A memorial service is being held Thursday in Belleville for a local hockey legend.

Family, friends, former team-mates and hockey fans will say goodbye to Belleville McFarlands great, Wayne “Weiner” Brown.

Brown who died on Friday at the age of 88, was an elite right-winger with a long professional hockey career that stretched through the 1950’s and 60’s.

He helped lead the Belleville McFarlands to an Allan Cup Championship in 1958 and World Hockey Championship the following year. 

Known as 'Weiner' because of his small height, the 2001 Belleville Sports Hall of Fame inductee was born in Belleville -- his professional hockey career included a notable stint with the Boston Bruins in 1954, before returning home to play with the Belleville McFarlands, scoring 73 goals and 81 assists in 140 games.  Between 1949 and 1973, Brown played for teams in St. Catherines; Tacoma; Seattle; Victoria; Clinton, New York and Syracuse.
Brown’s obituary stated he is the son of the late William & Norah Brown. Loving husband of Irene Brown (nee Argent). Dear father of Wayne (Mary) Brown, Brian and Jeff Brown. Predeceased by his son, Richard Brown and by his daughter, Lynne Ann Gibson. Wayne was a proud grandfather and great grandfather. Dear brother of Bill (Eula) Brown and the late Joan (late Eddy) Marineau.

Visitation will be held on Wednesday at Steele Funeral Home in Belleville from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. Rev. Fr. Brad Beale will be officiating a Memorial Service in the chapel on Thursday at 11 a.m. (with visitation prior to service, from 9:30 a.m. - 11:00 a.m.)

If desired, donations to the Belleville General Hospital (Oncology Department) or Belleville Sports Hall of Fame would be appreciated by the family.