Obituary of William James Brant

William James “Bill” Brant

May 12, 1941 - December 29, 2024

Following a challenging battle with Parkinson's Disease Bill (Wm J.) Brant died peacefully at his beloved Tyhaven Farm on The Tyendinaga Mohawk Territory.

Bill, one of ten children, was the son of the late Lazarus and Sarah (Sadie) nee Scero Brant.  Predeceased by his beloved wife of 58 years Marilyn, his life was never the same after she went on ahead.  He is survived by his children Lisa & Rod BrantFrancis, David Brant, and adopted daughter Heather Wessel in Melbourne, Australia. Bill’s grandchildren were Adrian (partner Jessica) & Tayla Brant, André & Stephanie Pham and great grandson Lucas Brant. He was “Poppa Bill” and “Uncle Bill” to many extended family members over the years and loved each one dearly.

A former Chief of The Mohawks of The Bay of Quinte and Councillor for several terms Bill worked tirelessly to serve his community through the years. A dedicated member of the Anglican Parish of Tyendinaga, the Mohawk Agricultural Society, the Indian Agricultural Program of Ontario, the Mohawk Fire Department for seventeen years and several other Indigenous boards and organizations he did his utmost to “follow The Example” in his efforts to make life better for his people. Bill was Chair of the Mohawk Ploughman’s Association for ten years and it was this association that in 1961 made it possible for Hastings County to host its first International Ploughing Match. He and Marilyn were inducted into the Quinte Agricultural Wall of Fame in 2013. “The objective of the Quinte Agricultural Wall of Fame is to formally and publicly recognize the individuals in the Quinte area who have made an outstanding contribution to the agriculture and food industry at the local, provincial and/or national levels.” Many years ago, Bill was made Honourary Professional Agrologist with the Ontario Institute of Agrologists. His greatest love, other than his “Mare”, was farming. Bill’s whole life from boyhood to his final years was dedicated to that, whether it was turning over the land with horse and plow at the family farm on the York Road or riding Big Green at Tyhaven. He was the happiest and most at peace when he was working the land.

Bill will be missed dearly by his remaining sister June Simpson, siblings-in-law Pat Brant, Brenda Asselstine, Bruce Maracle, Anne Maracle & their children. He will be fondly remembered by his remaining nieces and nephews on the Brant side, especially Andrew (Shawna), Andy in the UK, and grand niece Heather Brant - Royal & family of Denman Island BC.

Extended family and friends are invited to M. J. Smith and Son Funeral Home, 78 Centre St. Deseronto, ON on Thursday January 2, 2025 from 1 - 4 p.m.

The Funeral Service, Burial and Luncheon will be held at All Saints Anglican Church and Cemetery, 1295 Ridge Road, Tyendinaga Mohawk Territory on Saturday January 4, 2025 beginning at 11 a.m.

In lieu of flowers donations may be made to The Anglican Parish of Tyendinaga or a charity of the donor’s choice.