Brian John Bussell

In his 79th year, after a courageous battle with cancer, Brian Bussell passed away peacefully at home with his family by his side. He fought with all his strength to remain with his family for as long as he could, giving us the gift of a beautiful Christmas and New Year spent together. He will be forever missed by his wife of 57 years, Pauline; his children, Tara (Kevin), Kelly (Mark), and Todd (Rachel); and his grandchildren, of whom he was immensely proud: Owen, Isaac, Eden, Bentley, Lexi, and Leo. He will also be deeply missed by his extended family and the many close friends whose lives he touched including his faithful companion, his dog, Max.

He was predeceased by his parents, John Bussell and Lorrine McCurdy, his stepfather, Ivan McCurdy, his sister, Sharon Thomson, and his brother, Bruce Bussell.

Brian was a large presence in life. Much to his children’s dismay, he talked to everyone, including complete strangers, no matter when or where. These conversations often included a joke, usually inappropriate, but they always left people laughing and smiling. He shared this gift right to the very end, bringing laughter and connection to the personal support workers, nurses, and doctors who cared for him.

Brian grew up on a farm in Hornby, which was always his happy place. Throughout his life, he spent countless hours there restoring tractors, vintage cars, and various other contraptions, including his beloved Hillbilly Car. Brian often joked with his grandchildren that his best subjects in school were gym and recess, but that never stopped him from starting his own successful business in 1979, Action Collision, in Oakville. After selling his business and retiring, he still could not sit still for long and continued to share his love of farm equipment while working at Premier Equipment in Ospringe.

Throughout his life, Brian was an active member of the Blue Knights, the Shriners, and the Masonic Temple of Oakville. He also served as the first president of the Allis Chalmers Club of Ontario and was an active member of the Milton Steam Show.

A private ceremony with immediate family will be held in the spring to honour our husband, father, and grandfather.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made towards lung cancer research through the Canadian Cancer Society.

We thank his many wonderful caregivers - his Family Dr., his Oncology doctors, nurses and technicians at Credit Valley Hospital and Oakville Trafalgar Memorial Hospital, the Acclaim Health team and the Ontario Health at Home team.

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