Stephen E. C. Brathwaite, artist, entrepreneur and developer. Not a bad list of accomplishments just off the top of my head. And, yes, I fully expect and acknowledge that there are a number of other relevant commendations like whiz kid, mover and shaker, go-getter and hustler. I won’t therefore trouble to insert a URL or any number of them to capture the flavour of this remarkable man who so modestly and quietly has contributed to the well-being and vitalization of the Town of Almonte in particular and to numerous other municipalities. I am particularly attuned to his real estate advances and their professional and exacting quality.
What has lately sparked my interest in the agenda of Mr. Brathwaite is a confab I had this morning with Mr. Stuart Matthews in the subterranean garage of our apartment building; and, a related article I subsequently found upon brief investigation in the Millstone news (see below). It speaks to but one more contribution to our society by this exceedingly capable man.
I cannot now rightfully recall my introduction to Mr. Brathwaite. It was so many years ago; and, I now have the right to chalk up my want of memory to old age. What I do remember in particular was learning that he had broken his neck as the result of what I believe was a falling tree being cut on his country estate in the Township of Pakenham. Initially the trauma had been incorrectly diagnosed as a far lesser conflict; however I understand he was, shortly after a detailed reading of an X-ray (or some similar analysis) air-lifted to Ottawa for scrutiny. For recovery he ended wearing a metal halo burdened upon his shoulders and attached to his head.
It is this same chap who went on to spirit the development of the former Victoria Woollen Mill at the foot of Mill Street, Thoburn Mill on Little Bridge Street and several other historic buildings between and across those streets including the Old Post Office. I will confine my recollections to these immediate numbers. But once again there are others.
What stimulates this piece is not merely the general recognition of the on-going improvements to our community by this inventive man; but also the specific recognition of this vanguard of communal activity. Mr. Brathwaite will in my estimate rank among the other distinguished men and women who have contributed so meaningfully to our community over the near half-century I have lived here.
Like all the others of local recognition, Mr. Brathwaite will suffer the consequence of familiarity. It should not however detract from his entitlement to resounding approbation. I say this especially because during the years I have been acquainted with Mr. Brathwaite I have always known him, in spite of his fervency, to be predominantly a man of quiet reserve and disposition. Those erstwhile autumn days when things were overall lacking any bustle he would favour me with a visit at my office for a glass of sherry and catching up.