Donald William Calder Brent
Died: May 10, 2013 | Place: London Health Sciences Centre, University Hospital
Obituary
BRENT Donald William Calder….
Peacefully, with his family at his side and in his 89th year, on May 10th, 2013. Loving husband of Joan (Taggart) for 58 years. Much loved father of Kathy and Bob Tandaric of London, Alastair and Lydia Brent of London, and Martha and Doug Stirling of Markham. Adored Grandpa Don to Elizabeth and Laura Tandaric; Caitlin and James Dobie, Kieran, and Hilary Brent; and Claire, Ian, and Robin Stirling.
Don grew up in Toronto and attended Lawrence Park Collegiate, where he excelled in both academics and athletics. He bravely served his country from 1943 to 1946, as a navigator in RCAF Bomber Command, 419 Moose Squadron. After the war he earned his HBA at UWO and went on to a successful career in the financial services industry. He was especially proud of his Board service to Amtelecom, helping transform a small local phone company into a regional communications firm.
Don was a strong, good, and gentle man. He was liked by everyone he met, and loved by many. As his children, we feel he is the best of whatever we have become. He will be sorely missed.
We would like to thank the staff at University Hospital for the compassionate care Dad received. We are also grateful for the support he has received from Senior Homecare by Angels over the past few years.
Cremation has taken place. A private celebration of Don’s life will be held at a later date. As an expression of sympathy, donations may be made to the Canadian Warplane Heritage Museum in Mount Hope, Ontario. Arrangements have been entrusted to A. Millard George Funeral Home. Online condolences, memories and photographs may be shared at www.amgfh.com.
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I will miss Don. It was a pleasure and an honour to have known him. I enjoyed our weekly trips, he was so proud of his family, my thoughts are with you at this time. Lenore (Meals on Wheels London)
So sorry for your loss.Please know we are thinking about you at this time.God Bless
Kathy I am so sorry to hear about your dad. My thoughts are with you and your family. I know how hard it is.
Don and I first met when we joined the first intake of Western’s University Air Training Flight in 1949. We did our basic training together at Camp Borden where he, Dr. Alex Adsett and I were a constant threesome as well on campus until we both graduated in 1950. We saw each other periodically since then; we always had a frendly
chat and I would like to
extend my condolences to the family on your loss. I will be making a donation to CWHM in his memory
God bless!
Raymond Canon
Prof. of Economics (retired)
A true gentleman, great neighbor and friend.
Our sincere condolences to Joan and the whole Brent family
Carolyn & Doug Scott
So sorry for the loss of your husband and father. While reading the obituaries I always read the one who are veterans and noticed Don served with the 419 Moose Squadron. My father served with the 419 Moose Squadron as well and loved the Landcaster bomber and we often went to Mount Hope to see the “Lanc“às he called them. Again sorry for your loss.
Joan:
Our thoughts and prayers are with you, your children, and grand-children in this time of sadness. Our hearts smile when we think of Don and how much he made us feel welcomed and appreciated. “Better now that I have seen you.” he would reply, and he meant it! We will miss him.
Dear Joan & family
I was very fortunate to have the assignment through the VON to care for dear Don. I cared for Don for several years and was also lucky to get to know the Brent family and to appreciate how special the members of the Brent family are.
Don was always so gentle, gracious and welcoming! His expression after asking him how he was would respond with “Better for seeing you”!
Don was full of stories and enjoyed talking about his days spent flying the Lancaster and of course his time spent in Scotland. His appreciation for Scottish food was always present!
It is unfortunate that I did not get to visit with Don much after the move to Windermere but nevertheless both Don and Joan were thought of with only the most sincere thoughts and I truly missed visiting them in their home.
I wish for you Joan that perhaps life may be a bit easier for you as you tried in every way to make Don’s health concerns best as could be no matter what it took! You were a real champion for the long struggle you had for many years. I now hope that it is possible to take a deep breath, relax and enjoy this beautiful weather and TREAT yourself to some fun and enjoyable things in life.
I will remain always a friend who you may call upon at anytime and do regret the loss of Don a very special person in my heart.
With my sincere sympathy and love,
Joan Gerber
http://www.c-africaphototours.com
We met Don when we came to London forty-one years ago. At that time we had a two small girls. Kathy, Alastair and Martha were wonderful babysitter. One of our daughters Kerry had the the distinction of having the same name as the Brent’s dog.
Don and Joan were wonderful parents. Don always had a smile and was such a kindly man. We send our love to Joan, Kathy, Alastair and Martha. xo
I was so sorry to learn of the passing of your father and husband. I have such fond memories of the years carpooling to St. George’s P.S. I will always remember his kindness.
My sincere condolences to the whole family.