Smelt Brook
It is with great sadness that the family of Douglas Briand of Smelt Brook, Cape Breton, announce his passing. Douglas passed away peacefully at Buchanan Memorial Hospital, Neil’s Harbour, on Monday, June 27, 2022, in his 93rd year, with family at his side.
Born on April 14, 1930, in Smelt Brook, Douglas was the son of the late Martha Ann (Dixon) and William Briand.
Douglas is survived by Susan (nee Rambeau), his loving wife of 67 years, whom he adored. Their’s was a true, enduring, beautiful love story. Their bond is eternal.
Douglas is also survived by his loving children, Paul (Susan), Elgin NB, Phil (Allison), Windsor, ON, Vicky (Peter), Burlington, ON, Wanda, Windsor, ON and Heather (Shawn), Burlington, ON; 17 grandchildren, 25 great-grandchildren and 6 great-great-grandchildren.
Besides his beloved parents, Douglas is predeceased by his loving in-laws, Alice and George Rambeau; son, David; 10 brothers and 3 sisters; grandson Christian; great-grandson, Jaxson; great-granddaughter, Callie, and many other relatives and friends.
Douglas was a proud Veteran, having served in the Canadian Armed Forces as a member of the 1st Battalion Canadian Guards, being stationed in Germany and Ontario. Douglas was a tireless champion and supporter of Veterans. He worked to assist Veterans in receiving the benefits they deserved, and he created projects to ensure the community and younger generations always remember those who served. Douglas volunteered his time to provide care of maintenance of the cenotaph for decades and was very involved with Remembrance Day ceremonies throughout the region. Douglas was Past President of Branch 105 of the Royal Canadian Legion, Ingonish.
After being honourably discharged, Douglas and Susie settled in Oakville, Ontario and raised their family. They retired in 1988 and moved back home to their beloved Smelt Brook, Cape Breton, where they had grown up together. Together they built another beautiful home and life, seated along the ocean. Many family, and friends enjoyed their warm and generous hospitality over the decades.
Besides his greatest love, his wife and family, Douglas enjoyed spending time with their many friends. Douglas loved music and loved to dance. He loved the ocean. He loved talking to friends, family and passersby, sharing stories and insights. There was always room at their table for anyone passing by. And if you liked, you could enjoy a stiff drink or two. Douglas loved dressing up and he was a very handsome and proud man. He was a gentleman, a thoughtful man and the most patient man.
To say he will be missed is to say the least. Douglas, Doug, Dad, Papa, Grandpa, Grampy, Great Papa, Uncle Doug made an impact on so many, and he will never be forgotten. We have some comfort in the knowledge that he is reunited with so many he loved, who have passed before him.
We, Douglas’ family would like to extend our heartfelt thanks to the staff at Cape Breton Regional Hospital, Sydney, and the NS EHS. Most special thanks to the entire staff at Buchanan Memorial Hospital in Neil’s Harbour. Their loving care is a testament as to why Douglas wanted to be transferred “home” to his local community hospital. Sincere thanks to all who called, wrote and visited to offer love and support to Douglas and Susie, and the family, while Douglas was in hospital.
Visitation for the late Douglas Briand will be held at St Joseph’s Catholic Parish Church, 430 Dingwall Road, Dingwall, on Sunday, July 3, 2022, from 2-4 pm. Funeral Mass will be celebrated on Monday, July 4, 2022, at 2 p.m. in St Joseph’s Catholic Parish Church with Fr. Ikechukwu Alphonsus Iwuji officiating. Interment will take place in the parish cemetery, Dingwall.
In lieu of flowers, please consider donations to Buchanan Memorial Hospital Charitable Foundation info@bmhcfoundation.ca or any charity of your choice on Douglas’ behalf.
Funeral arrangements are entrusted to the care and direction of Pier Community Funeral Home.
Online Condolences
To the family of Douglas Briand;
Sincere condolences on your loss.
In the summers of 09 and 10 I worked at the Home Hardware store in Ingonish, that was where I met Doug and Susan. Like so many other seniors from that “North of Smokey” part of the world, they had engaging and endearing personalities. From the time they came through the door, we knew we were in for a treat, they both had an organized shopping style and they always had time for a short visit, they had a way of making us all of feel a little lighter, by the time they hit the road back for Smelt Brook.
With fond memories,
Chas
From: Charles MacInnis
Grampy,
I have no words. You were one of a kind. You will be missed. Thank you for all the memories I will cherish. I know you are cuddling and laughing with Jax watching over us.
Love you eternally.
To my family, I’m sending love.
Hi Sue. So sorry to hear about Doug’s passing. He was such a nice Guy. Alyson and I are in PEI right now. We came for a wedding in On
Sincere sympathy to Susie and family on the passing of such a gentleman!
You made “coming home” a special occasion. A beautiful view of the ocean, a “good box of wine” and a great story teller. Eyes that would shine like diamonds when you promised that the story was true. I will hold onto these memories for ever. Thank you for being YOU and for marrying my wonder cousin and being family. Love and prayers to your beautiful family. Anne Robicheau and family
I was truly sorry to hear of Doug’s passing. He will be missed by many. A true cape bretoner forever. 💔
My sincere condolence to my cousin Susie and all the family. Doug was my frst cousin and he was a true gentlemn. He will be truly missed by all his frends and especiially his wife Susie as she was his queen. Tey were a very special couple and Smelt Brook will be lost wthout them. saw them the last time I was home in 1998. They were so very happy ttogether.May he rest easy until one day they are joined togeter again.
Uncle Douglas’s infectious smile and the impish light in his eyes will live on in my memory forever. He and Auntie Susie always treated me and my family with open arms and hearts. Their hospitality was always the highlight of our trips “down home”. My deepest condolences to Auntie Susie and family. He will be missed by all who knew him.
With love,
Michael
Douglas was a loving and kind uncle. When I was back home visiting from Alberta I was always given a loving welcome by both him and Susie. I cherish those visits and especially his stories of growing up in Smelt Brook with fifteen siblings. We had lots of laughs. My love to all of you. I know he will be dearly missed. My husband, Bob, who passed away from a massive stroke in November, also enjoyed visiting and enjoying wonderful meals cooked by Susie and stories told by uncle Douglas. My prayers are wth you 🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️ Bebe
I am so sorry to read of Douglas’ passing…Susie and Family you have many memories to get you through. God’s Speed
Dear Susie & family. So very sorry to read of the passing of your beloved Douglas. You were so blessed to have him all those years. Your great memories of Douglas will always be with you. He received his “Wings” R.I.P. dear friend. Sincerely, Melvin(Dewey)Pearo (husband of the late Agnes Rambeau), daughters Jenny Lynn, Joy, and grand-daughter Laila. Alder Point, Cape Breton.
I am so very sorry for your loss. I have such fond memories of taking Dad for his final visit to Smelt Brook and Douglas treating us to his famous fish fry. Sending lots of love ❤️and hugs 🤗
My sincere condolences to his wife Susan and his children and his friend. He will be missed.
His Obituary will be posted on facebook under The Canadian Guards Group.
Sincere sympathy to all the family. Take comfort in your many precious memories.
Sending our deepest condolences to Susie and the family. Some people should live on forever and Douglass will in everyone who knew or heard of him. He was one of the kindness people I know. I will always remember our visits to Oakville and Smelt Brook to visit with a smile and much love, it’s truly the love that lives on. All our love Michelle, Dean, Megan and our own angel Josh
My sincerest condolences to you and your family. I lost my beautiful Dad in April so I understand your grief. Stay strong and remember your beloved happy times with your wonderful Father.
With deepest sympathy to Susie and her extended family in their loss of Douglas. He was a remarkable man who contributed so much to our community.
Offering love and support to Auntie Susie and family at this sad time.
Uncle Douglas and Auntie Susie just made your life better whatever time you spent with them.
The passing of Uncle Douglas is indeed a great loss but those wonderful memories will live on forever.
With love
Jeannette and David
My deepest condolences to Susie & families of Douglas. RIP cousin.
Condolences is a big word but it does not fill the feelings one has at the loss of a family member. My love goes out to you Susie and family. .Blessings to all.. Danny.
Condolences is a big word but it does not fill the feelings one has at the loss of a family member. My love goes out to you Susie and family. .Blessings to all.. Danny.
Our deepest sympathies go out to Aunt Susie and her beautiful family. Fond memories of Uncle Doug and my father James reminiscing about their Smelt Brook childhood and dining on the best seafood and Susie’s delicious baking . He will be missed. RIP Uncle Doug.