Bernard Francis Brennan, DVM, passed away peacefully at Carleton Lodge, Ottawa, on Thursday, Sept. 24, 2026, in his 99th year.
Born in Deseronto, Ont., on Oct. 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 seven children: Maureen (predeceased) (Joe Marshall), Michael, Anne Gould (John), Paul (Sue), Pat (Liz), 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 three 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 Horse Racing Hall of Fame 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, located at 2990 Church Street in South Mountain, Ont., on Thursday, Oct. 1 from 5-8 p.m. Funeral Mass of Christian Burial will be held at Holy Cross Catholic Church, located at 505 Clothier Street West in Kemptville, on Friday, Oct. 2 at 11 a.m. 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 byersfuneralhomeinc.ca.
Please join Standardbred Canada in offering condolences to the family and friends of Dr. Bernard Brennan.
Bernie Brennan
The last of the Three Amigos has departed this mortal earth ! The Three Amigos being Roly Armitage , John Findley and Bernie Brennan . All three were born and raised in the Ottawa Valley , attended Veterinary College in Guelph together and returned to the Ottawa Valley to practice and support horse racing . Interestingly , all three lived to be 99 , 98 and 98 years of age , perhaps endorsing Sir Winston Churchill 's famous axiom ' there is something about the outside of a horse that is good for the inside of a person ' .Two of them , Roly and John were inducted into the Canadian Horse Racing Hall of Fame and Bernie , not to be outdone by his amigos was inducted into three Halls of Fame , University of Guelph , Ottawa and Kemptville . You see , Bernie not only cared for equine athletes , he was an athlete himself . He was a star football player , named as the Canadian Football Leagues ( CFL ) Rookie of the Year in 1946 and also won the Grey Cup playing with the Ottawa Rough Riders in 1951 . Bernie had a gregarious personality that endeared him to everyone and was always kind and thoughtful when dealing with both people and horses . Sincere condolences to Bernie's family with the passing of their wonderful patriarch . May this remarkable man rest in peace knowing he contributed immensely to the horse racing community , his local community and indeed the Canadian community at large . May we strive to live our lives as nobly as my friend Bernie lived his !
In reply to Bernie Brennan by hecclouthier@h…
Your Note
Hi Hector - thank you so much for the note - he was a big fan of yours and loved the horse game. Hope you are well and still wear the fedoras !!