Born on April 6, 1935 in Edmonton, Alberta; passed away peacefully on December 18, 2019 surrounded by loved ones. Survived by his son, Gregory; daughters, Megan (Lee) and Chelsea (Trevor); his sweetheart, Marsha and her sons, David and Jonathan; his grandchildren and his dear dog, Barney. He will be greatly missed by his entire family and many dear friends.
Don will be remembered not only for his long illustrious career in sports broadcasting but also for his kindness, compassion, and genuine spirit. His positive outlook on life was unwavering and his ability to see the best in people brought an aura of joy to everyone around him. His zest for life was contagious and he will live on in our hearts.
A Celebration of Don’s Life will be held in the Sequoia Centre at McCall Gardens, 4665 Falaise Drive, Victoria, BC on Saturday, January 11, 2020 at 12:00 PM.
Condolences may be offered to the family below.
McCall Gardens
www.mccallgardens.com
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Alma Turner
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Nicole Lipton As a former CBC colleague of Don and his life companion for nearly a decade, I offer my deepest condolences again to his family, his daughters Chelsea and Megan and his son Gregory whom I met for the first time this Saturday at the Memorial service in Victoria.
In a heartfelt tribute at the ceremony, Don’s companion during his last years Marsha, paid homage to his parents, Margaret and Bunck Brown. Don was their only child, they adored and worshipped him. From his safe, protected and idyllic childhood, he learned to love in a way most of us can only aspire to: fiercely and unconditionally. Once you touched his heart, he remained loyal for life.
In a rare Live tribute after Don’s passing, Hockey Night in Canada described him, among other things, as: “A Giant of Sports Broadcasting”!
Like all true giants, he lived a big life, albeit in his quiet and gentle way. He had his share of disappointments. Perhaps that explains his love of sunsets: “You see, one loves sunsets, when one is sad” (The Little Prince by Antoine de Saint-Exupery)
Some of us will remember his famous saying: “When the going gets tough, the tough gets going!” That Code defined him in his professional and personal life and sustained him particularly in the latter years of his life. He never lost his smile, hope and his zest for living.
Many years ago, in his trademark handwriting, Don penned these words, now treasured, as a birthday wish:
“Happiness is a butterfly, which when pursued, is always just beyond your grasp, but which, if you sit down quietly, may alight softly upon your soul…..Finally, this last quote from Le Petit Prince:
“In one of those stars I shall be living. In one of them I shall be laughing. ..And when your sorrow is comforted… you will be content that you have known me. You will always be my friend…I shall not leave you.”Nicole Lipton
January 2020
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Joanna Williamson Dear Family,
I wanted to give you all my condolences on the passing of Don. He was such a wonderful man and was so kind to my Mother (Georgina) at Oak Bay Lodge. He was such a sweet, smart, loving gentleman to Mom when she needed it the most. I always knew that as her friend he would help her and take care of her. It gave me peace in such a turbulent time in her care. Mom is still fighting her battle but happy in her care home. Take care.
Joanna Williamson and family.
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Phil Reimer So sad today. Our friendship grew from the sixties covering events at home and around the world. What a joy to be around. Don always made it easier no matter the event. Mostly he always had time to get together to share stories, laugh, worry about a friend. Whatever it was Don wanted to be there for support. A rare guy. You will be missed Brownie
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Mary F. Rickard Like many of you, having worked in TV Sports for over 30 years, I have known “Brownie” for decades, and met up again with him and Marsha since coming to the Island and am deeply sorry to hear of his passing.
In all those years, I have never known Brownie to be anything but smiling, gentle, good humoured with the most amazing ability to think on his feet during the control room chaos that sometimes accompanies telecasting live events.
Ted and I are thinking of you all at this time and offer our deepest condolences; he will be missed.
Mary & Ted Rickard
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Tony Agostini Dear Gregory, Megan,Chelsea,Marsha,David,Jonathan and family.
Hélène and I send our warmest condolences on the passing of Don. I worked with him for years at
CBC Sports in Vancouver. He was passionate about everything Canadian, the CBC,the wonderful city of Montreal, the Expos, Amateur Sports, the west Coast and so many other things. He was a determined and versatile producer with terrific knowledge that allowed him to work on a multitude of Sports. Most importantly, he was a great friend, person and dad who spoke frequently and proudly about his son and daughters. He always spoke fondly about the people in his life and was always willing and eager to help and listen to anyone who might be going through a challenging time. He loved to laugh and I was very happy to know him. He accomplished many things with many people so we all have a multitude of recollections of him. A common perspective however, is that we loved him and that we will miss him.
All the best to all of you. Tony Agostini Montreal
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George and Ann Robinson Don was a close friend for almost eight decades, although during our working careers, we never lived in the same city – Montreal being the exception. He was everything that others have said in the preceding comments. One must add that he was generous, very loyal, fun to be with, always up for a challenge and had a great sense of humor. He also fathered great children.
Of course, he is missed.
George and Ann Robinson
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Claudette Preece As I have no other address I will use this method to offer my sympathies to all concerned. Gregory, I have know of you for many years, since I worked at CBC Winnipeg with your Dad. Years after that we worked together in Montreal. Megan and Chelsea, I have baby photos of you both sent by a proud papa. And Marsha we have emailed once of twice since I moved to Courtenay. I haven’t seen Don for a couple of years now for which I am so sorry but I no longer get to Victoria on a regular basis. I was truly sorry to hear of his death, I expected we would meet again somehow.
I really wanted to attend the Celebration of Life for Don but circumstances here may prevent that from happening though I am trying my best to get out of a previous commitment. Should it prove impossible for me to attend please accept my deepest sympathy for your loss.
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Diane and Gordon Craig Don was a great friend. We started our Television careers together in Winnipeg in 1956 and joined the Network Sorts Dept. together in the early sixties. We travelled the world together doing Canada Games ,Commonwealth Games, PanAm Games, Winter and Simmer Olympics. Don’s friendship and companionship were moments I treasured. We were there for each other in the good times and challenging times…..life long friends.
Dianne and I will miss him terribly. He was the true definition of a friend.
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Rick Inglis Although we both spent decades at the CBC, Don and I got to know each other best after retirement….when we lived just down the highway from each other in Victoria. At CBC I recall that everyone who talked about “Brownie” had terrific things to say about him and I thought: “Well, nobody can be THAT nice”. I was wrong. He was nicer.
Rest well, Don….you’ll be missed and remembered. Sincerest condolences from Bev and me to Marsha and the entire family.
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Bob Willson It was with great sadness I learned of Don’s death. We were friends going back to the early days of TV in Winnipeg. Like so many I remember his great productions, but mostly I remember Don as a truly good person. I cherish the times we shared. My thoughts are with all of you close to him.
-Bob Willson
Remembering Don. I just now was forwarded Don’s Obit by a friend who grew up across the street from Don in Winnipeg. I grew up on the next street south. I met Don when I was 4 years old. He was 13 yrs.
Even then his sweetness, compassion, quick decision making and fast action was evident. At sunset I had fallen into an 8’x 15″ pile hole where Harrow United Church was being built. He helped others rescue me and rode a very shaken child home on his bicycle. I shall never forget his kindness and always felt safe and protected when he was around. I hope someone in the family, or a friend will see this tribute to Don and treasure this early vision of the man to come as so many have described and cherished.