Brydon McFarlen
Obituary
McFARLEN, Brydon…
April 29, 1950 – June 4, 2026
On June 4, 2026, Brydon made the deeply personal and courageous decision to step away from the life he shared with those he loved the most. His devoted wife, Judy of 53 years, his spirited and precious daughter Lauren and his pride and joy, his grandsons Brandon, Blake and Chase (father Joe Kristensen).
Amid the sadness of saying goodbye, there is peace in believing that he has been reunited with his precious daughter, Kara (Tim Assing), whom he loved and missed deeply.
Brydon’s love extended far beyond his immediate family. He will be deeply missed by his brother Dean (Cathy), sisters Rae and Eleanor (Michael), cousins, nephews, nieces, extended family and friends. Brydon especially treasured visits to his sister-in-law’s , Jill Wilcox’s home for our family favourite meal, spaghetti and meatballs! Alex and Lauchlin will also miss those Sunday visits with Brydon.
Brydon was a storyteller and a wordsmith. He was known for his intelligence, kindness, and unwavering compassion for others. He approached life with curiosity and wisdom, always eager to learn and share his knowledge with those around him. He never sought recognition for his good deeds, yet his generosity and caring left a lasting impression.
As a Poppa, he brought endless love, patience and joy to the lives of his grandsons. He delighted in their accomplishments, encouraged their dreams and created memories that will last a lifetime. Some of these memories include Friday night sleep overs, train trips to Toronto and a stay in a hotel every summer, teaching them how to cast a fishing line from our driveway to the neighbour’s across the street, playing their favourite games SORRY and Old Maid and cheering at so may hockey games. Oh, how he loved watching them play hockey!! Even after facing hundreds of pucks in the driveway, he was ready for one more shot! He was also their trusted friend and role model.
A special thank you to Bev and Julie, whose compassion and gentle presence helped Brydon transition peacefully and with dignity.
In keeping with Brydon’s wishes, the family asks that those who wish to honour him do so by sharing their best wishes, acts of kindness and cherished memories with one another. Our family will unite in celebrating Brydon’s life, legacy and the countless lives he touched.
In 2003 Brydon wrote an obituary for a very dear friend who also died from pancreatic cancer so very suddenly also. He began her obituary with “When we are standing on the precipice and preparing to step off into the dark unknown, we shall be assured that one of two things will happen. We will land on firm ground, or we will be taught how to fly.”
We find comfort in imagining Brydon soaring free, at peace and forever carried in our hearts. We love you, Brydon/Poppa!
Arrangements entrusted with Cremation London & Middlesex, 519-858-2467. Online condolences shared at www.cremationlondon.com
Brydon, an old sole, walked this world with a big staff, with a kind and giving heart who gave of himself unconditionally! A gardener/hunter/fisher/sailer/traveller, you did it all. 40 years ago Brydon, Judy, Kara and Lauren came into our lives as neighbours and from then on we grew as family. Celebrations, anniversaries, birthdays, Christmas mornings, playing Euchre, Sunday morning coffee in the breezeway, travelling and summer weekends at “lake” Torrington/Chiddington……these are memories that will remain in our hearts forever. Life is like a train ride, some passengers ride for a short time, some get off and then come back on, you my friend, road it for 76 years and touched many lives. You will be deeply missed as a husband, father, grandfather and a true good friend! Till we meet again…….
Our deepest sympathies
Jim and Joanne
Judy, and family I am very sorry for your loss. I certainly enjoyed working with Brydon and getting to know him over the years. He was a wonderful person. Sending my deepest condolences.
My condolences to Judy and the family. My late wife was a dear friend of Brydon. I will always remember Brydon’s kindness and compassion when she passed away about 3 years ago. You were a good man Brydon.
Judy and family so sorry for your loss.
Although i never did meet Brydon, i was impressed by his knowledge and humour when we spoke, and communicated via emails. We are blessed to have his sister Rae in our lives and consider her family. Brydon touched the lives of many in some way. Condolences to Judy and family. Rest in peace
My family and I had the honour of finally meeting Brydon last year when he drove cross country to BC in his little Yaris. It was in Powell river that we met, while he was visiting his sister Rae (my step Mom from the 70’s)
Although we only had the privilege of meeting Brydon once, his warmth, intelligence
and quick wit left a lasting impression on us. We feel so blessed to have finally met Rae’s brother, with whom she had spoken so fondly of for decades.
Brydon’s remarkable personality, intelligence and worldly spirit had absolutely shone through & it was an honour to finally experience that warmth firsthand.
Although we only met Brydon once, his kindness & sharp humour left a beautiful mark on us that we will never forget!
We’re so incredibly sorry for the family and friends that lost such an important person in their lives.
Condolences to Judy, Lauren and all the grandsons that Brydon spoke of so highly.
Rest in peace Brydon and may your journey through the universe be filled with all the love, peace and happiness that you brought to all of the Ives that you touched.
Brydon was a wonderful colleague & joy to work with. He always had an interesting or humorous story to share. He was kind, supportive and genuinely compassionate. I felt honoured to work with him.
My sincere condolences to Judy and all of Brydon’s family.
Betty
Dear Judy, Lauren and family,
We can’t know why some things happen…
but we can know that love and beautiful memories outlast the pain of grief.
And we can know that there’s a place inside the heart
where love lives always…
and where nothing beautiful
can ever be forgotten.
Sending you all my most sincere and deepest condolences.
Judy and family
My most sincere condolences.
Brydon was an amazing person.
Always very kind, funny, caring and sincere.
His memories will always make me smile.
Sandi
I am so sorry to hear of your loss. Brydon was a very caring person which we saw all the time at work. Hugs.
So sorry to hear of Brydon’s passing. He was one of the people who first interviewed me at MCSS. I so enjoyed my years working with him. Heartfelt condolences to Judy and family.
Judy, Lauren and family,
My most sincere condolences. Brydon was one of a kind — A tremendous person and father, husband, grandfather and friend. He was also a dedicated public servant and a great teacher —- and so many of us were so fortunate to learn from him.
I so appreciated his practical approaches and the way he always made me laugh.
He will be sorely missed.
Dear Judy, Lauren, Brandon, Blake and Chase. I am saddened to hear of Brydon’s passing. He was one of the true “gentle”men that I had the honor and privilege of working with during our careers at MCSS. I have so many great memories of our years together. He was one of the good guys….and his loss will be felt by many. I can only imagine how much fun he had with those grandsons….and I hope that they will remember the fun times. Please know that you are all in my thoughts and prayers. RIP Brydon, you deserve it!
Dear Judy, Lauren & family
It is with great sadness to learn of Brydon’s passing. He was so kind, compassionate, supportive and an all round wonderful human. I enjoyed his dry wit, told with a grin, and oh the story telling…. Brydon could draw you in to the stories they were so compelling.
It was a privilege to know him.
May the many happy memories sustain you in the days ahead.
Rest in Peace Brydon
Judy and family. I was very sadden to hear of Brydon’s passing and he will never be forgotten but will be terribly missed. I shall miss that laugh and smile. I often think of the many talks we had through the years. It was fun coming into work ever day, we actually got some work done.I love that picture you used, that was him. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. Barb
Dear Judy, Lauren and Family,
Even though the years have passed Judy since we worked together at MCSS .. please know that you are never far from my thoughts and prayers in the loss that you and your family have endured.
I remember Brydon .. he was a tall regal man who was very well revered.
May treasured memories fill your tender hearts and may gentle time bring you peace and ease your sorrow.
With sincere condolences
Thinking of you💜
Valerie Hayes
Judy, I was so sorry to hear of Brydon’s passing.
My sincere condolences to you and your family.
Dear Judy,
Long ago now but seems like yesterday, I was privileged to work with you and Brydon. I remember you both fondly.
Please accept my sincere condolences.
I’m so sorry for your loss. I had the privilege of working with him years ago, and he made such a lasting impact on my life. He was encouraging, supportive, hilarious, and truly one of a kind. He was a mentor and role model to me, and I have so many fond memories of him, including decorating his office whenever he was out of town! He always took it in stride and made work a better place to be. He was a genuinely special person who touched so many lives, and he will be deeply missed.