Remembering Brian Costello
From the Renfrew Mercury-Dec 16, 2010
Katie Mulligan file photo
After a battle with cancer, former mayor W. Brian Costello passed away on Dec. 15 in hospital.
Costello, 67, held the mayor’s seat for three terms until handing the reigns over to Paul Dulmage. He was warden of Lanark County in 1987, then again in 1999. He passed away with his family by his side at the Carleton Place and District Memorial Hospital.
Well-known in the community as a historian, story teller and active member of the community, Costello was named Honourary Colonel of the 42nd Field Regiment (Lanark and Renfrew Scottish) RCA.
A Carleton Place street was named Costello Drive after the former mayor, sealed with an official dedication which took place on April 24, the wedding anniversary of Costello and his wife Heather. Costello Drive is home to the future site of the potential new hospital, which the historian said meant a lot to him at the time of the spring dedication.
In October 2009, Costello hosted the 143rd anniversary reception for the 42nd Field Regiment (Lanark and Renfrew Scottish) RCA during one of the annual training sessions in Carleton Place. The festivities were initially to take place at his home, which he called Cossy Cove, but were relocated to the town hall auditorium due to weather uncertainty.
Costello was a frequent visitor of Carleton Place council meetings, often to speak about upcoming military events or to introduce Margaret Harmon, daughter of Roy Brown to the community during her visit.
Costello’s book, A Nursery of the Air Force: The Story of the Carleton Place Great War Airmen and the Brown/Richthofen Saga, was published in 1979.
Visitation will be held at the Alan R. Barker Funeral Home on Friday, Dec. 17, from 1 to 4 p.m. and 7 to 9 p.m.
A Masonic service will take place at the funeral home at 6 p.m., and a legion service will take place at 9:15 p.m.
The funeral service will take place Saturday, Dec. 18 at 2:30 p.m. at St. Andrew’s Presbyterian Church on Bridge Street in Carleton Place.
Costello leaves behind his wife Heather, as well as their children Leslie, Michael and Matthew, and grandchildren Kaitlin, John, Meghan, Kendra, William and Drew. His is survived by his brother Bernie Costello, and sisters Claire and Christine. For those who wish, donations can be made to the Carleton Place Hospital Foundation or the Canadian Cancer Society.
Brian with J.A. Patterson mid 70s at Riverside Park
from the Carleton Place and Beckwith Heritage Museum
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