Donald G. Brown

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 https://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 mehanfuneralhome.ca