Rawn (Rebecca), and Kimberley Williams (Joel). He will be dearly missed by his grandchildren: Tyler, Jessica, Payton, Heather, Owen, Carmen, Mackenzie, Keely, Clara-Mae, and Victoria. Lastly, Brian will be survived by his beloved wife of 40 years, Margaret Joyce Rawn. He fell in love with Joyce almost from the moment they met in the autumn of 1977, and they were rarely apart afterwards. They created a wonderful home where their children could feel safe, make mistakes, laugh uncontrollably, be rewarded for accomplishment, and most importantly feel loved each and every day. May the love the two of them showed each other until his final moments be of inspiration to us all.
Additionally, Brian was a special brother-in-law of Rosanne Rawn (Doug 1991), Beverly Knaeckel (2010), Shirley (Russ) Dickson, Ken Horsman (2013), Bill Horsman (2021), Rolly (Lila) Horsman, and Linda (Wayne) Cornelius. He was loved by many nieces and nephews and great- nieces and nephews.
Brian/Son/Dad/Brother/Grandpa/Papa/Uncle thank you for teaching us that we can be anything we set out to be… we just need to be brave, to believe in ourselves and to work hard. We love you. Text us when you get there! An announcement for a memorial service will be forthcoming. Donations would be gratefully accepted in Brian's name at Centre Grey Health Services (Markdale Hospital) at www.cghsfoundation.com or the Canadian Cancer Society at www.cancer.ca. Arrangements entrusted to Fawcett Funeral Cremation Reception www.fawcettfuneralhome.ca