Denzil Braithwaite

Denzil Whitstanley Braithwaite

Peacefully at Humber River Regional Hospital on Monday, May 24, 2021, in his 102nd year. A loving spouse to his predeceased wife Doris (nee Bailey) for over 50 years. Caring father to Stanley (Lynn), Carol Lynn Pink (Edmund), and predeceased by his son Dale. Proud grandfather to Cole (Stacy), Myles, and Edmund Jr. Pink. Denzil will be dearly missed by his second cousins Maurice (Jeanne) and the Streete families, predeceased by Doris, Malcolm, Laurence, and Rudy Streete. Survived by cousin Richard Miller and their family, predeceased by his cousin Molly Miller and niece Heather Thorpe of Barbados. Denzil will be missed by his nieces, nephews, and extended family in the Toronto area and United States.

Denzil was born November 21, 1919, in Sydney, Nova Scotia to his parents— Adelaide Elizabeth (Cole) and Prince Marcus Braithwaite. Growing up in Sydney, Whitney Pier, the Black community was close- knit and he knew many of the families-- Bouchers, Cambridges, Crawfords, Forde, Francis’, Gibsons, Herberts, Hunts, Moes, Sheppards, Smiths, Talbots, and Tulls, to name a few.

Denzil moved to Toronto in 1947, where he began his career with the Canadian National Railways (now VIA) as a sleeping car porter, waiter, and dining car steward. On June 28, 1952, he married Doris Bailey and they made their home in North York, Toronto, where they raised their three children. A home that he loved and stayed in for 67 years.

Working for Canadian National Railways (C.N.R.) enabled him to see many parts of Canada, from Vancouver to St. John’s. In 1982 he retired after 28 years of service. His love of travel did not end when he retired, both he and Doris visited Europe and the Caribbean often. Denzil was an avid gardener and delighted in growing his vegetables and in his free time enjoyed watching the Toronto Blue Jays.

Denzil was one of the founding members of the Sydney-Toronto Association formed in 1985 which focused on the importance of preservation, cultural restoration, and the values of creating healthy African Canadian communities in Sydney and Toronto. The association offered annual scholarships and bursaries to encourage children to remain in school and to attain their educational goals.

Denzil will also be dearly missed by David Black, Tim & Leanne Dunn, Vesta Icke, The Herberts, The Bailey’s, The Battistas, The Surmans’, Ivana Williams along with his many neighbours still residing in the North York area.

Due to the Covid19 pandemic, there will be no visitation; a private family interment will take place at Beechwood Cemetery, 7241 Jane St, Concord on Saturday, June 12, 2021, at 1:00 pm.

The family wishes to thank the staff at the Harold & Grace Baker Centre and Humber River Regional Hospital in Toronto for their kindness and support given to Denzil. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Humber River Regional Geriatric Department or a charity of your choice. Please sign the online condolences and view the many photos of Denzil’s life.

Respecting the current situation and pandemic restrictions, the interment will be private.

We thank you for your understanding and encourage you to provide your condolences to the family through her/his memorial page.