Donald Joseph George Bruchet

Donald Joseph George Bruchet passed away peacefully with family by his side at Vancouver General Hospital on May 22nd, 2024, following ill health and a critical fall.

Don was a talented and tenacious soul - a free spirit who charted his own path. He shared his love with a generous and infectious laugh and a deep work ethic, always ready to roll up his sleeves. A keen gardener with a natural green thumb, Don knew the value of beautiful and delicious things, always enhancing family gatherings with a fabulous salad or two. Don fought for causes close to his heart, passionately lobbying for what he believed in even when it ruffled feathers. He extended this dedication in caring and advocating for his parents in their later years.

Born in 1945, Don was raised in Point Grey, Vancouver and attended Lord Byng Secondary School. Don was multitalented and developed and shared his professional culinary and organizational skills across many areas through the airline industry (working for PWA, CP Airlines, Canadian, Air Canada). He also worked for various eateries and country club restaurants as a chef, even opening a bistro in Kitsilano with friend Tim Waters. He enjoyed travel and time with his family and friends.

Don immersed himself in new interest areas and passion projects: He was a dedicated, long term volunteer at the OWL (Orphaned Wildlife Rehabilitation) centre in Ladner. He pursued self-development and completed Self-Regulation Therapy certification. Additionally he invested several years of higher learning in part time Humanities and Arts studies at Kwantlen Polytechnic University. While living in Delta, he generously supported and guided gardeners in his communities, becoming the popular and ‘resident expert’ at the Home Depot Garden Centre (Tsawassen).

Finding sanctuary on the South Fraser River area in his 60s, Don became part of the houseboat community in Ladner –he had his dream houseboat designed and built and learned to kayak to best take in the splendour of the area. Friends and family were blessed to share in the spectacular setting where Don made his home. He moved to Richmond in his 70s and it was at this time that Don took a transformative trip to India with his brother Mel. This journey was a defining one, igniting a passion for the country and its cultures. Don returned to India a second time and cherished his experience deeply (especially in Varanasi, along the Ganges River).

Don is survived by his brother Mel (North Vancouver); sisters-in-law Merne and Jane, nieces Erin (Morgan), Colleen (Jason) and Liz; nephews Christopher (Amanda), Ryan (Rebecca) and great nieces and nephews Teagan, Riley, Beatrice, Henry, Charlie, Owen, Jack and Weston. He was predeceased by his youngest brother Rod, and his parents Joe and Jean Bruchet.

Don’s memory will continue to shine brightly in our hearts.

We especially thank the teams in the ICU and Spinal Unit at Vancouver General Hospital and most especially the Wishing Well program.

A Celebration of Life will be held on Tuesday June 25th from 10-11:30am.

First Memorial Funeral Services, Boal Chapel, 1505 Lillooet Road, North Vancouver.

The ceremony can be viewed live or on replay at https://funeraweb.tv/en/diffusions/94238