Eugene George "Lefty" Brassard, 93, lover of basketball and Mexican food, was the youngest of eight children of Eugene George Brassard Sr. and Nora Trudeau.
Gene went off at the young age of 13 to Assumption Prep School in Worchester, Massachusetts. He went on to Assumption College where he studied in Quebec, Worcester, Mass., France and Spain. He spoke English, French and Spanish. Gene entered the priesthood and taught English at Assumption College. He also served in Mexico City and Chile, South America, finally leaving after twenty years. Gene continued his education in Glendale, Arizona at the Glendale School of International Finance obtaining a Master’s degree.
He was a life-long member of the YMCA and Rotary Club, loved to exercise, cook, read, watch "Dusters" and meditate.
Gene was always working for the less fortunate. He was President and Executive director at a non-profit settlement house called "Friendly House" est. 1904, helping immigrants obtain their legal papers, jobs and other skills and teaching English to the Mexican population for twenty-five years. Gene helped it grow from 3 to 100 employees.
He leaves to mourn his wife, Heather (MacDonald) Brassard; and her brothers, Gordon, Patrick and families; many nieces and nephews and friends in Canada, Arizona and USA; and fur babies, Jasmine, Callie and Dublin Paw. He loved to walk their fur babies.
Cremation has taken place. There will be no visitation by request. Private burial at Holy Cross Cemetery, New Glasgow. A Celebration of life will take place summer 2024.
Such a wonderful, interesting man and husband.
A special thanks to the Aberdeen Emergency Dept, 4 th Floor staff and Palliative Care and all the amazing staff: Dr. Snair, Dr. Jeans, Dr. Gerry Farrell and Dr. Anne Kwasnik, all so very compassionate who treat their patients with comfort and dignity.
Gene and Heather’s faith helped them deal with life and his illness. Wherever they were together was the "Best spot in the whole wide world!"
Donations may be made to the SPCA, Palliative Care Unit c/o Aberdeen Health Foundation, Kidney Foundation or MS Society. Arrangements are under the direction of R.H. Porter Funeral Home.