Brian James Park passed away peacefully at Miramichi Lodge in Pembroke on Monday, July 17th, with his wife Louise and his son Kevin at his side.

Born March 20, 1941, in Winnipeg, to the late Matilda (nee Scully) and Cecil Park, he leaves behind his beloved wife of 28 years Louise Beausoleil, his son Kevin Park, sisters Suzanne Park and Elizabeth Park, nephew Chris Rahmer and niece Julie Rahmer, daughter in-law Aine Guiney, brother in-law Michael Finn, brother in-law Remy Beausoleil, and stepsons Oz Beausoleil and Amiel Beausoleil.

Brian had a lifelong passion for cars and racing.  As an original member of the British Empire Motorsports Club, Brian raced his MG Twin Cam and his Sunbeam Tiger to occasional success at Harewood Acres and Mosport. He left behind his club racing career when he moved to the country, but he always enjoyed owning and working on interesting cars and kept his enthusiasm for driving into his later years. As a serious Formula 1 enthusiast, Brian delighted in attending races in Montreal with Kevin and in the tradition of gathering with friends, Fern and Ken on Sunday mornings, rarely ever missing a race.

Brian had a rich and varied work life but will be best known to many as a sound man. From the first Mariposa folk festival in 1961 to the first Killaloe Craft Fair in 1977, and at countless gigs and recording sessions over many decades, Brian’s work, putting together sound systems, repairing equipment, and mixing bands have made invaluable contributions to the music scene and the local musician community. It gave him immense joy to see his son Kevin follow a similar path in music, touring internationally and establishing a 2nd generation recording studio in the family home.

Beyond his work in audio, Brian’s ingenuity and technical aptitude led him to various emerging technologies throughout his lifetime.  From medical laser equipment to wood stove design and computer programming, he became an expert in every new technical challenge he encountered.

But for all of his wide-ranging accomplishments, Brian will be remembered most as a loving husband, an amazing parent, a kind and caring big brother, a role model and mentor to his nephew and as a truly thoughtful, helpful, and generous friend to so many in the community in which he lived.

The family extends their gratitude to the compassionate staff at Miramichi Lodge for taking such good care of Brian during his final year, as well as caring for Louise and Kevin during his last days.

A gathering to celebrate Brian’s life will be held at the Stone Church, 2510 Mountain View Road, near Killaloe, on Sunday, July 30th, from 2-5 PM. Email memorial@kpvm.ca for further information.