Obituaries

Donald “Don” John Brabant Sr., age 65, of Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan, died on September 20, 2025, at home. He was born on October 11, 1959, in Sault Ste. Marie to Francis and Margaret (Kelley) Brabant.

Don grew up in Sault Ste. Marie and graduated from Sault Area High School with the Class of 1976. He began his career at The O’Jibway Hotel, where he worked for thirty years before retiring.

A man with a love for the outdoors and for life’s simple pleasures, Don enjoyed the Dafter Lions Truck Pulls, Mud Runs, watching NASCAR, spending time sawmilling, hunting, and fishing.

His dogs held a special place in his heart. He takes comfort in being reunited with his beloved Zak and Ginger.

Don took great pride in his sons and grandchildren. He was known for his humor, his straightforward way of seeing the world, and the loyalty he showed to those he loved.

Don is survived by his sons, William Hogarth of Sault Ste. Marie, Christopher Brabant of Franklin Park, Illinois, and Donald Brabant Jr. of Brimley, Michigan; grandchildren, Leland Hogarth, Julius St. James, Ryan Brabant, and Payton Brabant; siblings, Lisa (Vic) McBride of Spokane, Washington, Mary (Andy) Simpson of Horicon, Wisconsin, Ronald (Renee) Brabant of Dafter, Michigan, Robert Brabant of Kinross, Michigan, and Douglas (Tami) Brabant of Beaver Dam, Wisconsin; sister-in-law, Tamara Brabant of Huntington Beach, California; and close nephews, Francis (Samantha) Cantafio, Joe Cantafio, and Jordan Cantafio,

Don was preceded in death by his parents, Francis and Margaret; brothers, Patrick Brabant and William “Buffalo” (Sandy) Brabant; sisters, Nancy (Joe) Cantafio and Cathy Aday; and niece, Eva Brabant.

A private Celebration of Life will be held at a later date.