Brian Patrick Browne

The Art World suffered a grievous loss today as famed Canadian Jazz Pianist Brian Browne lost his long, courageous battle with multiple cancers.  Even as the disease brought devastating consequences, his passion kept Brian returning to the piano.  He never stopped growing as an artist, and his annual concerts in Ottawa became a must-have ticket.  While for most of his life Brian worked in the jazz trio motif, lately he was committed to solo work allowing a wider sweep of expression and creative exploration.  This was reflected in his concerts and most recent recordings.  Brian’s life took a giant leap forward in recent years when he met and married Carol Banens, who became his rock in both his career and personal life.  Brian will be dearly missed by Carol, his children Sean (Maggie), Stephanie (Mario), Kevin (Christy), Jennifer (Ugo), brothers Terry (Chris d.) and Neill (Kathy), former wife Barbra, and his legion of grateful fans.  Brian, a student of the Berklee School in Boston and Oscar Peterson’s School of Advanced Contemporary Music, will long be remembered for his indomitable spirit, dazzling sense of humour, and 60-year career as one of the finest jazz musicians Canada has ever produced.  
The family would like to thank the compassionate and wonderful medical and hospice care that Brian received throughout his illness. The funeral for Brian will be held June 15th at 2p.m. at Mackay United Church, 39 Dufferin Rd, Ottawa, ON. All are welcome. This celebration of his life will conclude with a reception in the church hall. In lieu of flowers, any donations can be made to Hospice Care Ottawa, directed to Ruddy Shenkman Hospice or to the Ottawa Integrative Cancer Centre.