It is with deep sadness that the family of Donald (Don)
George Brown, announce his sudden passing on February 5th, 2022 at his
home in Oak Haven, New Brunswick. Don leaves behind his beloved wife
of 53 years, Sandra (Steeves), children Kenny (Stephanie), Cheri
(Jamie), Lyndsay (Jeff), and Amy (Jamie) of whom he was extremely
proud. Don fulfilled his true destiny when he became a
“Poppy”. He leaves behind the joys of his life,
his grandchildren, Hillary, Emily, Sawyer, Maxwell, and
Griffen. He also leaves behind his chosen family, Jackie
Evans and her two children, Matthea and Connor Evans. Don had one
brother, Robert (Colleen) and sisters-in-law, Debbie (Bill) McLeod,
Janis (Jim) Moore and brother-in-law RAE Steeves. Don is also survived
by several cousins with whom he shared several of life’s
adventures. Don is predeceased by his parents, George and
Freda Brown, his in-laws, Margaret and Russell Steeves, and his three
infant sons, Darryl, Aaron, and Adam.
Don was born in Glace-Bay, Nova Scotia but his heart always
belonged to Newfoundland. In the winters of his youth, he was a
fantastic skater who was never without a partner. He was a
solid Army Cadet and helped his father fish the waters off Nova Scotia
and Newfoundland. He and his High School Sweetheart, Sandi
were married in 1968 and together they raised four children.
Don worked numerous jobs, until he ultimately became a Fisheries
Officer. In 1984, the family moved to St. Stephen New Brunswick for a
job opportunity. Don travelled throughout the country with Fisheries,
including working as a firearms trainer with the RCMP in
Regina. He concluded his career as the Chief Enforcement
Officer for Southwestern New
Brunswick.
Don loved to trap and hunt and has had many accolades for his
marksmanship. He was sought out as an expert for news broadcasts, and
television shows such as Land & Sea. Don loved a
good cowboy movie and often interrupted to share the name of a horse
or a gun. He had a passion for educating and coaching and,
after his retirement from Fisheries, helped open the St. Croix
Sportsman Club Air Gun range in 2008. Through his
trailblazing and mentoring in the sport, he brought several athletes
to the elite levels both locally and globally. He and his athletes
were recognized by Sport New Brunswick for their
accomplishments.
His experiences became fodder for fantastic stories. Upon
reading this line, many will feel their ears burn with the remembrance
of the last story shared by Don. Some of which were told
over and over again.
Don and Sandi were wonderful dancers. Don became a
sought-out partner in the family, and many celebrations ended with his
daughters and granddaughters dancing with him, including a “back
yard prom” held in honour of the girls’ graduation just
this past summer.
It can be said that anyone who had met him, liked him. He had
never met a stranger, just someone he hadn’t gotten to know
yet. His superpower was making others feel welcome. He was
well loved and will be greatly missed.
The family will receive friends at The S.O. Mehan &
Son Funeral Home Ltd., 23 Main Street, St Stephen, NB. on Thursday,
February 10, 2022 from 6-8 PM and Friday from 1 PM to service time. A
memorial service for family and friends will be held at the funeral
home on Friday, February 11, 2022 at 2 PM. The livestream link for the
service is youtu.be/U13zjpBiRgk
No reception will follow the service with hope that family and friends
can come together this summer to commemorate Don’s
life.
Please be advised, that due to mandatory
regulations imposed by the New Brunswick government, everyone 12 years
of age and older, must show proof of vaccination or medical exemption
certificate and government issued ID to attend the funeral service or
visitation. Face masks must be worn at all times while in the building
and physical distancing must be
practised.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made the to the charity
of one’s choice. Condolences may be sent to the family
online at www.mehanfuneralhome.ca
Our most sincere sympathies to the family and friends of Donald G Brown 1947 2022..
Death notice for the town of: St-Stephen, Province: Nouveau-Brunswick
My condolences to the family of Donald . I had the pleasure , as a friend and neighbour to hang out with him . And yes , he could harpoon Swordfish better than any adult in the harbour , out shoot us all on Saturday mornings at the high school range and use those very long legs of his to move through the woods at a breath taking pace . I would not have wanted a better friend to have grown up with .