Brian William James Wakefield
November 21 1941 - October 7 2024
It is with great sadness that The Family of Brian William James Wakefield, announce his passing at RVH on October 7, 2024, in his 83rd year. Loving husband of Marg for over 63 years, devoted father to Deb Kilcup (Ron), Sue Carson (Lee) and Sandy Symes (Mike), Grandpa/Poppa to Kris, Heather, Drew, Nick, Jessica, Cody and Riley and Great Poppa to Natalie, Liam, Hannah, Baylee, Harper and Riley. Brian’s love and dedication to his family were the cornerstones of his life.
Brian’s life was in service for others because he cared so very much. He started his firefighting career with the Fire Department in Mississauga in 1962. Brian and Marg moved to Angus in 1966 where they built their home. Brian, along with Maynard West, at the prompting of Thornton Fire Chief Earl Cunningham, established the Angus Volunteer Fire Department in 1966. Brian began working at the Barrie Fire Department in 1972 as a full-time firefighter, while at the same time he was a captain on the Angus Volunteer Department. He worked hard and graduated from Fire College in 1984. He retired from Barrie Fire in 1999 and then retired from Angus Fire Department in 2003.
Brian leaves behind a legacy of kindness and dedicated community service. Through the Fire Department in Angus and Barrie, he fundraised for the Muscular Dystrophy Association. He was involved in various activities in Angus, such as Santa Claus Parade, Christmas Eve (Santa float) along with other fundraising events to raise money for fire equipment at the Angus Fire Hall. He was involved in many of the activities in Angus, like the Canada Day celebrations, Burning of the Green, Lighting of the town’s Christmas tree, fundraising to build an office for the Police Station. He was also a member of the Essa Fair committee and a member of the Horticultural Society in Angus. Brian volunteered to support the residents of Angus through Project Angus as a Block Captain (neighbourhood Watch), a chaperone at the Leo’s dances, a Lion’s member, involved in fundraising for the Angus Arena, volunteered with Girl Guides, Precision Skating, Angus Food Bank and the Helping Hand.
For years Brian and his wife Marg, ran an antique store from their home in Angus. It was a passion of his to refinish and restore antique furniture. He enjoyed going to auctions to socialize and purchase antiques to refinish.
Another passion was antique cars, attending car shows and showing off his 1964 Impala. He was involved with the Alliston Car club, Recycled Teenagers and the Angus Car Club.
His greatest love was his family and animals. Brian is greatly loved and will be forever missed.
If so desired, in lieu of flowers, donations in Brian’s memory may be made to the Angus Food Bank.
Visitation will be held on Friday, October 25th. at 1:00 pm at Drury Funeral Centre, 519 Victoria St. E. in Alliston, service at 2:00, followed by a reception.