For Posterity's Sake         

A Royal Canadian Navy Historical Project

In memory of those who have Crossed the Bar 

BRANDOW, William (Bill) - Age 56, passed away peacefully at home surrounded by his family. He was born in Sault Saint Marie, Ontario, but called Halifax home for the last 39 years. He was a proud Veteran, having served in all three elements, Navy, Army and Air Force, but always a sailor at heart. His proudest accomplishment was the life he and his wife, Brenda, made together. He was very grateful to be able to spend the last few months with her by his side, enjoying each day together. His greatest joy came from being a father to his two children, Kelsie & Connor and Son In Law, Adam. He enjoyed spending time in his workshop with Kelsie and her husband making anything from etched glasses to hand turned pens. He was always the loudest person in the stands cheering on his son as he played Lacrosse for Dartmouth Bandits and St. Francis Xavier University, he may not have played many sports but he was always the biggest fan. He was an active volunteer in his community, he had volunteered over the past several years with 848 Scots Highland Cadet Corp, SEA Entertainment, The Briar, and many, many more national and international events held across Canada. The Royal Canadian Legion Centennial Branch 160 held a very special place in his heart; he spent many hours in the kitchen making TGIF dinners with George, Frankie and the rest of the kitchen team and nearly every Sunday at bingo selling tickets, his smile could be seen at the Legion many days of the week. One of his favorite pastimes was riding his motorcycle, he enjoyed riding with his Defenders but his favorite person to ride with was his best friend, Dan. Bill had a way of touching people's lives around him; he was always there for his friends and those who needed him. No matter where he went he always knew someone, he loved to talk, and was always there for a laugh or a T-shirt. Bill is predeceased by his Step Father, Attillo Paolillo, Father In Law, Bill Layden, Mother In Law, Gwen Layden, all whom he loved dearly. Bill is survived by his loving wife of 31 years, Brenda, his children, Kelsie (Adam) Benjamin, Elmsdale, and Connor, at home, his sister Patricia (Ron) Mathieu, Sault Saint Marie, ON, Emiliano ‘Choco’ Paolillo, Sault Saint Marie, ON, and his Mother, Judy Miller, Sault Saint Marie, ON. He is survived by his Brothers (In Law), Brian Layden, Halifax, Bill (Elaine) Layden, Shawinigan-Mill Bay, BC, Peter (Kim) Layden, Edmonton, AB, Bruce (Alma) Layden, Eastern Passage, Thomas (Sherry) Layden, Edmonton, AB, and his Sister (In Law), Barbara (Willie) Windsor, Clements Port, NS. Bill is also survived by many nieces and nephews, great nieces and nephews and two great- great nephews. He is also survived by his best friend, who has always been his brother, Dan Lepage, his wife Cyd and their daughter, his God Daughter, Candis Lepage. We would like to thank so many wonderful people that have touched our family’s lives over the past two years, Dr. Peltekian and Sarah De Coutere, NP in the VG Hepatology Clinic, Dr. Gala Lopez and his team of surgeons, Dr. Ravi and his Oncology team. Thank you to our wonderful VON nurses, especially Melissa and Emilie. Thank you to Veterans Affairs Halifax Office and their above and beyond work from both Pam and Richard. Thank you to Bob and Joanne at Rally Point Retreat. A sincere thank you to Faith O’Reilly for being here for our entire family through this very difficult time. Words cannot express how thankful we are for the wonderful care we received from the Dartmouth Palliative Care Team, Shannon Purcell our fantastic nurse and every single doctor who works in the clinic, thank you from the bottoms of our hearts. A Celebration of Life will be held at the Royal Canadian Legion Centennial Branch 160 at 703 Main St, Dartmouth on June 11, 2019 at 3:00 pm. Cremation has taken place. Interment at a later date for family. Please make a donation in Bill’s honor to Rally Point Retreat, in Sable River, Nova Scotia, or a charity of your choice.