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In memory of those who have Crossed the Bar
COSGROVE, Brian Francis - The Man the Myth the Legend
After a very short illness we bid a fond farewell to Brian Francis Cosgrove who, never wanting to cause a fuss, died peacefully before sunrise on Aug 17, 2023. As always, he “got ‘er done!”
Cherished forever by Nancy Marie Barrett, his wife, his children, Richard Hugh (Jessica Ray), Sherry Diane (Brian Lachine), Devon Leigh (Rick Gravel) and his grandchildren: Jack Kenneth, Matthew Cameron, Adam Brian, Marten Alzbeta, Colin Patrick, Ella Rae, Liam Tyler, Claire Anne, Monica Claire, Mikayla Kristen, Matthew and Cameron. Of special note is Liezl Laporte (Rod Laporte) who made a huge difference in our lives since coming to Kingston and who was so instrumental in helping Brian during his final days.
His Mother, (Mary McMullin) who went to her reward in 2000, always welcomed Brian home with “I am so proud of you Brian!” I know that his reunion with his Father (Bernard) who died in 2001 will be one where they will run into each other’s arms. What a sight to behold!
He is loved and honoured by his siblings: John (Mel), Eric (Gerry), Mary Louise (Michael Hodgson), Frances (Michael Semple) and Kathryn (Eric Sorenson). He is also survived by many nieces & nephews) and many, many friends. (well …his family is Irish… and who doesn’t love the Irish ?)
We have precious memories of the times with our darling Diane, my sister & Danny Bossy (her husband) as we were all fast friends through our lives. Danny & Brian were partners in mayhem many times in the woods fighting over a single trout in the only stream they found and we often heard about several donnybrooks which they both probably now wished had never happened.
Brian started off his professional career serving on one of Canada’s aircraft carriers, the “Bonnie” where he learned the art & hazards of an air fitter. Brian enjoyed regaling his family and friends with tales of adventure on the high seas. He never truly left the navy, continuing his love of the water with family and friends and his nearly flawless seamanship of sailboats and cruisers with the pinnacle being the captain of a rocking pontoon boat.
Having been kicked out of more schools then most people apply to, he was not an academic, though he was an avid historian and eventually graduated from the school of hard knocks (HKU). His learning-through-living made him a ‘Captain of Industry’ where he was a successful business and salesman, finishing off his career founding two very successful companies: Multi-Laser (Toronto, Montreal & Gananoque) & Printfleet (still thriving in Kingston). His years of sales and leadership cultivated his compassion and understanding of people, his drive to help others and his desire to give back to his community. Despite this, he never managed to tolerate MBAs.
Though his dream of taking all his grandchildren on a luxury cruise to educate them on dinner etiquette and pass on his love of the seafaring life will never occur, he will always be fondly remembered as a loving and giving ‘Bumpah’.
Three weeks ago, Brian was delivering food to St. Mary’s Drop-In Centre for the homeless, a two year old ministry of St. Mary’s Cathedral. This has been one of Brian’s pet projects where he again showed his love of all humanity.
Two weeks ago, he was out on his pontoon boat, “Not a Yacht”, with family soaking in the beauty of Kingston Ontario.
Now, Brian leaves behind an enduring legacy of commitment both in service to his community and country and as a steadfast pillar of support to his family & friends.
We are profoundly grateful to KGH staff, especially Internal Medicine on Kidd 10 & Emergency who treated him with utmost respect and incredible compassion.
The family will receive friends at the Robert J. Reid Funeral Home – “The Chapel on the Corner”, 309 Johnson Street, Kingston (at Barrie St.) on Thursday August 24, between the hours of 4 pm and 8 pm. Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at St. Mary’s Cathedral on Friday, August 25, at 10 am, with reception to follow at Robert J. Reid & Sons Funeral Home. Interment to be held at a later date.
In lieu of flowers, (we have plenty) donations to St. Mary's Cathedral Kingston will be gratefully acknowledged.
He is loved.
And though heartbroken, we celebrate him with gusto. (Arbor Memorial)
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