It is with overwhelming sadness I share with you all the loss of my dear friend, Jeffrey Forest Brock who died peacefully on Saturday, August 26, 2023, at Campbell House Hospice, Collingwood at the age of 73. He lived life on his own terms and chose to leave us the same way.
He was a very special person, and we are all that much better for having had him touch our lives. He leaves behind his beloved dog, Zeus, and will be dearly missed by his brothers, Kim Brock (Mary Ann) and Jim Lane (Annie), both in Rochester, New York, his extended family, and cousins, especially Nadine Cronkhite (Jim Watson) in California, and her sisters, Noelle (Tim) and Michelle Cronkhite. They hiked many a trail at Juniper Lake and Lassen National Park from his uncle Eric’s cabin in California, his most treasured place on this earth and where his best life memories were. He will be missed by myself (Anna), his friend and caregiver for the past year and the many friends he had made during his time in Collingwood.
He was an amazing talent, both in the art field with his painting, and in the landscaping he did, enriching many people’s enjoyment of their outdoor space. He was passionate about his landscaping work, and meticulous to a fault! He was not only an extremely talented artist in both respects, but also an accomplished skier, sailor and chef, hosting many memorable dinners and stories with friends.
He was adventurous and participated in many sports throughout his life – mostly in Santa Barbara, California, particularly baseball, where he was a pro pitcher and drafted for the Angels after university and beach volleyball, where he played all the way to championship playoff games in Aspen. Mountain biking, running, surfing and volleyball are what he spent his time doing in California when he was not busy with his landscaping business. He was an avid skier in the mountains of California and Nevada, and in Collingwood, when he moved here to start a new life in 2008. He embraced life in Collingwood, and loved to hike in the woods on Blue Mountain, camp, swim and kayak.
Thank you to all the wonderful staff at Royal Victoria Hospital Cancer Center, and especially to Andrea, Jenn and Taylor who made his frequent visits there comfortable and to Dr. Cornell for his care and compassion.
Jeff wanted everyone to remember him as the vibrant person he was before Leukemia took over. Honoring Jeff’s wishes, Cremation has taken place. We would like to have a get together to celebrate Jeff’s life. Details will follow later in September. Donations in Jeff’s memory may be made to Royal Victoria Hospital Cancer Center, Hospice Georgian Triangle - Campbell House, or to the Red Cross.
He always had the last word, and he certainly has it now! He will be missed by many, but he enriched us all in one fashion or another. Rather than mourn his loss, let us celebrate the legacy of a man who left an indelible mark on our lives.
Here’s to a life cut short too early!
As per his wishes cremation has taken place and no formal services will be held. Friends may visit Jeff’s online Book of Memories at www.fawcettfuneralhomes.com