On Thursday, June 6, 2013 in his 91st year, at home in Sidney, BC. Beloved husband of Rosemary (nee Kirkwood, deceased 2004) and beloved father of Tom (Sharon), Jim (Jose), Tim (Rhonda), Mary (Dan), Donny (Amy), Jon, Anne, Philip, and Paul (Beth); grandfather of twenty; and great-grandfather of seven. Predeceased by sisters Olga Ward and Mary Carter. Peacefully, in the arms of Mary, his daughter and care giver.
Brant (“Pop”) served in the RCNVR during the Second World War and enjoyed an illustrious post-war career as an RCN aviator and officer. His many military accomplishments included command of HMCS St. Laurent, the first and final landings on the last RCN aircraft carrier, HMCS Bonaventure (1957-1970), command of the last RCN air station, HMCS Shearwater, before and after it transitioned to CFB Shearwater in 1968, and qualifying as one of Canada’s very few Second World War Navy fighter pilots. Well respected by those with whom he served, he was likewise respected and admired by all those who knew him.
Prayers will be offered at Our Lady of Fatima, 4635 Elk Lake Drive on Tuesday, June 11, 2013 at 7:00 pm. A funeral Mass for Brant will be celebrated at Our Lady of Fatima on Wednesday, June 12, 2013 at 11:00 am. Into the hands of our Lord we commend him.
Condolences may be offered to the family below.
McCall Bros. Funeral Home
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David Harrison
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Geoffrey Barrow Dear Don and the Fotheringham family,
Don, I have thought of you often over the years but in particular since learning of your father’s passing. I wish you and your family peace.
Regards, Geoff Barrow
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Barbara Barrow Dunsworth Dear Donny and family,
I was so sorry to hear about your dear Dad. My sister-in-law saw the notice in the Globe&Mail and let me know. I have such good memories of both of your parents and your big loving family. May the good Lord keep and protect you all in this sad time.
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Garth Meredith Although I cannot say I knew him personally, I was privileged to serve under him with VU32 and VS880 at Shearwater from 1967-71. I was one of the few RCAF pilots to qualify on HMCS Bonaventure. The Navy and the Canadian Forces has lost one of its great leaders. My sympathy and best wishes go out to all the family.
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Joe and Joan Paquette Pop was a true gentleman who took time out to talk to this young navy couple to impress upon us the effort required to raise a large family. We remember so well sharing a bit of that hectic and love filled Fotheringham household.
It was people like Pop that always made us feel like the Navy was a true family. Godspeed to you Pop and our hearts go out to that all embracing family that made us feel so welcomed.
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John M. Cody, Colonel (Ret'd) My condolences to the family. Our Naval family has lost a great leader and friend.
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barb beaubien Dear Mary, Dan and Tyler,
So sorry to read about Brant’s passing. He was a gentle, kind and warm person from the few times I met him. He had a wonderful faith! May God Bless all of you during this time. love and hugs
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Allison Prowse Dear Jon, and all of your family,
We send our sincere and heartfelt sympathies to you, and all, as you move through this time together. Your Dad has certainly been an important and beloved man to many, but most of all, to his family. May his fine legacy as your Dad continuously grace your life and the lives of all of you. And may God’s extraordinary peace, strength and healing love be with you, and all of the Fotheringham family, at this time and onwards.
Allison and Rebecca
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Alastair Gillespie To the Family of Pop Fotheringham,
I write with Heart felt condolences in memory of a good friend and fellow naval fighter pilot. We trained together on corsairs in 1944
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Reed I Cudmore Dear Paul and the Fotheringham family,
Please accept my heartfelt sympathy in the wake of your Dad’s passing. He obviously found time to accomplish so much, being a Dad, doing service both to his nation and to his Lord God as well.
May God’s grace and encompassing love so guard and guide you in the times ahead.
Yours most respectfully,
RI Cudmore, LCdr(ret’d)
Padre
To the Fotheringham family,
I just heard today from Garth Meredith of your Dad’s passing. You all have so much to appreciate and love of your Dad’s life.
I met (saluted!) your Dad shortly after arriving in Shearwater in 1969. My first Navy flight was as front seat ballast in one of the four HO4S helicopters that participated in the final fly past of the Bonaventure, after your Dad had conducted the last deck landing (in Bedford Basin I recall). I feel very privileged to have know your Dad and Mom, and to have met all of their children!
Three cheers to Captain (N) Fotheringham for a life well lived!
Ready Aye Ready,
Dave & Wendy