Flags lowered to half-mast to honour late politician and business leader

Posted Feb 4, 2024 09:16:52 AM.
Last Updated Feb 4, 2024 09:25:41 AM.
The flags on Marion Dewar Plaza at city hall will be lowered to half-mast from sunrise to sunset on Sunday to honour the late Brian McGarry.
McGarry, the former head of Hulse, Playfair and McGarry Funeral Homes and well-known philanthropist, died on Saturday, January 27.
“Brian cared very deeply about our city and served as a school board trustee, regional councillor, and member of Kiwanis,” wrote mayor Mark Sutcliffe on social media.
“My sincere condolences to his family and friends.”
During his life, McGarry helped raise funds for numerous charities while being active with the Kiwanis Club of Ottawa.
Besides having a long and illustrious career in the funeral industry, McGarry also served on the Ottawa Board of Education from 1985 to 1995. He further served the community when he was elected to the Ottawa-Carleton Regional Council and represented Capital Ward in 1994.
McGarry was a supporter of Canadian Federalism and was the co-founder of Dialogue Canada, Ottawa Division.
He also played a pivotal role in Ottawa’s sports landscape. His financial support helped bring the Ottawa Senators back to the city to start play in the 1992-1993 season, 54 years after the NHL first suspended the franchise.
McGarry’s funeral was held at the Central Chapel of Hulse, Playfair and McGarry on Sunday.