It is with heavy hearts that the family of Brice Cecil Hornbrook announces his passing, which occurred on February 3rd at his home surrounded by loved ones.

Born in Bathurst to the late Cecil and Elizabeth (White) Hornbrook, Brice was predeceased by his parents and by three brothers Lane, Lorne and Brice.

He is survived by his brother Alfred (Lora) of Stonehaven NB; sisters Penny McKeen (Don) of Hammond’s Plains NS, Fern Secivour (late Cyril) of Halifax NS, Elva Arseneau (Randy) of Rothsay NB, Judy Hornbrook of Salmon Beach NB, Betty Hornbrook of Salmon Beach NB; and brother-in-law Robert Cormier (Annette) of Grande-Anse NB.

Brice’s unstoppable spirit and love for life will be carried on by his sons Bruce (Véronique) of Bathurst NB and Dave of Edmonton AB, and of course by his devoted wife and loving partner Rachel (Cormier). For Brice, his family was everything. The life he built with them and for them was one filled with laughter, adventure and many successes - the most important of which being the unshakable bond they nurtured in their years together. Even during difficult times, Brice’s sons kept their proud father smiling and Rachel cared for her husband with fierce love and endless respect until his final moments.

The sadness felt by Brice’s loved ones at this time is matched only by a profound sense of admiration and happiness for the full life he lived. Rachel remembers a phrase that would become her husband’s mantra: “I’m gonna to get up tomorrow morning, and I’m going to kick that can!” In other words, Brice started each day with a new commitment to seize the moment and make the most of the time he had. This philosophy led not only to prosperity in business, but also to a personal life rich in enjoyment and unforgettable experiences. His magnetic personality and legendary sense of humour led to close connections with people from all over the world, whether through work connections abroad or during his time at his favourite winter getaway in Maui. Brice also had a lifelong love of hockey, taking great joy not only in playing the game, but also in sharing his skills with others as coach, and of course in watching his beloved Habs every time they played.

Even through his illness, he never lost sight of what mattered and what made him truly happy; Brice was often so busy golfing with friends or sledding at the camp with his sons that he’d need several stern reminders from Rachel that it was time for his next treatment. Very few individuals could have maintained such spirit and zest for life in the face of bad news. But Brice would not be defined by life’s obstacles. He lived fully - not in spite of or because of these challenges, but because that is how he lived all along.

For those who knew him best, the image of Brice that will last the longest in our hearts is one of a very lucky man. A man sharing a glass of wine with Rachel, their sons, lifelong friends and beloved pet Cecil Max by their side, watching the sunset from their deck overlooking the beach in Janeville. This was where Brice was at his best, where his heart was: his own piece of paradise in the place he called home, surrounded by love even deeper than the bay itself. In our memory, that’s where he’ll stay. May we all be so lucky.

Brice’s family would like to express their sincere gratitude to the medical professionals who cared for him so completely: Dr. Lamarre, Dr. White and Dr. Chettiar; Dr. St-Hilaire at Moncton Oncology; the Bathurst Oncology Centre; Brian Fitzpatrick and his staff at Jean Coutu; Wanda Underhill at the Miramichi Naturopathic Clinic; and of course extramural nurses Karina and Sophie. Your commitment to Brice as a patient and as a person kept him healthy for as long as possible. We will never forget it.

Funeral service will be held on Thursday, February 23rd, 2023 at 4 p.m. from First United Church, 309 St. Patrick St., Bathurst. A reception will follow at Gowan Brae Golf and Country Club, 150 Youghall Dr., Bathurst. 

Donations can be made to Bathurst Minor Hockey for youth in need. Please contact the KC Irving Center directly. 

Arrangements are in the care of Elhatton’s Funeral Home (www.elhatton.com) in Bathurst.