DON BRICKETT
Donald James Brickett
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.
Condolences
I was working at emergency at the hospital last year when Mr. Brickett came there. I asked him if he had been a school teacher and he said he had. I told him he had been my teacher and I remembered him. He surely made an impact on me to remember him after all these years. He was a kind man and a great teacher. My heart goes out to his family and friends for their loss.
-Holly Fawcett Brown
I met Don through Jim Ferrier who I’ve been dating for a while. He took us golfing one time and I got to know him a lot better. He was always a really positive guy it was a lot of fun getting to know him. His positivity runs down through his sons who are also very much like him .He will be missed.
-Barbara Parks
I’m so sorry to hear of Mr. Brickett’s passing. I moved up to Parry Sound 21 years ago from Mississauga. I always saw Mr. Brickett around town and I knew who he was right away after all these years. I went up to him and said ‘Are you Mr. Brickett?’ He answered yes and I then told him he was my principal at Sheridan Park Public School in Mississauga. We then chatted about what we had both been up to in the 40+ years since then!
-Jen (Foster) Leveque
My condolences to Don’s family. When I came to Mississauga in 1967, Don and Doris Brown welcomed me down here. We all became principals and shared many times and laughs together. I enjoyed meeting him when in Parry Sound. A very fine person.
Eric Simpson
-Eric Simpson
Don was a great friend and principal. We met when Don was my principal at Willow Glen PS. It was my first year of teaching and he was a great support, role model and mentor. Yes, there was the odd time he had a cigarette during our chats but in that day it was acceptable. His kindness, wisdom and caring for his staff and students was always shown. I will miss him and his chuckles a lot. Donna Douglas
-Donna Douglas
Don, and Katie, were dear friends to our family. Don was Donna’s first Principal and showed the thoughtful, compassionate and understanding part of teaching, everyday. We are forever grateful for both his guidance and his friendship. We were fortunate to share time with Don on his boat, enjoy BBQ’s in his backyard and we remember with fondness the Sunday afternoon swims at their home in the Sheridan Homelands. He will be greatly missed. Donna and Murray
-Murray and Donna Douglas
I met Don when I was a vice-principal at Homelands and his two great boys attended there. He had a wonderful sense of fun and I well remember our poker nights and especially the one where I made his wallet much lighter. We often met in Orrville for the turkey suppers . Don always made you feel like an old friend.
-Norma Hillyard
Great memories of his grade 8 class in Gibson School. Enjoyed our occasional social encounters since then.
-vincent chechock
Known Don for a number of years from him teaching me Geography at Gibson St school to the present, he was a wonderful person and will be missed
-KEN BREADNER
Condolences to the Brickett family. Mr. Brickett was my Grade 5 teacher. A fantastic one he was. He made class interesting and each student was special. I also knew his parents through William Kirkman. They were caretakers in the Post Office building. RIP you will always be remembered
-Sandra Beynon Moffat
I met Don when I joined Rotary. It was always fun to sit at his table. Over the years I witnessed his exemplary commitment to our motto of “service above self.”
-Debbie Stivrins
So sorry to hear about your father. Such a lovely man. He will be missed
-Jackie and Shawn Boggs
We are sorry that we learning belatedly of Don’s passing. We will miss seeing him at the Festival of the Sound concerts, where he always had a friendly and cheerful greeting for everyone. We send our heartfelt condolences to all his family.
-James and Carol Campbell
Logan Funeral Home
81 James Street
Parry Sound, ON P2A 1T7
Consumer Information Guide
Prepared by the Registrar of the BAO
Funeral Establishment Operator
Class 1 License No. FE-354
Click here for a full list of services and price info
