Henry Ranald Middlebrook

Henry Middlebrook of South River, Ontario, husband, father, grandfather, and great grandfather passed away peacefully at Orillia Soldiers Memorial Hospital. 

Dad always lived life on his own terms and on Saturday November 16, 2024, decided that he’d had enough of hospitals, appointments, and procedures and that it was time to go. He was in his 81st year. 

Dad was born on March 27, 1944, in Parry Sound. He was the seventh son of Velmore (nee Wolfe) and Roy Middlebrook being the younger brother of Neville, Ken, Hilt, Abe, Ralph, and George, and older brother to Wayne, Gary, Nellie, and Barb. Dad is survived by Hilt, Wayne, Gary, Nellie, and Barb.

He married Patricia Gail Soper on April 13, 1963, in their hometown of Sprucedale, Ontario. During their 61 years together, they had three children: Debbie, Kevin, and Shelley “Kevin Ladd” and were also blessed with seven grandchildren: Dustin, Cody “Corrissa nee Huxtable”, Harper, Bridgett, Tygh, Kiran and Anya, and two great-grandchildren: Odin and Lillian. 

Dad loved the country life. His favourite song was “Thank God I’m a Country Boy” by John Denver. Although he wasn’t much of a dancer, that song often got him on the dance floor. He and Mom enjoyed hobby farming, raising horses, cows, pigs, goats, chickens, ducks, turkeys, and numerous dogs over the years.

Dad had a special fondness for horses. He trained them to pull wagons and sleighs, creating trails through the forest and offering sleigh rides to family, friends, and guests at Caswell’s Resort. 

For many years, Dad, along with his son, brothers, friends, and later his grandson, enjoyed gathering for deer and moose hunting seasons. They shared countless stories about the big one that got away. As his health deteriorated, his love of nature drew him to the fields on the property where he watched the deer, turkeys and the sandhill cranes that nested in the back fields.

Everyone who knew dad knew him as an intelligent man who wasn't shy about sharing his opinion, especially when he believed his opinion was the right one. His practical approach to life made him the go-to for advice on solving problems or figuring out what the heck was causing that clunking noise.

Dad possessed the gift of storytelling. His ability to weave a tale kept all those in earshot hanging on his every word. He was a practical joker, with Mom being one of his favourite (and reluctant) targets. He valued honesty and had little patience for those who never let the facts get in the way of a good story. 

Thank you, Dad for sharing your knowledge, sense of humour and common-sense approach to life. We love you dearly and will miss you deeply. Mom, your children, grandchildren - especially Cody – your many nieces, nephews, extended family, and friends will feel your absence deeply. 

In the parting words of Henry Middlebrook, “Take’r cool, bud!”

Henry Middlebrook’s cremation has taken place at Forest Lawn Crematorium and arrangements are entrusted to Opatovsky Funeral Home Moore Chapel. If you wish to make a donation, please consider making a donation to an organization of your choice.  A celebration of life will be held in the new year for family and friends.