RAMSAY, Brian Gilbert - Passed away suddenly at home on Monday, December 28, 2020 at the age of 79.
Beloved husband of Linda Ramsay (Taillefer) and the late Patricia Ramsay. Loving father of Paula Ramsay (Jon Rossini); step-father of Kory, Jason and Kelly Taillefer. Dear Bompoo of Austin, Jaylin and Karl Taillefer. Fondly remembered by his brother and sisters late Barbara MacKereth (John), Marilyn MacDonald (late Alex), Ed Ramsay (Lynda), Cheryle Wiese-Villegas (Armando), Sandra O'Brien (Dennis) and Rhonda Ramsay. Fondly remembered by his many cousins, nieces and nephews. Dear friend of Cheryle Brennan and family, and Julie McCool and Chris Teresinski. His beloved dog Grace will miss “not” being fed from the table.
Brian was born and raised in Sault Ste. Marie where he lived his entire life with the exception of the three years he served in the Royal Canadian Navy. While in the Navy, he enjoyed seeing the world and carried this love of travel throughout his life. He looked back fondly on visits to Europe, Australia, Puerto Rico and especially loved the east coast of Canada.
Once settled back in the Sault, Brian started working at Algoma Steel where he was an active member of the United Steel Workers Local 2251 and attended the Ontario Labor College in Ottawa. He retired in January 2003 after over 25 years of service at the plant. In addition to his many activities with the union, Brian also served on the board of the local United Way for several years. He enjoyed meeting new people and supporting local causes.
In his private life, Brian enjoyed playing cards, watching the Blue Jays, fishing with the guys, going camping each summer in his motor home, visiting the casino, and gardening. In his later years, he especially enjoyed sitting on the patio feeding peanuts to chipmunks by hand while watching his wife Linda tend their beautiful backyard oasis. Brian enjoyed good food, a good drink, and conversation. He could strike up a conversation with just about anyone and was well known for being a jokester. Brian always had a silly face ready to make his grandchildren laugh.
Brian was a dedicated and loving father to his daughter, Paula. He introduced her to baseball, attended all of her music festival and school performances over the years and shuttled her and her friends all around town in the back of his van. When Paula was in university, he would often drive through snow and ice to bring her home for the holidays and when she moved to the US he even helped her and his son-in-law Jon drive across the United States in a moving van with his grand-cats in the back of the car following behind him. Some of his proudest moments included walking his daughter down the aisle when she married Jon in 2002 and traveling to California to see Paula receive her Master in Education in 2010.
When his first wife Patricia passed in 2003, Brian thought he would likely spend the rest of his life alone; all of that changed when he met Linda. Linda gave Brian a new lease on life and he was excited to spend it with her. Together, they shared 17 wonderful years, traveled across Canada, the US and further and supported one another through life’s ups and downs.
Following Brian's wishes, cremation has taken place. A celebration of Brian's life will take place at a later date when it is safe for friends and family to gather. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations made (payable by cheque or online) to the United Way or the charity of your choice would be appreciated by the family. Arrangements entrusted to the Arthur Funeral Home - Barton & Kiteley Chapel (492 Wellington Street East 705-759-2522).