On December 23, 2020, Bryan Hugh Matthew Ainslie passed away peacefully at University Hospital, London, of complications originating with heart surgery undertaken in August of this year. He was 66 years of age.
Bryan is survived by siblings Kim Ainslie, Jeanette Ainslie (Robert McEachern), and Jason Ainslie (Teresa); much loved uncle to nephew Brandon DeMarco (Lyndall Musselman), grandnephew Matteo, and nieces Emily Ainslie (Alyssa Carson), Margaret Ainslie Garcia (Ricardo), and Madeline Ainslie (Jibin Mathew). He was the son of Bryan Harold Ainslie and Alice Jean (Ainslie) Schaefer of Goderich, ON.
Growing up in Goderich on St. George’s Crescent, Bryan attended Victoria Public School, Goderich District Collegiate and Central Huron Secondary School in Clinton. In between, he attended Newmarket’s Pickering College, and was proud to earn a spot on the Dean’s List. Bryan moved on to study Music Industry Arts at Fanshawe College in London, and afterwards called that city home for nearly 40 years.
He grew up working in the family business, Ainslie Market in Goderich. He spent most of his career in the billiards and shuffleboard trade at National Shuffleboard, and at Sanders Pro Shop in London. Bryan was especially fond of his “Sanders family” with whom he stayed in touch after retirement.
Bryan’s primary avocation was his music, learning to become versatile on several stringed instruments. An early rock guitarist, he also loved Bluegrass, folk music and popular ballads. In his younger years, he played in Goderich-based bands Cactus Graz and Sharpe’s Creek, and loved entertaining family and friends around the kitchen table or campfire. In later years, Bryan crafted a home recording studio, lately producing original works of his niece.
Besides his love for music he was an RC model enthusiast, building model boats and flying his many planes at London Model Aircraft Club in London.
Bryan was a devoted son and grandson who loved family gatherings, feasts and festivities. Throughout his life, he struggled with more than his share of health issues. But he fought right to the end, lifted by the kindnesses and well-wishes of his friends and family. A Celebration of Life for Bryan Ainslie will be held in mid-2021; as an expression of sympathy, donations to the Heart & Stroke Foundation may be arranged through McCallum & Palla Funeral Home in Goderich.
We are always willing to go where called upon but this image shows a visual of the communities that our included in our initial transportation fee. We offer a 40km radius from any of our 5 locations (Arva (London), Exeter, Lucan, Seaforth, and Zurich). Any mileage beyond the included 40km will be charged a rate of $2.50/km (one way travel only).
Larry McNaughton
Condolences to Bryans family, I knew Bryan back in the mid eighties when I was the guitar player and lead singer in his band, Sharpe’s Creek of a while. I have fond memories of him and his talent as a musician, I learned a lot from him. RIP
J.Gavin Cunningham
I’m truly sorry for the loss of Bryan. We have known each other since we were born. I will always remember you Bryan from growing up together at our grandfathers’ cottages in Grand Bend. Rest in Peace. My condolences to the Ainslie family.
Sandy Freeman
Sorry to hear the news. My condolences to Bryan’s family. I will remember his dry sense of humour and his beautiful smile.
Cynthia Ainslie
It’s hard to know where to start because I have so many fabulous memories of my “big” cousin. He introduced me to “gravel running” in Huron County. Something unheard of in my sheltered existence in the city. And also a novelty as I was 15 years old. He also introduced his circle of friends to my circle and instantly became the coolest guy to be around. I can’t hear a Neil Young song without instantly being transported to some fun event with Bryan and his guitar. I can hear his laughter in my head right now and see the grin on his face. The eternal optimist and the kindest soul on earth. He should have been with us longer but he is firmly and beautifully entrenched in my heart. I will miss you Cuz.
You are loved. 💗
Kate Reynolds-Braun
Jason and family,
I’m so sorry to hear about Bryan,
I have fond memories of him kindly allowing me to try the electric piano with his new band – bless him – I really couldn’t play. We practiced in the basement of the old house on St. George’s Crescent in Goderich, what a beautiful setting! It was great fun and I remember how beautifully he played the mandolin! He then realized that my younger brother Mike could play all sorts of string instruments and the band “South Trail” was born.
Please know I’m thinking of you all.
Kate
Doug Hillis
Marge and I , wish to offer our deepest condolences to the Ainslie Family for the passing of Brian. He was always a welcome sight at their cottage when we would arrive at ours. Memories are a treasures’. Thanks Brian
Janice Van De Putte
Brian was my first kiss, front of the Vermeulen cottage on the bench, at sunset. I was 12. He was a much more mature 13.My Mom called me in immediately after so I always suspected we were caught. My special memory of a really nice guy.
Becky McIvor nee Crawford
I went to school with Bryan and reconnected via Facebook a few years ago. I remember my cousin Jim Schram and Bryan jamming together when we were younger. Bryan has had his struggles with his health over the years but was upbeat and shared his journey . May he RIP, and live on in the hearts of those near and deer to him. Sympathies to all his family and friends
Mike Palmer
I fondly remember that Bryan “drove” our Canada Company BED in the Goderich Sesquentiennial Bedraces. Peter McManus, Neil McKee and Bryan (the “RAT”) built the custom bed which the Canada Company softball team pushed to victory in the FINALS, narrowly beating the out-of-shape Goderich Soccer Team!!
Always a smile on his face…that is how I will fondly remember Bryan!
Mike Palmer
Catherine McEwen
Hey Kim so sorry to hear about your brother. Our condolences. Cathy and Carol McEwen
Jane Ainslie
As a first cousin, Bryan was the best. He came to every family function and it was always great to have Bryan around. Whether it was playing the guitar at the bon fires at Amberly Beach as a kid or sharing the thrill of his model airplanes, Bryan was the best. Bryan’s positive attitude was a marvel even with his health issues. We will miss Bryan terribly and I cherish all the memories we made together.
Jennifer Evans
Sending our prayers and thoughts to Bryan’s family. Another one has been taken too soon. Rest In Peace.
Barb Martin
My thoughts and prays are with his family at this time. I always enjoyed being around him lots of fun. He will be missed by many. RI P
Barbara Potzel
Jason and Family. So sorry to hear about the lose of your Brother Bryan.
Barbara Potzel.