Lindsay businessman Donald ‘Donny’ Brown remembered for his leadership and generosity

Lindsay resident and business leader Donald Brown died on July 1 at 63, leaving behind a legacy of community building, according to those who knew him well.

Brown was part owner of multiple businesses including the Pie Eyed Monk, Days Inn and the newly opened Best Western. “Don dedicated his life to building businesses that strengthened and enriched the Lindsay community he was so proud to call home,” said a Facebook post written by the three businesses.

In 1992 Brown began his entrepreneurial journey when he co-founded Mariposa Electric Ltd. The business started with just two employees and has since grown to more than 35 team members. In 2025 Brown passed the business onto his son, Dylan.

In 2015 Brown helped to bring Lindsay’s first hotel, the Days Inn and Suites to the community. “He continued investing in the growth of Lindsay through ventures including the Pie Eyed Monk and Lindsay Brewery Company. Whether meeting with friends, colleagues, or family, you could often find Don enjoying one of his favourite meals, corn chowder soup, chicken wings, or pork chops, paired with some Pinot Grigio,” the Facebook post said.

In 2019 Brown was recognized with the Business leader of the Year award presented by the Lindsay and District Chamber of Commerce.

Most recently Brown spent time helping with the development of the Best Western Plus that opened last month. In memory of Brown the ownership group and management team has dedicated a suite in his name called The Brown Executive Suite.

“Don was the perfect example of a man who lived life to the fullest. He dedicated his life to building businesses that strengthened the community he loved, but above all, he was a devoted husband, a proud dad, and a cherished grandad,” read Brown’s obituary. “His family will forever be proud of the strength, courage, and resilience he demonstrated throughout the many challenges he faced. His legacy lives on not only through the community he helped build, but in the love, values, and memories he leaves with those closest to him.”

Stacey Brown, Brown’s niece and general manager of the Best Western, said his presence will be deeply missed. “No matter the occasion, he was always the same — the big personality in the room, cracking jokes, striking up conversations with everyone, and making each person feel genuinely welcome.”

Stacey said that Brown made a point to ensure that everyone he ran into felt respected. “Don believed in people and made everyone feel valued — often punctuated by his signature fist pumps. Even in his last days, one of his wishes was to see all his general managers to ensure they were doing well and, most importantly, happy. The difference he made in our community and in the lives of so many will never be forgotten. His legacy will live on in everyone he touched.”

Brad Bird, part of the Days Inn and Best Western ownership group, first met Brown through hockey. Eventually the two were part of the same running group. In that group, Bird mentioned how he had bought land on Angeline Street and was hoping to put a hotel in.

Brown was interested and wanted to become involved. “He got more investors than I did, and that’s when I realized that I was lucky to have him,” Bird said.

Bird said that Brown was not only a good businessman but was an overall good person. “Once he got to know you, he treated you like family. There was good love and tough love, but he made you feel like a part of something. He was just gifted that way to make the project feel like our family project.”

“Everyone that’s been part of the success of the hotels and restaurants, he’s helped mentor. I think his theory was if you surround yourself with good people and you make them family, they’ll stick around and look after you,” Bird said.

Candace Webster, general manager of the Days Inn and Suites, has known Brown since was eight and spent the last 11 years working with him.

She said no matter the role someone had at either hotel, Brown took the time to get to know everyone. “Don never was too busy for anyone. Whenever he came by the Days Inn or Best Western, he would stop, and fist pump all the staff and make sure he knew their name and asked how they were. He was never rushed speaking to you, and if you had questions or problems he would sit and work them out with you.”

Webster said that throughout his battle with cancer, Brown amazed everyone with his positive attitude. “They would tell him you have less than a day and he would live one more year and a half. His nickname Donny 9 lives was all related to this crazy mental positive strength he held.”

One memory she shared was how Brown took a hike in the Arizona Desert that he had never trained for. “He may have struggled like hell on this hike and saw black for the last half of the marathon, but when he was determined, no matter what, he would cross that finish line on his own terms and do exactly what he set out to do. And that is exactly how he lived his final days, on his terms, knowing he accomplished all he set out to do,” Webster said.

A celebration of life will take place on July 9 from 1-5 p.m. at Celebrations in Lindsay, with the service at 2 p.m.