Scott N. Northmore

Scott Nelson Northmore

July 14, 1934 – June 2, 2026

It is with deep sorrow and gratitude for a life well lived, that the family of Scott Nelson Northmore announces his quiet passing on June 2, 2026 at the age of 91.

Dad was the beloved husband of the late Patricia Ann Northmore (Walker), with whom he shared 65 years of marriage, partnership, faith, family, and service. He was the loving father of Kim (John), Scott (Sandy), Mike (Deb), and Ken (Jackie). He was a treasured grandfather to Damien, Eve (Scott), Jessie (Ramsey), Nicki (Jon), Darcy (Tania), Natalie (Tyler), Caleb (Ada), Sydney (Sam), Natalie, Brianna (Garrett), Simon (Camryn), and Morgan. He was also a proud and loving GG to Desmond, Arnie, Hunter, Lily, Liam, Deacon, Porter, Kasey, Kolton, Isabella, and Eli.

Dad’s journey began in Guelph, Ontario, where he was adopted at a young age by Nelson and Hazel Northmore. Sadly, both parents passed away when he was seven, leaving him with lasting memories of their affection and love. Though looked after by extended family members, he grew up with a rare sense of independence. He became a young man completely untethered, free to explore the world on his own terms in search of adventure and a bit of mischief.

In 1958, he met and fell in love with Patricia Walker. He proposed by offering her a Chicklet from a little box that secretly contained the engagement ring. When she refused the treat, he was compelled to protest until she accepted the chicklet and more willingly, the proposal! They married on May 9, 1958 and started a family shortly after. Together, Scott and Pat built a home that was welcoming, steady and full of love.

The Northmore home was always lively, fueled by Dad’s passionate love for sports of all kinds. Most notably he participated in recreational baseball and hockey leagues in Bracebridge as coach and administrator and President of the Bracebridge Minor Hockey Association for a time. Many of his peers will have fond memories of the years and antics spent on canoe and fi shing trips or the ball fi elds or ice surface with the likes of The Old Timers and the Old Wicks Hockey Teams! The Bracebridge Sportsplex truly stands as an apt and lasting legacy to Dad's lifelong passion for athletics.

In 1969, Dad moved our family to Muskoka, transitioning from insurance adjustment to public service. He proudly served as Deputy Sheriff at the Bracebridge Court House for 20 years before retiring in 1995. Here he earned the nickname `Barney’ after the Don Knotts character - a fitting comical moniker which stuck to him forever.

His true calling came in 1988 when he was elected as a councillor for Macaulay Ward. Dad dedicated 18 years to local politics, serving three terms as the Mayor of Bracebridge. He steered the town through rapid growth, championing legacy projects like the Bracebridge Sportsplex, Peake Fields, and Bracebridge Bay Park. His devotion to his community earned him a place on the Reflections of Bracebridge Heritage Mural.

For Dad, his political career was a service that did not seek accolades. He simply believed that community is something you show up for. He genuinely loved being a part of it, connecting with people, and sharing a laugh or exploring an idea.

We are grateful for his life, his example, his service, and his love. He leaves behind a family who loved him dearly, a town made better by his care, and a legacy that will not be forgotten.

The family extends heartfelt thanks to the teams at Castle Peak and Muskoka Shores, with special gratitude to Megan Gray PSW, for their exceptional care of Dad following the loss of his beloved wife, Pat, in 2023. Knowing they are reunited brings deep comfort to those who now mourn them both.

Family will receive friends on Friday, June 19, 2026, at Reynolds Funeral Home (Bracebridge) from 2:00 PM – 4:00 PM and 6:00 PM – 9:00 PM.

A public Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, July 25, 2026 from 1-4pm in the Muskoka Leon's Auditorium at the Muskoka Lumber Community Centre, 56 Salmon Avenue, Bracebridge.

Donations to the South Muskoka Memorial Hospital or the Alzheimer Society are greatly appreciated in lieu of flowers.