Shakespeare, in his play “As You Like It,” aptly describes human life in the words:
All the world’s a stage, and all the men and women merely players. They have their exits and their entrances; And one man in his time plays many parts.
Gerald J. Brown (Gerry as he was known), entered on the stage of life in Amherst Cove, Bonavista Bay. It was the beginning of a life that, as an adult, was motivated by a commitment to, and a deep respect for, family, friends, work, Church, and community.
As a long time member of Kiwanis International, he contributed to the community locally, nationally, and internationally. On the local level, he committed to the Annual Kiwanis Music Festival, which gave students an opportunity to display their talents and achieve recognition in various genres of music. Nationally and internationally, Gerry served in several offices including the position of Lieutenant Governor for Eastern Canada and the Caribbean. In addition, he served on many boards, including the Health Care Board of St. John’s, which recognized his “hard work and many hours of service.”
Through the Parish of St. Michael and All Angels in St. John’s, of which Gerry was a faithful parishioner, he assisted with both charitable activities as well as in administrative duties. Within the parish, he is fondly remembered by many refugees who found freedom in this province, and a warm welcome at St. Michael’s in the 1990s—a great work which was mostly unrecognized.
In retirement, he was appointee Honorary Treasurer of the Anglican Diocese of Eastern Newfoundland and Labrador. In recognition of his work, he was appointed by the bishop as the first lay canon of the Cathedral of St. John the Baptist—an honour that was greatly appreciated.
For the greater part of his professional life, Gerry was a dedicated public servant at Revenue Canada. From them he received many awards which recognized the quality of his work and his strong leadership. One award that he especially valued was from “The Staff of St. John’s Taxation Centre with Special Recognition for his timeless efforts” on their behalf.
To his family and friends, he was a ready listener, and when requested, a solid source of advice.
Throughout his life, Gerry was energized by the desire to make the world around him a better place. None of us achieve perfection, but Gerry has left a mark for good on many lives—and they on him.
Wordsworth, in the poem “Ode; Intimations of Immortality,” writes:
Our birth is but a sleep and a forgetting:
The Soul that rises with us, our life’s Star,
Hath had elsewhere its setting,
And cometh from afar:
Not in entire forgetfulness,
And not in utter nakedness,
But trailing clouds of glory do we come
From God, who is our home
In confidence of that faith in God, Gerry has gone home. A man of integrity; a gentleman’s gentleman. He will be fondly remembered by his wife, Lorraine (née Sheppard), his brother, Wilson, and his extended family, friends, and colleagues.
We thank the Creator for the gift of his life. May he now rest in peace.
