Halifax, NS
October 03, 1949 – June 28, 2024
It is with the heaviest of hearts that we announce the sudden passing of John Fenton Brophy on Friday June 28, 2024.
Born October 3, 1949 in Montreal he was the oldest son of Fenton and Barbara Brophy’s 10 children. John was always quick to say “I’m the oldest of 10” in many conversations with someone he just met. He was so proud to be a part of such a large family.
John is pre-deceased by his parents Fenton and Barbara, Brother Cavan, brothers-in-law Charles Beatty and Wayne Saulnier
John is survived by daughter Jennifer Swinamer (Steve Rumboldt) of Lantz, only grandchild Harley, and siblings Katherine Ann Beatty, Barbara MacLeod (Allan), Colleen Saulnier, Theresa Jackson (Michael), Patrick (Patti), Michael (Carol), Dennis (Amanda), and Tim all from the New Glasgow area, sister-in-law Barbara, Conroe, Texas and long-time partner and companion Andrea Dale.
John’s working career started with NS Power and was followed by positions with Maritimes Plastic, Maplehurst Properties, and Regional Manager for SNC Lavalin Profac with his primary focus on Building and Facility Management. He was an active member on many boards and committees over the years and was a long-time member of the Canadian Progress Club – Halifax and for many years was tasked with recruiting high profile sports celebrities to attend the annual Sports Celebrity Dinner in Halifax. Thank you to all the guys who ensured John got home safe and sound from these dinners – you know who you are! In retirement he was asked to join the North End Community Health Centre Board because of his tremendous experience in building construction, facilities management and maintenance. He became a much-valued member of this board- when John had something to say, people listened.
He loved his job and more importantly the people he worked with – they were like a second family to him
Travelling was something John loved and did well –nobody could pack a suitcase as strategically as he could. Work brought him to many places in both Canada and the US but also to the Middle East, Eastern Europe and France – he would come home with dozens of pictures, stories and ideas for new things to cook! His vacations with Andrea were often to the warm waters of the Caribbean, Florida, and adventures in the UK. He was thrilled to get to golf “The Old Course” St Andrews in Scotland – that was an experience he re-lived often and with so much joy in the re-telling!
John’s passion for golfing took him to so many fabulous golf courses around the world but some of his happiest golf days were at Chester Golf Course overlooking St Margarets Bay. He loved being on the water and cruising around on his boat ‘Glory Days’ or floating in the pool with a book and a drink.
We are all going to miss John’s wide happy smiles, his laugh which literally came from his toes – (there is nobody more fun to watch a comedy with: that laugh was so infectious), his ability to ‘work a room’, laugh with, cry with, have a ‘sip’ with, watch sports with, and be welcomed with open arms into his home or his beloved cottage – there were many, many great meals and gatherings there over the years. John had a wonderful ability to make people feel at ease, welcomed and comfortable no matter the setting. If he was cooking there was never an issue when extra folks showed up – “there’s always room for more” (also notable was that he never learned to cook for 2 – it was almost always more like 10). With his large number of nieces, nephews, great nieces and nephews that he tried valiantly to keep track of, Andrea added to the mix in an almost equal number. He loved them all and they loved him back. To all of his family near and far, thank you for being involved in his life – he cherished each and every one of you.
“He has achieved success who has lived well, laughed often, and loved much” – and you, dear John have reached rock star status.
A visitation will be held Thursday July 4th 2024 4pm-7pm J.A. Snows Lacewood Drive Halifax
Funeral mass Saturday July 6, 2024 at 11am Our Lady of Lourdes Church Stellarton. Burial will be in the Parish Cemetery. A reception will follow at the Sister Catherine Steele Centre,(Parish Hall) Stellarton.
Flowers gratefully accepted.
Donations made be made to The Salvation Army Halifax Chapter & The Canadian Cancer Society – Halifax Chapter or to the charity of choice.
