In memory of Harry Brunelle (Henry Charles Joseph Brunelle),
Harry peacefully passed away in his sleep on September 20, 2022. He has joined his predeceased wife Ann, parents and 13 siblings. He is survived by his Sister Terry McIntosh, Daughters Mary Ann Brunelle (Paul), Janet Phillips (Paul), Grandchildren Denise Phillips (Kent), Andrew Phillips, Kelly-Ann Robertson (Derek), Erin Hewko & Great Grandchildren Wesley, Skyla & Alice-Ann.
Harry and Ann led very simple lives and his wishes were for a simple transition in joining his departed family. Mary Ann and Janet are honouring his wishes and request that in lieu of cards and flowers, that you send prayers and share your favourite memories with us about our Dad on the memorial website in the comment section below.
Memorial Funeral Mass will be held on Thursday September 29, 2022 at St. Anslem Catholic Church (1 Macnaughton Rd. East York, ON M4G 3H3) at 11:00 am. Pictures can be viewed in the lobby between 10:30 am to 11:00 am. Interment will be directly after the funeral, Dad will be buried with our Mother at Mount Hope Catholic Cemetery (305 Erskine Ave, Toronto, ON M4P 1Z7). All are welcome to join Mary Ann and Janet after interment at the Mandarin Restaurant (1027 Finch Ave. W., North York, ON, M3J2C7).
SAFELY HOME
I am home in Heaven, dear ones;
Oh, so happy and so bright!
There is perfect joy and beauty
In this everlasting light.
All the pain and grief is over,
every restless tossing passed;
I am now at peace forever,
Safely home in Heaven at last.
Did you wonder I so calmly
trod the valley of the shade?
Oh! but Jesus’ love illumined
every dark and fearful glade.
And He came Himself to meet me
In that way so hard to tread;
And with Jesus’ arm to lean on,
Could I have one doubt or dread?
Then you must not grieve so sorely,
For I love you dearly still
Try to look beyond earth’s shadows,
Pray to trust our Father’s Will.
There is work still waiting for you,
So you must not idly stand;
Do it now, while life remaineth-
You shall rest in Jesus’ land.
When that work is all completed,
He will gently call you Home;
Oh, the rapture of that meeting,
Oh, the joy to see you come!
Funeral arrangements entrusted to Rod Abrams Funeral Home www.RodAbramsFuneralHome.com. Please share memories below.
Service
Memorial Mass
St. Anslem Catholic Church
1 Macnaughton Road, East York, Ontario, M4G 3H3
Thursday September 29, 2022
11:00am
Julie Begg (Bridges) says
How happy to hear that such a wonderful man has passed on in his sleep. I knew Harry from Loretta Tavern where he was always so kind to give so many of us a dance. I later learned he knew my Grandfather and he helped him sometimes if my Grandfather was short some eggs for his small deliveries. My grandfather talked about him very highly.
My deepest sympathy to your family and I hope it gives some comfort that this many was loved by so many. The world was absolutely a better place with him in it. Let us all take our memories and spread kindness in his honour. Sincerely, Julie Begg (nee Bridges, 7th Con). ❤️
PENNY BAPTISTA says
I never had the pleasure of meeting Harry Brunelle, but I have learned that Harry was a kind and simple man, a hard worker and lover of animals. He loved and cared for his family, enjoyed teaching the farm life and was known for dancing the two-step (clearly, a man after my own heart) and surely, a man well-loved and a life well-lived.
However, as I reflect on these attributes, I can’t help but feel that we have met in one way or another and it’s because I have been blessed to have a friend in Mary Ann, whom I admire for many of these traits and so many more.
To my dear friend, please know that I am thinking of you and sending you the biggest, tightest hug during this difficult time. To the entire family, please accept my deepest condolences and prayers that Harry is met by his loved ones in heaven and that they may rest in peace together once again.
May God have mercy on Harry and all the living and the dead.
Amen.
Catherine says
Dear Janet, Paul and Mary Ann,
It’s because of Harry that I found more loves of my life: the land, cows and all the joy and lessons that farming brings to us.
It all started at the corner restaurant with Harry saying ‘you should come have a look at the farm’ and ‘well, maybe you should get a few cows to keep the grass down’. Life changing moments from a man who could see what was most important in life: our families, our friends, the land, working hard, seeing lives thrive, laughing hard, fighting though struggles, doing things well, being true and crying when need be.
He was with me for my first calf. He gave a big smile with a quiet nod. He cried with me at my first loss. He taught my boys about kittens and chickens. He said my rows of hay were straight as ever, so he guessed the missing arm didn’t really matter much. If I didn’t get any ‘talks’, I knew I was doing okay. He boiled everything down to what was most important in the moment.
I shaped my life because of Harry’s words. It has taught me more than I ever could have imagined. I am so grateful and I miss him and the way it was at Lantern Hill Farm.
Love, Catherine, William, Gage and a bunch of beautiful black cows, all because of Harry.
Sharon Rodrigues says
Dear Mary Ann and Janet,
It is with a sad heard to hear the loss of your father. As I did not meet him personally, I do remember listening to all the childhood stories you had shared with us up north around the camp fire or in the bunkie, which was always filled with laughter. I remember you saying we were Real Farmers!!! The simple life you called it and look we all want to go back to the simple lifestyle ,enjoying the fresh air and nature. Harry had the right idea !! 🙂 God Bless and May you Rest in Peace Harry.
Kim Marchessault says
We lived for twenty years In the little red farmhouse beside the Brown’s place. Harry welcomed us to the area like we were family. He helped us out with advice and plowed us out after big snowstorms. He was a reassuring fixture in our life. We are so glad to have met this kind, gentle soul. RIP Harry.
Kim, Suzanne and Gabrielle
Marg Dailey says
My condolences to Harry’s family and friends. I will always remember ” 2 steppin’ Harry ” from Loretto ! He always had a smile and a friendly word for all the ladies. He made everyone one feel welcome and kept all the ladies dancing his famous 2 step ! Harry you will be missed RIP Sir
Jackie Catto says
You were always kind and helpful to me. I shall not forget you. Thank you and God bless you.
From Jackie Catto
Leon Lewis says
Thank you, Uncle Harry, for many fond memories
The three of us always enjoyed visiting Uncle Harry and Aunt Ann at the farm.
It usually required manual labor which I enjoyed as Uncle Harry kept it interesting.
I remember putting Uncle Harry onto a free set of big sliding barn doors and the next thing I know I was helping build an extension on the barn to mount the doors on. This meant that we as a family spent several weekends at the farm and always had a very enjoyable time.
Janet & Mary Ann please accept our sincere condolences for your loss of your dad.
Love
Leon, Beatrice and Tania
Anne says
Dear Janet,
Your Dad has received some beautiful tributes which says a lot about the man he was and the life he lived. I see the same sensible traits in you. God bless you and say hello to Paul for me.
Anne Brygidyr
Mali Bickley says
Uncle Harry always welcomed our family when we visited the farm. It was one of my favourite things to do during the summers. He and Auntie Ann taught me to ride a pony and care for animals. He also helped me create one of the most wonderful experiences for my students; how to hatch chick eggs. He got some eggs for me and mentored me throughout the process….When I asked him ” Uncle Harry…what will happen if they don’t hatch?” he said with that wonderful sense of humour, “Well, then I will go get you newborn chicks and we will just switch the eggs for baby chicks”.
Thanks Uncle Harry.
Love, Mali
Paul Phillips says
My favorite memory of Harry is new years eve at loretto when he was all dressed up with his cowboy boots, fancy shirt, huge belt buckle, cowboy hat and a big smile. He danced the night away with all the ladies that wanted to do the 2 step. Rest in peace Harry. Love Paul
Phil Brunelle says
Uncle Harry, you and aunt Anne were a big part of my life growing up. Our family looked forward to the weekend visits. Those were special times. Spending the days helping feed and clean the animals, baling hay or planting seed with you are valuable memories. Remember when we went to the feed place and came back with a pickup truck full of damaged carrots, the cattle literally ram after the truck as we drove up from the road, they could smell it, and started eating them immediately from the truck. One cow got ahold of a Spanish onion that got mixed in and I never laughed so hard watching it buck like a bronk while it pushed the onion out of its mouth with its tongue. Driving the truck at 13 years old, 3 on the tree. You yellin at me for looking back to change lanes,” use you mirrors!”. I was always amazed how you could fix everything, watching you separate the tractor in 2 to replace the clutch was fascinating. Who else would have given me and Steven all those experiences to last a lifetime. Imaging a kid hanging off the back of a seeding machine pulled by a tractor, jumping off to remove stones in the path, Having to pick a million infected straw slivers out of my forearms after a day of throwing bales of straw. Who else would have had me dumping sour milk mixed with a thousand flies onto pigs snouts in the feed troughs. funny how I learned the milk never smelled until we stirred it, them wow what a smell. I never would know that a chicken feather can grow a 10 inch root in a manure pile if you had not given me the opportunity to muck out the stalls. You showed me 7 toed cats, deaf white cats, hatching chicks, never to mess with a goose, the wonders of an electric fence, piglets nursing at the sow under a heat lamp, chickens go craze to eat broken eggs, pigs will bite each others tail, then paint each other red, what happens when you put gasoline in a diesel tractor, boot jacks, metronomes, well hand pumps, grain silos, how a machine ties a bale knot without letting go the string, calcium filled tires. You let me drive you trucks and tractors and snowmobiles. Showed me how to put up a wire fence, take eggs from under the chickens and drive a combine. I can’t forget the time you explained to me that we shouldn’t flush the toilet too often or the tap water turns brown. That one got me thinking. So many more Special memories I owe to you,
Thank You Uncle Harry,
I will love you always. Phil, Brenda, Chris, Jen, Nathaniel, Odin
Jan Sattler says
I was just thinking of you the other day Harry as fond memories flooded back from days gone by. Always the gentleman of Loretto teaching all the ladies how to “two step”. A man of wise words you always knew what to say when. No doubt you’ll be sitting beside the love of your life in your new favourite chair in heaven shootin’ the breeze with our dancing friends who have passed on before us. Until we all meet again on Heaven’s dance floor, rest in peace my friend. It was an honour to have known you.
Charlie Lewis says
Truly a sad day. I can still hear his reassuring voice guiding and mentoring me. Spending my teenage years working along side uncle Harry every summer. I can only imagine how easy it was for him, molding a teenage city boy that already knew everything. Yet he persisted. Meeting my aunt Ann at the Windermere bingo hall the last day of school to get my ride to the farm for the summer. Every summer we had a new project from jacking up the barn and pushing it back into place. Removing the old stone foundation and rebuilding it with concrete blocks. Building 2 steel grain bins, a pole barn which I had no idea what it was until it was finished. Always special moments me helping him. Well at least that’s what I thought until one day I realized it was him helping me, and he was even paying me! I can never say enough kind words for how that whole farm experience prepared me for life. My favorite quote, which I myself used numerous times over my life went some thing like this. Charlie: I know how to drive a tractor. : Uncle Harry: “any f_ing knucklehead can drive a tractor , I need some one that can operate it!” I’m sure glad he brought that to my attention as being a heavy equipment operator, it’s important to know the difference. I’m sure many can hear these words as well. “Why would you show up here dressed like that! If you’re not here to help I don’t have time!” Or “there’s a pitch fork over there you can use while we talk.” Was funny then and still funny now, from where I was standing. Awesome man, uncle, mentor. Always made me feel like a son. Thank you aunt Ann for letting me be part of your life. Thank you Janet and Mary Ann for letting me into your life not only as your cousin but as summer siblings. Especially you uncle Harry for providing me with the tools to build my life. Thoughts and prayers for the whole family. Much love, Charlie
Janet Phillips says
I miss you Charlie. Love Janet
Tom Lewis says
“Uncle Harry”, what can I say about a person who was basically a dad to me ,for some of my early summers. I truly believe he instilled a work ethic in me that has served me well in my life. He had a grit to him but we all knew about the softy side as well. I am always remembering those very early mornings on the farm and the infectious laugh he had. RIP!
Maureen Hussey says
Dear Janet & Mary Ann, I am so sorry for your loss. He is at peace and finally with your Mum and his brothers and sisters. What a party they must all be having! I have many fond memories of visiting the farm and helping out with the barn chores, picking the eggs and packaging and helping to pick the corn and other veggies. I had so much fun there with your Mum and Dad. I will always remember him as such a quiet, kind man.
Terri and Brian Bell says
Great memories of “2 steppin harry” at loretto. Loved how he wanted to be on the floor and never refused a dance when asked.. condolences to his family prayers of comfort to all that will be missed by him
Terri and Brian Bell
Ian McIntosh says
Uncle Harry will be sorely missed.
When I was a kid, our family visited the farm a few times a year. I loved playing in the hayloft, gather eggs and pick corn when it was ripe.
We had a few Brunelle family reunions at the farm. That’s when I realized how big our family is. With Harry’s 13 siblings, multiple generations, spouses and friends, there was one reunion that had over 300 people (at least I thought it did) and we were all related.
Extra big hugs to Janet, Mary Ann and all your families.
Love to you all.
Ian
Denise Phillips says
My Grampa.
I have so many fond memories of him and almost every one is of him and animals or the farm. As a child, I loved going to the farm and seeing all the animals… So many adventures to be had and lessons to be learned. Perhaps my strong love of animals is because of all these wonderful experiences he gave me. Every visit was something to look forward too.
My favourite memory was running to the barn and digging through the straw to find baby kittens. It was something I could not wait to do! And even if we didn’t find any it was always fun to roll around in the straw. I also learned that geese can be nasty creatures but I loved them anyways. Grampa always said keep your distance. He was a gentle soul and yes simple. He seemed to make friends where ever he would go. He will be missed.
May the angels guide you to a place filled with love beauty and everything you love. Now you can be with your other family members in heaven protecting those of us still here on earth.
Love you grampa.
May you finally be at peace.
Xo
Your granddaughter Denise
My husband kent and our step son Jordan.
Patrick Hickey says
Harry, Janet, Mary Ann and Family:
Quite a manly uncle for the Hickey Family to remember. Memories of Harry and Ann’s tour of the Farm, barn and animals they loved highlighted each visit annually. Most memorable for me was Harry’s lessons on how to scratch my back on the fence posts, just like the animals!
God bless his Family with our prayers and may Harry’s soul Rest In Peace with all the souls of the faithfully departed.
Patrick, Deborah (Gilles, Stephen, Jacqueline) Hickey
9/22/2022
Jay says
So sorry for you loss, old man harry will be missed, when he came up north I got to spend a day with him and he was very adimit about not putting tree to build my pond bank, I still don’t no why lol but he drilled it in my head don’t do it, Harry you will be missed enjoy what’s next in life
Bonnie Hensel (Danbrook) says
I was blessed with many great memories at the home of Harry and Ann. Most memories are embellished by the charm and gift of youth. I do have a few that are of Harry constantly chasing either into the barn for a simple chore or out of the barn due to an infraction of barn etiquette. An example would sound something like “stop riding the pigs” along with a large list of other things which for the life of me evade me at this moment.
What I can say for certain is that as I think about Harry or aka your Dad today, viewing through the eyes of an adult, I am able to appreciate a man that worked hard ,lived simple and loved his family dearly. He gifted me two great childhood friends. And for that I am grateful.
Janet and Mary Ann I am so sorry for your loss and that of your families. Sending love.
Bonnie
Mary Ann Brunelle says
Gifts from my Parents…As a child I grew up witnessing my parents greatest joy, taking care of their animals, true farmers. Taking care of my pets since childhood has also been one of my life’s passions. My final pet Roxy an African Leopard Tortoise rescued in 2015 with a life expectancy of 100 years will surely outlive me. My favorite memory with my Dad was the only New Years Eve that my Sister and our partners shared with him at his beloved Loretto Inn struggling as he tried to teach me his infamous two step dance. I love you Dad…Mary Ann
Janet Phillips says
My favorite memory…Mom and Dad we’re visiting us at our home, Denise and Andrew set up a whoopy cushion for Grampa and showed him where to sit. He played along beautifully, sat down and played it to the hilt. The kids rolled in laughter at his response. When he left the room, you got to know they did it again. He sat right back down and did it all over again. Hey we are farmers and like weird stuff. Love Janet