OTTAWA – Gord Brown, the MP for Leeds-Grenville-Thousand Islands and Rideau Lakes, has died of an apparent heart attack.
Brown, 57, was at his Parliament Hill office this morning when he was stricken.
In Toronto, Leeds-Grenville MPP Steve Clark announced Brown’s death on the floor at Queen’s Park this morning where a moment of silence was held.
Prior to being MP for the riding – a position Brown held since 2004 – he was also a town councillor in Gananoque and a former president of the 1000 Islands-Gananoque Chamber of Commerce.
He is survived by his wife, Claudine, and sons Chance and Tristan.
Reaction has been pouring in online across Leeds-Grenville:
Just profound sadness and shock here in East Block over the passing of @gordbrown. Prayers for Claudine, Tristan and Chance.
— Barry Raison (@BarryRaison) May 2, 2018
Shocked and saddened to hear that our Member of Parliment Gord Brown has passed away – Gord has been a friend for many years and is far to young for this – our thoughts are with his family
— DavId L Henderson (@hendersonforLG) May 2, 2018
So tragic to hear of the sudden passing of Gord Brown, our local MP. Never too busy for the people of Gananoque where he grew up. Always a great ambassador for our community and a true friend to many. Our hearts go out to Gord’s family and friends. God speed my friend!
— Chief Garry Hull (@GarryHull1) May 2, 2018
Gord Brown was a friend & colleague. I am devastated for his wife Claudine & his two children who he loved so much. My dear friend @SteveClarkPC has lost a seatmate & brother. My neighbours in LGTIRL lost a devoted MP. His tireless staff lost a great boss. A sad day for East ON.
— Lisa MacLeod (@MacLeodLisa) May 2, 2018
We would like to pass along our deepest condolences to the friends and family of Gord Brown. Former Councillor of Gananoque and MP for Leeds Grenville for the past 14 years. Thank you for your dedication to public service. https://t.co/ZU6h5o0E4P
— Paramedics of L&G (@medicsofLandG) May 2, 2018
My sympathy to MP Gord Brown’s wife , family and friends. He always had time to help and hear our North Grenville concerns . RIP Gord.
— Barb Tobin (@councillortobin) May 2, 2018