ROSE, Donald Fredrick

“The man is a success who has lived well, laughed often, and loved much; who has gained the respect of
intelligent men and the love of children; who has filled his niche and accomplished his task; who leaves the
world better than he found it, whether by an improved poppy, a perfect poem, or a rescued soul; who never
lacked appreciation of earth’s beauty or failed to express it; who looked for the best in others and gave the best
he had.” ~ Robert Louis Stevenson

Rose, Donald Fredrick 1954 – 2024
Surrounded by love, family, and his favourite music, Don “Rosie” Rose passed peacefully at Stedman Hospice
on May 16, 2024.
Don is survived by his wife Lorann (Kerr), daughters Lorie Rose, Jennifer Rose, Mary Kerr, and son Andrew
Kerr. Grandchildren Avree Brown and Kohen Kerr, Sister Debbie Leduc, and Brother Jerry Leduc, and many
cousins’ nieces, and nephews.
As founder of City Sign, Don was an active member of the Brantford business community for over 40 years.
His artistic talent ranged from designing logos and signage for small businesses to planning and designing full
displays for trade shows, sets for television shows and the Participation House Telethons, graphics for the
Brantford Fire Department, and award-winning displays for the local Navy and Sea Cadet Corps.
Don’s true passion, second to his family was music. Don was a talented and respected drummer and supporter
of up-and-coming musicians. In his clubhouse “The Underground”, many young musicians got their start, some playing in front of a live audience for the very first time. Don played with many bands over the years, from Sea Cadet bands as a
child, to Chalace in the 60’s, to Rosie’s Underground Band and, most recently The Downtime Band, Don’s
sense of pure joy when he was behind his kit shone through.
Don spent his summers at Van shows. His pride and joy was his 91 Safari, “The Rose Royce”. With his friends
in the High By Night Van Club, Don showed his van in Ontario and the US, returning home most weekends
with trophies which he proudly displayed.
His winters were spent proudly and passionately watching his grandson play hockey, during the Christmas
season he stepped into his alter ego as one of Santa’s most important helpers and helped pass on the magic and
wonder he found in the spirit of Christmas to hundreds of children and their parents.
Don touched the lives of countless young people over the years as a supporter of Navy and Sea Cadets, students
who did their co-op at his shop, young musicians looking for a safe place to hone their skills, he was always
their biggest supporter.
Don was a beloved husband, father and grandfather, an honest and dedicated businessman, a passionate and
talented musician., artist and Vanner extraordinaire. He will be loved, respected, and missed forever.
“The song is ended, but the melody lingers on.” ~ Irving Berlin
Thank you to the Doctors and nursing staff at Stedman Hospice, the extraordinary team at Princess Margaret
Cancer Centre, Bayshore Nursing, Brantford Ambulance Services, and the wonderful team at Community Care
Access Centre.
A celebration of life will be held later this year, after Van season is over. Donations in Don’s memory to either
Steadman Hospice, Princess Margaret Cancer Center or NLCC Admiral Landymore or RCSCC Admiral Nelles
would be greatly appreciated.