RICE, Brian Rice

Died October 1, 2025 at Chapman House Hospice, Owen Sound. He is survived by his best friend and beloved Norma (nee Henry), his partner for 74 years. Their children, Sharon, (George Burnside), Peter (Sharon Parkes), Carol (Kevin Emerson), Margot (Mark Foster) and Jill (Robert Beggs) are grateful for his calm, steady support. His grandchildren – Jessie, Rachael and Richard; Emily, Ben, Amie and Anna; Clara, Spencer and Jessalyn – will miss their grandpa. He was great grandpa to a growing number of beautiful kids.

Brian was born in Massie. His parents, George and Jessie Rice, encouraged his musical talent and fostered his love for education. As a youngster, he would avoid his dad’s blacksmith shop, hiding to read or visit Morrow’s General Store, where his frequent presence landed him his first job. Brian was an accomplished pianist and while growing up, played with his family’s band. His siblings, Gilbert, Lois, Yvonne, Ted and Shirley have predeceased him. His youngest brother, Jack, and his wife Isabel, survive him.

Brian and Norma were sweethearts at Stratford Normal School. They taught in Kirkland Lake, then settled in Woodstock. Brian began as a music teacher there and was principal of several Oxford County schools. He loved history and thought it should be preserved for new generations. He supervised the creation of a museum school in Burgessville and helped his brothers build a blacksmith shop, equipped with their father’s tools, at Grey Roots Museum’s Moreston Heritage Village. He restored old furniture with great skill and coaxed countless antiques back to life. He loved cars – old and new.

After retiring from education, Brian and Norma bought the Cedar Vista Motel in Tobermory and delighted in getting to know customers and neighbours, before really retiring 10 years later to Sauble Beach. They spent many decades of winters in Lakeland, Florida, and loved being part of a thriving community there. They found a church family wherever they were.

Brian was a good friend of his brother-in-law James Henry and his wife Sue, and will be remembered with a smile by friends and his large, extended family. His illness was brief, his life was long and rich. Vigilant teams at Brightshores Hospital in Owen Sound and Chapman House Hospice gave Brian exceptional care.

A memorial service to celebrate Brian’s life will be held at Brian E. Wood Funeral Home, 250 14th St. W., Owen Sound, 519-376-7492, on Friday, October 10, 2025, at 2:00 p.m., with visitation one hour prior, followed by a reception at the funeral home. For those unable to attend in person, the service will be livestreamed.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations to Grey Bruce Hospice Foundation or Grey Roots Museum & Archives would be appreciated. Online condolences can be sent to Brian’s family by visiting his memorial at www.woodfuneralhome.ca.