Obituary for Donald Ralph Danbrook
Donald Ralph Danbrook - born November 7, 1958, in Wilkie, Saskatchewan, left this world peacefully surrounded by family and friends on September 11, 2023. Don was predeceased by his father, Glenn Danbrook. He is survived by his loving wife, Ronalyn and her family; mother, Barbara Danbrook; stepmother, Pat Danbrook; sister, Jean Crawford; and her family; and many friends.
As a toddler Don was able to set and meet challenges, especially when pursuing the elusive cookie jar. Approaching each obstacle with grit and determination. As a boy Don was inquisitive, active, fun loving, caring, loquacious, and had a great sense of humor. All qualities that served him well his entire life.
In early childhood, Don moved with his family to Victoria, BC, where he graduated from Mount Douglas Secondary School in 1976 and went on to enjoy the adventurous and carefree lifestyle of a traveling welder.
In August 1983, Don suffered a devastating fall that would render him quadriplegic. With tenacity and fortitude, and the support of friends and caregivers, Don forged ahead with academic pursuits. Don’s outstanding retentive memory enabled him to excel, becoming a certified general accountant, a licenced realtor and a licenced real estate appraiser, while also pursuing entrepreneurial endeavors.
A lifelong learner who was passionate about sharing his knowledge with all, Don was also deeply committed to supporting and improving the lives of others living with chronic pain and life altering injuries. He devoted his time to many volunteer groups, including the Neil Squire Society, Spinal Cord Injury BC, Rick Hansen Foundation, and Technology for Living. In recognition of his efforts, Technology for Living established an award for innovation in the creation of a certain design technology to improve the quality of life for people with disabilities, called the Don Danbrook Innovation Award, which Don had the honour of presenting to the first recipient.
Don was profoundly committed to his extensive network of friends and family and embraced life with an implacable and infectious positive attitude. When he set goals, he achieved them. He let no obstacles stand in his way. The words “I can’t” were not in his vocabulary. When asked “How are you, Don?”, he always responded, “Pretty good!”.
Don loved fun and laughter, basking in the sunshine, travelling the world and hosting great parties at Casa Danbrook. He truly was an incredible man and a real inspiration to all who knew him. He will be deeply missed by his family and friends.
A celebration of Don’s life will be held November 5, 2023 @ 11:00am- 3:00pm, Old Mill Boathouse Banquet Hall, 2715 Esplanade Ave, Port Moody, BC, V3H 3P4.
As a toddler Don was able to set and meet challenges, especially when pursuing the elusive cookie jar. Approaching each obstacle with grit and determination. As a boy Don was inquisitive, active, fun loving, caring, loquacious, and had a great sense of humor. All qualities that served him well his entire life.
In early childhood, Don moved with his family to Victoria, BC, where he graduated from Mount Douglas Secondary School in 1976 and went on to enjoy the adventurous and carefree lifestyle of a traveling welder.
In August 1983, Don suffered a devastating fall that would render him quadriplegic. With tenacity and fortitude, and the support of friends and caregivers, Don forged ahead with academic pursuits. Don’s outstanding retentive memory enabled him to excel, becoming a certified general accountant, a licenced realtor and a licenced real estate appraiser, while also pursuing entrepreneurial endeavors.
A lifelong learner who was passionate about sharing his knowledge with all, Don was also deeply committed to supporting and improving the lives of others living with chronic pain and life altering injuries. He devoted his time to many volunteer groups, including the Neil Squire Society, Spinal Cord Injury BC, Rick Hansen Foundation, and Technology for Living. In recognition of his efforts, Technology for Living established an award for innovation in the creation of a certain design technology to improve the quality of life for people with disabilities, called the Don Danbrook Innovation Award, which Don had the honour of presenting to the first recipient.
Don was profoundly committed to his extensive network of friends and family and embraced life with an implacable and infectious positive attitude. When he set goals, he achieved them. He let no obstacles stand in his way. The words “I can’t” were not in his vocabulary. When asked “How are you, Don?”, he always responded, “Pretty good!”.
Don loved fun and laughter, basking in the sunshine, travelling the world and hosting great parties at Casa Danbrook. He truly was an incredible man and a real inspiration to all who knew him. He will be deeply missed by his family and friends.
A celebration of Don’s life will be held November 5, 2023 @ 11:00am- 3:00pm, Old Mill Boathouse Banquet Hall, 2715 Esplanade Ave, Port Moody, BC, V3H 3P4.