Braney, John

It is with the greatest sadness that we announce the passing of John Braney on April 14, 2026. His unwavering spirit will be remembered by all who knew him.

John leaves behind his wife and partner Danielle Braney (his Dani), his daughter Joanne Evenden (Scott), his son Colin Braney (Christina), their mother Carolyn Kirkland (Rick), his stepdaughter Mélanie de Bagheera (David Stephen) and stepson Ivan de Bagheera (Tara Alexander). He will be missed by his grandchildren, Brooke Cox (David), Hailey Froese (Jordan), Jillian Barbeau (Matt), Cole Braney (Emmy), Abbey de Bagheera and Myles de Bagheera, and by great-grandchildren Emett, Tyson, Luca and Allison.

John is predeceased by his parents Herbert and Madeline Braney and his sister Marie Templar and her husband Andy. Their daughters Debbie Hart (Doug) and Susan Vowles (Craig) will fondly remember their mischeavious uncle John. He will be missed by his brother and best friend Victor Braney (Georgia), his nephew Chris Braney (Silvia), his niece Cara Coulson (Ron Allen) and their children, Madeline and Erin Braney, and Victoria and Laura Southwood.

John had a long career with the Ontario Ministry of the Solicitor General, first as an OPP officer having served in Temagami, Grassy Narrows, Burks Falls from 1968 to 1983 and for the Office of the Fire Marshal in Timmins, St. Catharines, Sudbury, Toronto, Kingston and returning to Sudbury to end his career in 2000. John was Past Master of the Nipissing-Muskoka District Masonic Corona Lodge No.454, Burks Falls in 1979-80.

After retirement John volunteered his time to manage the Alertech project; the construction of a fire tower and fire grounds at the Lionel Lalonde Centre. He also served in Afghanistan, working for SNC Lavalin (embedded with the Canadian Armed Forces) in Kandahar as Health and Safety Officer and CSM. He was awarded the Commander’s Coin for making the motto “One Mission-One Team” a reality through his dynamic leadership and persuasive personality.

Despite his struggles with many health issues over the years, he always found time to help others. While working in the kitchen as a volunteer at the Maison McCulloch Hospice, he also lifted the spirit of everyone around him. John was a Board member of the Christ-the-King Residence for a few years.  He also served for a one-year term on the Board of the Sudbury Symphony Orchestra.

Many of his friends will continue sharing his memorable stories whether on the golf course or at coffee shops. Everyone will remember his strong beliefs and convictions which he passionately defended when given the opportunity.

We extend our gratitude for the medical teams at HSN and ARCC along with those who attended to his well-being for the last few weeks of his life and to Doctor Tom Urban and nurse Jen Philp for looking after his health over the years.

A celebration of life will be held at the Idylwylde Golf and Country Club, 400 Walford Rd. Sudbury, on Sunday May 17 between 1:00 pm and 4:00 pm. In lieu of flowers, a donation to the Maison McCulloch Hospice or a charity of your choice would be appreciated.