With a heavy heart and recognition of a long life well lived, we share the peaceful passing of Donald James Brickett in his 91st year, on March 7th, 2026, in Parry Sound, surrounded by friends and family. Don is predeceased by his wife Kasie (née Katherine Würm) and is father to Jonathan (Josie) and Gregory (Anna). Grampa Don will be missed by his 2 sets of grandchildren Christopher / Bronwen, and Sebastian / Alexa.
Don was born in 1935 in Parry Sound, Ontario to James and Hilda (née, Hobourn) Brickett. He is survived by older sisters Joan (Bob) Ferrier, and Gwen, and his little sister, Ruth (Jim) Robertson. Tragedy struck the Brickett family early when in 1957 the parents were killed in a plane crash, returning from England. The Brickett children grew-up very quickly, learning to rely on the bonds of family and the generosity of friends and community. In self-reflection, Don credits this experience for his call to community service.
Don quickly progressed as a teacher, becoming a vice-principal by age 30 and then principal with the Peel Board of education shortly thereafter. A committed leader of his community, Don helped new immigrant families adjust to life and the education system in Canada; by day, he ran running clubs in the mornings, and many after school activities. On weekends, he was coach and trainer for his son’s many hockey teams. Outside his profession, Don joined The Rotary Club in Mississauga in the mid-1970s and later with Parry Sound in 1999, serving a term as President of both clubs, where he also earned the Paul Harris Fellow, twice. Upon retirement, he continued his community service back in Parry Sound as Chairman of the Board for of the West Parry Sound Health Centre and the Lakeland Long Term Care Facility.
As Don’s sons, we would like you to know that his commitment to service was surpassed by his many passions: quietly caring for his sisters, then his boys, and later on for his dying mother-in-law, then our mother during her battle with cancer. But transcending these responsibilities, for nearly all of his 9 decades dad could be found boating on Georgian Bay (though only the last forty years with that same goofy white bucket-hat); also playing host and bbq master for many-a-dinner-party (Chivas —when given a choice, and cigarettes when no one was around to check him up); and being everywhere in his beloved Parry Sound with that signature yellow (seriously Don?) windbreaker.
Dad had given so much to so many, it was now his turn to receive. Living so far away from him (Victoria BC, and Leeds UK) we relied on and are ever grateful to his closest friends for their unending compassion, time, and support. Thank you Renate, Cheryl but especially Donald and Karen Sanderson who cared for him as if he were part of their family. We are truly humbled by your capacity to care. This debt we will pay forward.
Finally, the Brickett family would like to thank the nursing and support staff at West Parry Sound Health Centre for their professionalism and compassion, most notably the team in Rehabilitation Unit, and the exceptional work of the Palliative Care ward —RNs: Kaitlin, Valerie, Mollie, and Dr. Margret Frere. Memorial donations to the West Parry Sound Health Centre Foundation (Palliative Care) would be appreciated.
