AMHERST – Basil Brown, 88, of Amherst, formerly of Athol, passed peacefully away on Friday, July 11, 2008 at the Cumberland Regional Health Care Centre, following a lengthy illness. Born in Amherst Point, he was the eldest son of the late Oswald and Anna (Embree) Brown. At 25, Basil began working in the Springhill Mine. During the explosion in Mine No. 4 in 1956 and the Bump in Mine No. 2 in 1958, he was a member of the rescue team, receiving the Carnegie Hero Award. Following closure of the Springhill mine, he was employed 24 years with Sifto Salt, retiring in 1982. An integral part of the community, he was involved in all facets of community life, including six years as a member of the Saint John Ambulance brigade and as a Scout leader. A lifetime member of the United Church, he held the offices of Sunday school superintendent in Athol, Steward and chairman of the official board in Southampton. Basil was a member of the Knights of Pythias, No. 54 for many years. A loving husband, father and grandfather, he will be sadly missed by his wife of 67 years, Carrie (Baker); daughters Janice (Carmen) Brown and Sandra (Claude) Breton; son Ken; eight grandchildren, Kevin (Keira), Kirk (Donna), Patrice (Visnja), Tania (JF), Joanne (Paul), Alain (Jamie), Kyle (Krista) and Rae (Dustin); eight great-grandchildren, Dayna, Gillian, Noah, Emma, Madeleine, Mila, Kaylea and Aaron; two brothers, Russell (Eileen) and Roy (Pat); and a sister, Doris. He was predeceased by son Wayne in 1965. Basil will also be missed by the greater Athol community for his growing and delivering of "Glads" to brighten many homes. Basil's remains have been cremated under the care of the Furlong-Jones Funeral Home, 70 Church St., Amherst (667-8777). A memorial service will be held at the Furlong-Jones Chapel on Monday, July 14 at 11 a.m. Burial in the Athol Cemetery. A Knights of Pythias Memorial Service will be held at 10:30 a.m., Monday. No visitation by request. Flowers are gratefully declined. Donations to a charity of donor's choice preferred. The family extend their heartfelt thanks to Dr. Bienkowski, and staff at CRHCC for their compassion and kindness during Basil's illness. www.furlongjones.ca