Community Remembers Denis Brown
The flag is flying at half mast today at the Sunset Community facilities in South Pugwash as staff and residents mourn the passing of Denis Brown, their former administrator. Brown, 83, died quietly in his sleep about one o'clock this morning following a brief battle with cancer.
Loved and highly respected, he was known to all as Denis. He was administrator at Sunset from 1975 to '94. During that time, he transformed the care facility, and, in many ways, secured its future.
He insisted the home seek accreditation at a time when the provincial government did not require it. The current Manager of Recreation and Volunteer Services says Denis had a greater vision. Bonnie Langille says, "He wanted people to realize how well things were done at Sunset. He insisted on best practices in everything."
Meeting the requirements of a national Board of Accreditation led to many changes, and massive improvement. When complete, Sunset was awarded with the second highest accreditation in Canada, a position it defended over the years.
Langille says, "Denis was behind all the changes to make Sunset safer and more beautiful." He instituted practices and launched a number of firsts in community care facilities in Atlantic Canada. The home received the Rick Hanson facilities excellence award for accessibility.
The improvements and the always high standard of care and service eventually saved Sunset from closure. There was a move within the provincial government to abandon the community home in the late 1980's, but Denis led the charge to save it. He remained the Administrator till 1994 when he laid the plans for the 100th anniversary of the Cumberland Home in '95.
The Willing Volunteer
Denis also played an important role in community development, serving and leading in a number of initiatives. The President of the Pugwash and Area Chamber of Commerce has the highest praise for Brown's commitment to his community. Bill Kempt says, "Denis was like an elder statesman, always ready with sage advice." Kempt added, "He was like a mentor, and I did not hesitate to consult with Denis on important matters."
There will not be a funeral service, but visitation with the family will take place on Thursday from 7 to 9 pm at Mundle's Funeral Home in Pugwash.