Obituary of BRIAN MAYHEW

MAYHEW, Brian Lewis of Port Dover, passed away peacefully surrounded by the love of his family, at Norview Lodge, Simcoe, after a long and courageous battle with Progressive Supranuclear Palsy, on Monday, March 30, 2015 in his 65th year. Loving husband of Brigitte, cherished father of Matthew of Guelph and Melissa Mayhew and her husband Brian O'Sullivan of Toronto, dearest brother of Cindy Beischlag and her husband Paul of Port Dover. Predeceased by his parents Lewis and Mary Mayhew. Brian was born in Renfrew, Ontario and first came to Port Dover when his family relocated. Brian graduated from Port Dover Composite School, then the University of Waterloo, and Althouse Teachers' College at the University of Western Ontario in London. A passionate educator, he spent all his teaching years with the Norfolk Board of Education and later the Grand Erie District School Board. Brian taught mainly grades 7 & 8, and spent the later years of his career as Vice Principal. He was especially proud of his time spent teaching developmentally delayed students in the Life Skills Program at Simcoe Composite School. His lasting contribution to the Life Skills Program means that former students continue to achieve success decades later, with paid employment positions that Brian worked to secure on their behalf. He was a well respected teacher and well liked by both students and colleagues. Years after his early retirement due to the onset of his illness, students would greet him and his family with fond memories and share how much they had enjoyed having him be their teacher. Brian's happiest times outside the classroom were spent with family and friends in the outdoors, fishing, skating and enjoying time in the countryside. He was also an avid sports fan and an accomplished basketball player in his youth. Throughout his life, Brian maintained a personal connection with the Ottawa Valley, and always looked forward to visits with family that remained in the area. He will be missed by all who knew him and fondly remembered. . Brian's family would like to thank Dr. Paul Medve and all the staff at Norview Lodge for their care, compassion and kindness to both Brian and his family during his stay at Norview Lodge. In keeping with Brian's wishes all services are private. The family will gather at THOMPSON WATERS FUNERAL HOME, Port Dover for the funeral service, followed by interment at Port Dover Cemetery on Friday, April 3, 2015. The Reverend Jeff Smith officiating. For those wishing, donations to the Child Nutrition Network (c/o H-N Reach) would be greatly appreciated by the family. Donations can be made by contacting Haldimand-Norfolk REACH at 1-800-265-8087 ext. 408 or 1-519-587-2441 ext.408 . Online donations and/or condolences can be made at www.thompsonwatersfuneralhome.ca