It is with sadness that our family announces the death of Michael Stuart Brown on Fri- day, June 26, 2026, at Christie Gardens in Toronto.

He will be greatly missed by Sue (Mary Suzanne Bennett), his wife of nearly 60 years; his daughters Wendy (Dan) and Rachel (Derek); and his grandchildren: Alexander, Andrew and Julia Caravaggio; and Zoë, Jessie and Hugo Caldwell.

Michael was predeceased by his parents, Jack and Florence, and his brothers Roger (Judith) and Peter (Lindsay).

Michael was born in Heckmondwike, a West Yorkshire mill town, on February 21, 1941. At Heckmondwike Grammar School, he excelled in the subjects which interested him. He was an enthusiastic rugby player, rock climber, potholer and sang in the choir. He was active in the Outward Bound movement and scouting. After completing his A levels, Michael won a full scholarship to study chemistry at King’s College, London. During his first year, he realized his true calling was medicine and transferred to University College, where he spent the next five years qualifying as a physician.

In London, Michael met and married Sue, an Ottawa-born Canadian who was teaching secondary school there. This is where their adventure together began, exploring London’s vast offerings and cementing their lifelong love of musical arts.

In 1967, Michael and Sue moved to Montreal, where he completed his training in paediatric nephrology at McGill over the next seven years. While in Montreal, they welcomed their two daughters and enjoyed being part of the large Bennett clan. Although the late 1960s and early 1970s were years of political unrest in Québec, Michael was not deterred from settling in the province. His French improved, and these early years in Montreal helped him to understand and accept the tensions created by the efforts to preserve the language and culture of Québec.

The family made the big move to Québec City in 1974, where Michael began his work (in French now) as a paediatric nephrologist at the Centre Hospitalier Université Laval (CHUL). He conducted clinics throughout eastern Québec, attended international conferences and was a volunteer paediatrician in post-Chornobyl Ukraine. He found great satisfaction in teaching and mentoring residents and students. He was widely recognized as a wise and kind doctor, respected by patients, their parents and colleagues alike.

Québec City was home for 48 years. The family took full advantage of all the city had to offer: history, culture and unparalleled opportunities for outdoor activities in a magnificent landscape. During this time, they met and enjoyed the company of many from the small but mighty English community and forged deep friendships.

Michael was a lifelong lover of classical music. His hobbies and interests included skiing, cycling, concert-going, and, of course, gardening, his sanctuary from the intense pressures of work.

In 2022, Michael and Sue moved to Christie Gardens in Toronto. With Michael’s early symptoms of dementia progressing, they wanted to be closer to their daughters. In April of this year, Michael moved to the Christie Gardens Courtyard, where he received full and compassionate care. The family is extremely grateful to all the Courtyard team and the Wellness Centre staff for their dedication to ensuring Michael remained safe and comfortable until the end.

At Michael’s request, there will be no funeral. A celebration of his life will be held at a later date. In his honour, please consider a donation to The Salvation Army or Doctors Without Borders.