In Loving Memory of
Cecil William Browne
1929-2020
Obituary of Cecil William Browne
Cecil William Browne, 90, passed away peacefully at his care home in Niagara-on-the-Lake on Thursday, January 2, 2020. Cecil is survived by his loving wife Susan, his son George (Kate), daughter Katherine (Bob), four grandchildren; Jake, Caroline, Jesse and Lucas, and two great grandchildren; Samantha and Casey. Predeceased by his sister Oonah McFee (Alan McFee – CBC Radio) and brother, George Browne who died in WWII.Cecil grew up in Ottawa where his father headed up the federal government’s communications department, responsible for granting TV and radio licenses. Following his father’s footsteps, Cecil became a highly successful TV sports producer and director, having worked for over 40 years in the industry. A pioneer in broadcast, he started his career at CBOT TV (CBC) in Ottawa after graduating from Ryerson Polytechnic Institute. He was a cameraman on one of the first live TV broadcasts in Canada. He continued to work at the CBC producing and directing CFL football games including many Grey Cups, Hockey Night in Canada telecasts, curling, Major League Baseball (Montreal Expos’ games), track and field, skiing – the list goes on. He worked on 8 Olympics from Sapporo to Atlanta, Pan Am Games and Commonwealth Games.
He also produced documentaries including a series called Bytown Sketches showcasing Ottawa and the Ottawa Valley.
His passion for sports was not limited to the TV screen. He was an excellent tennis player, avid curler, golf enthusiast, enjoyed skiing, swimming, boating and skating.
An accomplished musician, Cecil played for a few bands including bass guitar for the regular Saturday night house band at The Wakefield Inn in the Gatineau just north of Ottawa. His musical tastes were eclectic; everything from rock to opera to classical to jazz, that he would listen to on his state of the art stereophonic equipment while conjuring up his latest delicious culinary creation. On retiring to Niagara on the Lake in 2005, Cecil and Susan continued their shared love of tennis, golf and music.
Cecil was loved by his many colleagues, friends and family, who often refer to his playful sense of humour and kind persona. He will be dearly missed.
As an expression of sympathy, memorial contributions may be sent to The Parkinson Society of Canada.
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Dear Susan, I met Cecil I the early 70’s in Toronto. He walked into my shop with some beautiful framed photos he had taken. We became very good friends. My husband had died in the previous year and Cec was very good to me. We enjoyed a lot of time together and he was one of the nicest men I knew . To this day I still use his Caesar salad recipe. It was just by chance that I saw his obituary. I’m glad he had a wonderful life with you.
Susan Hazard Adamson
[email protected]
Oh Susan, I am so sorry I didn’t know sooner. My sincere condolences. I always enjoyed our brief visits and catching up. Cecil had quite an incredible career and I loved hearing you share his stories. It was also so obvious the abundance of love you shared even in the dining room at the Chateau! I wish I was there today to pay my respects.
Susan – I was sad to hear of Cecil’s death today but glad to have had a chance to talk with you about it. I’m sure his death has left a huge hole in your heart but hopefully you can fill it up with all the wonderful memories you have of your time together. This will help you heal. I feel so fortunate to have had the chance to get to know him, and you, during the last stage of his life. He was a very lucky man to have you caring for him – bravo to you! Now it’s time to take care of yourself….
Terry xo
Dear Susan,
My deepest condolences for the loss of your husband Cecil.I hope you and your family stay healthy and remember him always.
Sincerely,
Dr. Voutsas
Cecil certainly enjoyed a long and distinguished career, in which you could both be proud. After a long and happy marriage, it must be very difficult to contemplate a future without such a wonderful partner as Cecil. I am thinking of you as the magnitude of your loss sinks in and you try to carry on alone.Thankfully, you have supportive family and friends and many happy memories of your years with Cecil, which I hope will help you coped as time goes on.
Joan Coyne
Dear Susan:
I read Cecil’s Obit in The G & M. Please accept my sincere condolences on your loss. You will have many wonderful memories of the good times you shared.
Victor Direnfeld