07/02/2026
It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of Donald Brown—one of our owners, investors, and leaders.
Don dedicated his life to building businesses that strengthened and enriched the Lindsay community he was so proud to call home.
His entrepreneurial journey began in 1992 when he co-founded Mariposa Electric Ltd with his friend, Dave Holliday. Built on hard work, integrity, and a commitment to the community, the business started with one old red van, one blue truck, and just two employees. Today, it has grown into a thriving company with more than 35 team members and a fleet of vehicles serving the growing community. In 2025, Don proudly passed his ownership to his son, Dylan, who had been part of the business since he was a young boy—following his dad around job sites, lending a helping hand, and growing into the leader who would carry on his father's legacy.
Driven by a passion for hospitality, Don helped bring Lindsay's first hotel, Days Inn & Suites by Wyndham Lindsay, to the community in 2015. 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.
In recent years, Don poured his heart into the development of BW Kawartha Lakes, which proudly opened this past June. To honour his vision and lasting impact, the ownership group and management team have dedicated a suite to Don, The Brown Executive Suite. Alongside the hotel, The Field Restaurant and Bar also opened, continuing Don's commitment to creating places where people could gather, connect, and feel at home.
Don's leadership and dedication to the community did not go unnoticed. In 2019, he was honoured with the Business Leader of the Year Award by the Lindsay & District Chamber of Commerce, recognizing his entrepreneurial spirit, commitment to excellence, and lasting contributions to the Lindsay community.
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. 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.
Our thoughts are with Don's family, friends, colleagues, and everyone who had the privilege of knowing him.
"I'll be around." — Donny 💙
Celebration of Life
🗓 Thursday, July 9, 2026
🕐 1:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m.
📍 Celebrations, 35 Lindsay Street North, Lindsay, Ontario
Service of Remembrance
🕑 2:00 p.m.
Obituary Information: https://www.mackeys.ca/obituaries/Donald-Leigh-Brown?obId=48912313