HUGE TRUCK CONVOY SATURDAY NOON IN PORT CARLING FOR JIM BROWN

Mark Clairmont | MuskokaTODAY.com

PORT CARLING — Expect a huge traffic jam here at noon Saturday.

Friends of Jim Brown are rolling through town in drive-by convoy of “about 200” trucks, antique cars and commercial vehicles to pay tribute to a “great community guy.”

Brown, 66, who died at home in his sleep April 29, took over Duncan Brown Contracting after his brother died last year.

Matt McDermott and Lucas Brown, one of Jim’s relatives, have organized the tribute “as a way to remember him and mark the end of an era.”

“He was so young at heart,” McDermott said this morning before heading out.

They’ll be lining up in Milford Bay just before noon along Hwy. 118.

“We’re losing not only a friend, but a great community member who volunteered for everything.”

Among the dozens of rigs lining up will be Muskoka Lakes fire trucks, which Brown and McDermott both drove while with the department.

Though they were 26 years apart in age, McDermott said they shared a “friendly business rivalry” and often shared jobs.

McDermott will be driving one of his family’s Josh McDermott and Sons tractor trailers.

The vehicles will slow as they pass by Brown’s yard downtown, located near Hospice Muskoka Andy’s House.

Brown was born in Bracebridge, Aug. 31, 1954 and spent his entire life in Port Carling.

A bachelor, he made many lifetime friends. In his youth, he loved to play hockey and was known as a rugged defenceman who never shied away from the rough stuff.

He worked for several family members in the construction business and ended up taking over Dunc Brown Contracting, carrying on the good work ethics of his brother.

He was the ninth of nine children born to Roy and Almeda Brown.

Jim Brown was a familiar figure around Port Carling. The owner of Dunc Brown Contracting is celebrated today in a drive-by from Milford Bay to Port Carling at noon. He passed away April 29 at home. He was 66.

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