Passed away peacefully at Carleton Lodge, Ottawa, on Thursday, September 24, 2026, in his 99th year.
Born in Deseronto, Ontario, on October 1, 1927, Bernie lived a remarkable and fulfilling life grounded in family, faith, community and a lifelong love of sports and horses. He was predeceased by his father William Ernest Brennan, his mother Mary Loretta Dorey, and his siblings, Margaret Koen (Vincent), Madelyn Brennan C.N.D. and Jim Brennan (Anne).
He was married to his beloved wife Grace (Lunney) for 57 years, until her passing in 2012. Together they built a loving family and raised 7 children: Maureen (predeceased) (Joe Marshall), Michael, Anne Gould (John), Paul (Sue), Pat (Liz), and Peter (Cathy), and Laurie (predeceased) (Rob Matheson). Cherished Grandfather of 16 grandchildren: Erica, Katie, Kara (Scott McCarville), Rebecca, Kelly (Jordan Boudreau), Maggie (Travis Holmes), Jack (Holly Daros), Kelsey Biron (Cody Aspeck), Cameron Biron, Lindsay (Joel Johnston), Meghan, Stephen, Ben, Josh, Olivia and Zoe, and 3 great grandchildren: Marshall, Josephine and Wilfred.
Bernie loved football. He played at the University of Guelph, where the team won three college championships, and went on to join the Ottawa Rough Riders. In 1946, he was named the Canadian Football League’s Rookie of the Year, and in 1951 he was a part of the Rough Riders’ Grey Cup-winning team. In later years he was inducted into the Guelph University Sports Hall of Fame (1991), the Ottawa Sports Hall of Fame (2002), and the Kemptville Hall of Fame (2010).
Animals, especially horses, meant just as much to Bernie. He co-founded the Alta Vista Animal Hospital in Ottawa, where he practiced for many years. His fondness for horses also led him into the racing world, serving as a director of Rideau Carleton Raceway and later as its track veterinarian, and as a Commissioner on the Board of the Ontario Racing Commission. He was also a part-owner of the Canadian pacer, Cam Fella.
The family extends heartfelt gratitude to Dr. Greg Leonard, Dr. Rokaiya Huq and the staff of Carleton Lodge for their exceptional care, kindness and support.
Family and friends are invited to a visitation at Byers Funeral Home, 2990 Church Street, South Mountain, Ontario on Thursday Oct 1 from 5-8 pm. Funeral Mass of Christian Burial will be held at Holy Cross Catholic Church, 505 Clothier Street West, Kemptville, on Friday October 2, 2026, at 11:00 am. Reception to follow in the church hall.
In lieu of flowers, those who wish may make a memorial donation to Ryans Well Foundation. (Ryanswell.ca)
Arrangements entrusted to the Byers Funeral Home, South Mountain (613-989-3836).
Online condolences may be shared at www.byersfuneralhomeinc.ca
May he rest in peace.
9 Condolences for Bernard Francis Brennan D.V.M. Guelph 1951
Condolences(9)
Annette Jensen (nee Van Allen) says
September 27, 2026 at 5:00 pmDr Brennan was a wonderful man. A great veterinarian and so much more. He was a friend of my father’s and such a kind and generous human being. His love and passion for animals was amazing. I met him on many occasions and am better for having met him.
Paul Joseph Brennan says
September 27, 2026 at 11:29 pmThanks Annette – he always spoke fondly of your dad and rest of family.
Paul Brennan – Bernies son
Ryan’s Well Foundation says
September 28, 2026 at 11:20 amAll of us at Ryan’s Well Foundation would like to pass on our sincere condolences to the Brennan family. Bernie was a long time supporter and we looked forward to his little visits at the office. What a wonderful legacy he has left behind.
Diane Hendren says
September 28, 2026 at 12:24 pmBernie lived a good long life! We visited Bernie and Grace with our parents, Ewart and Phyllis Simms, when we were kids. Such a nice couple with a wonderful family.
Melanie says
September 28, 2026 at 2:31 pmOur condolences to the Brennan family. Bernie was an extraordinary man. We always enjoyed hearing his life stories, he had accomplished so much in sports and in his profession. He always seemed very genuine, down to earth and a caring, compassionate person. So very sorry to hear of his passing.
Melanie and the Body and Sole Team
Reg and Shannon Earl says
September 28, 2026 at 3:17 pmOur sincere condolences to all of Bernie’s family. We share many fond memories of Bernie and Grace. As well Bernie and Reg travelled many miles together to Harrisburg and Kentucky for horse sales, and racing in Florida, Toronto and Rideau Carleton. He was a good friend and mentor. He will be missed. Godspeed Dr. Brennan
Jennifer Missen says
September 30, 2026 at 7:32 pmDoc Brennan was my hero! As a child I thought he was Dr Dolittle. His kindness towards all animals was heartwarming. He could calm the most anxious of animals in only his special way. Our families became friends growing up and we loved to see Doc and Grace whenever the opportunity would arise. Rest in peace Doc! You have left a remarkable legacy.
Katie Cassidy says
October 2, 2026 at 7:37 pmDearest Annie and all the Brennans,
Please accept heart-felt condolences for the loss of your Dad. How fortunate you are to have had him with you for so long. What a blessing he was with that genuine smile, kind words and positive outlook. An example of what good looks like.
Katie and the Feeney’s
David Gorman says
October 4, 2026 at 2:43 pmI came to know Bernie rather well during our several years together on the Ontario Racing Commission. He was a man of great integrity, honesty, wisdom and compassion, and I frequently looked to him for guidance. He left a wonderful legacy, and I am proud to have been a colleague of this outstanding gentleman.
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