The PGA of BC regrets to share that longtime golf professional Donald Brett-Davies passed away on November 7. He was 60.
Donald, known affectionately in the golf community as DBD, was born in Powell River, BC and lived in his youth on the Queen Charlotte Islands, Vancouver Island, in Malaysia and Singapore. From a young age he excelled at sports and with the encouragement of his father discovered a passion for golf and so began his career as a golf professional.
He entered the CPGA program at Shaughnessy Golf & Country Club in 1989, and worked as an assistant professional at the Mikasa Golf Center and McCleery Golf Course. He then completed the CPGA Class A examination (with the highest mark in the province). It was at Shaughnessy that he met his wife Leslie and their 33 year golfing partnership began. He held the following positions during his career: Head Professional, Sechelt Golf Club; General Manger, Hirsch Creek Winter Club (Kitimat); General Manager, Rivershore Golf Links (Kamloops); Director of Golf, Tobiano Golf Course (Kamloops) and, from December 2014 Manager and Certified Personal Coach, at GOLFTEC, (North Vancouver).
Dean Larsen, GOLFTEC Canada’s Chief Operating Officer and Vice President, was a close friend of Donald’s. Larsen described him as “one of, if not, the most jovial, carefree, sneaky funny humans I’ve ever met.”
“Don’s reputation was impeccable for how he treated everyone as a Professional. In 9 years as a full-time golf coach and manager at GOLFTEC, I don’t recall a single student that gave anything but praise for the impact Don had on them and their game,” said Larsen. “He went on to teach 14,000 lessons over the last 9 years, having a huge impact on students that loved the game.”
Larsen said that Donald’s joyful attitude was on display in all aspects of his life. “Good breaks, bad breaks on and off the course were met with a smile, a chuckle and ‘what’s next?’”
Messages honouring Donald’s memory have been posted to his obituary, which can be read here. A selection of tributes can be read below:
“My deepest sympathy to Leslie and all of Don's family. A group of us who knew Don while he was at Tobiano, were lamenting only a few days ago that he made such a positive lasting impression in such a short time. A true gentleman, who made our lives all the richer because we knew him.” - Quentin Granger.
“So sad to read this news. Sincere condolences to all the Brett-Davies family members and Donald’s friends and colleagues. Donald was one of the kids in our neighbourhood growing-up, and he and my brother had many fun times together. It sounds like he kept the same great personality and big smile he had as a kid. So glad to read of his career success, and sad that it all ended too soon. RIP.” – Shannon (Wyndlow) Tait and family.
Donald is survived by his wife Leslie, daughter Stephanie (Solange), father Neil (Gladys), brother Ian (Dana), brother-in-law Jeff Irving (Janet), sister-in-law Karen Leussink (Brian), many nieces, nephews, cousins and a host of long-time friends. He was predeceased by his mother Alison Harwood.
Donald’s Celebration of Life will be held at Seymour Golf & Country Club on November 24 from 1:00-5:00 pm. This will be an informal gathering of family, friends and industry to celebrate his life. Please arrive at your leisure anytime between 1:00-5:00 pm. Organizers kindly request that there will be no speeches.
In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation in Donald’s name to www.heartandstroke.ca.
