BRIAN GARRATT

BRIAN GARRATT
1934 – 2024
On February 14, 2024, Brian Garratt passed away with family at his side at the Manitoulin Health Centre, Mindemoya on Manitoulin Island. He was in his 90th year. Brian was born in Beighton, Sheffield, South Yorkshire, England on May 3, 1934. During his youth Brian developed an interest in design that led him to earn a Diploma in Architecture from the Birmingham School of Architecture in 1957. He became an Associate of the Royal Institute of British Architects and, after moving to Canada with his wife Kathleen in 1958, he became a member of the Royal Architectural Institute of Canada. Brian’s first job in Canada was with the architectural firm of Kyles and Kyles, which was in Hamilton, Ontario. A few years later Brian opened his own office in Stratford called Kyles, Kyles and Garratt. Brian completed many prominent projects in Stratford and the surrounding area. He also served the community as a long-time member and President (1969-70) of the Kiwanis Club. After retiring from the architectural practice of Garratt and Marklevitz in 1994, Brian and Kathleen moved to Manitoulin Island where they built the family’s log home on Ice Lake. Brian was an active member of the St. John the Evangelist Anglican Church in Kagawong. Friends described Brian as caring, ethical and kind. He fostered long-lasting relationships built upon mutual respect. Brian was a skilled craftsman, as was reflected in his paintings, furniture building and wood carvings. His common sense and calm approach to solving even the most complex problems was a valued trait that will be missed by his children. Brian was deeply loved and will be cherished in memory by his wife of 67 years, Kathleen Garratt, and his family. He is survived by his children, Deborah (Jim Provias), Sandra (Paul Martin), Karen, Rodney (Jada Garratt), and Linda (Brian Melnick), grandchildren Angela, Marc, Charlotte, Hayden, Michelle, Kory, Lauren, Robin, Malcolm, Simon and Emmanuel, and great-grandchildren Austin, Alexandra, Chance and Willow. Brian was preceded in death by great-grandchild baby Logan. The family would like to acknowledge their appreciation for the compassionate care provided by staff at the Manitoulin Health Centre. Please pass on condolences and share a memory through the Simpson Funeral Home, Gore Bay, Ontario www.simpsonfuneralhome.ca. In memory of Brian, donations may be made to St. John the Evangelist Anglican Church at 184 Main Street, Kagawong, ON, P0P 1J0. A private family Celebration of Life will be held in the summer on Manitoulin Island.