Obituary of Richard Verity

Richard L. Verity, QC April 5, 1935 – May 9, 2025 It is with great sadness that the family of Richard “Dick” Verity announces his passing at Brantford General Hospital on May 9, 2025. Dick was a devoted and cherished husband to his wife of 62 years, Carol, a supportive and much-loved father to his children Louise (Mac Penney), Denise and Patrick and grandfather to Caroline (Thomas Millar). Predeceased by his parents Dr. George Edward Verity and Mary Louise Verity (Calbeck). Dick grew up in Brantford, Ontario. Following graduation from high school, he attended Victoria College at the University of Toronto where he received a BA in political science and economics, then studied at Sorbonne Université, and finally Osgoode Hall where he earned his LLB. Dick and Carol raised their family in Brantford and in Magnetawan, the latter, home of the family cottage which they purchased in 1967. The Ahmic Lake cottage has served as the place for family gatherings and celebrations; a place where family comes together. Dick had a general law practice for more than 45 years, with a focus on labour arbitration (Trepanier Verity LLP). He was a long-serving arbitrator on Ontario’s Grievance Settlement Board, and a 40-year member of the National Academy of Arbitrators. A proud Canadian, Dick served his community throughout his life. Dick’s volunteer service included serving as Chair, Brantford School Board, Chair, Brant County Centennial Commission, President, Brantford Family Service Bureau, President, Ontario Association Family Service Agencies, President, Boys’ and Girls’ Club of Brantford. Dick also participated in the Rotary Club of Brantford and later Probus. He had an interest and passion for politics and ran local provincial and federal campaigns supporting Progressive Conservative candidates. Dick was fun, he was kind, he was a man of integrity. He was a supportive father and grandfather and a loyal friend. He will be greatly missed. The family is grateful for the care and support provided by Seasons Brantford Retirement Home and Brantford General Hospital. The family will receive friends at Beckett-Glaves Family Funeral Centre at 88 Brant Avenue, in Brantford on Thursday, May 15th, 2025. Visitation is from 11:30-1:00, a short service will be held at 1:00 p.m. and a reception will follow. As expressions of sympathy and in lieu of flowers, please consider a donation in Dick’s memory to The Brant Community Health System Foundation, Epilepsy Canada or a charity of choice. A tree will be planted in memory of Dick in the Beckett-Glaves Memorial Forest.