BARRIE - Long-time Barrie businessman and philanthropist Arch Brown died Monday night.

Dubbed “Mr. Barrie,” Brown, 81, leaves his wife Helen (nee McCutcheon) and their daughter, Jane Jackson.

He also leaves an incredible legacy in Barrie – from his days as the local Canadian Tire dealer to his numerous community contributions through Georgian College, the Barrie Rotary Club, St.

Andrew’s Presbyterian Church and the city’s economic development advisory committee.

For his work, Brown was honoured with an array of awards, including the Queen’s Golden Jubilee Medal in 2002, the Order of Ontario in 2004 and Barrie’s Spirit Catcher Award in 2008.

His name lives on at Georgian College, where the Helen and Arch Brown Centre for Visual Arts commemorates his advocacy and philanthropy. Earlier this year, the college honoured the Browns for their vision, passion and commitment for not only the arts school but also the new health and wellness centre.

Funeral arrangements have yet to be announced.

A video highlighting some of Brown’s contributions can be found online here.