Dr. Brian Thicke, a physician, pilot, sailor, golfer, entrepreneur, writer, art collector, world traveler, husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather, passed away peacefully on Sept 28, 2025.
Dr. Thicke’s impact on Brampton and Canada is clear in the tremendous love and respect shown to him by countless grateful patients and friends.
Growing up in the gold mining town of Kirkland Lake, Thicke always dreamed of becoming a doctor. He worked tirelessly delivering groceries, working underground in the mines, and selling Christmas trees to make that dream come true.
After earning his degree from the University of Western Ontario’s Medical School, he dedicated his life to serving others as a flight surgeon in the Royal Canadian Air Force. He rose through the ranks to become Major and Wing Commander. Later on, he returned north to the developing community of Elliot Lake where he established a successful medical practice.
Thicke had a knack for seeing potential where others did not. He recognized an opportunity in Bramalea-Brampton and moved his young family there. For nearly fifty years at Peel Memorial Hospital-many of those as Chief of Medicine-he made significant contributions. He also developed an innovative healthcare system for seniors at Tullamore Nursing Home that is still used across retirement communities today. In recognition of his service over the years, Thicke received the Gala Award for Lifetime Achievement in his community.
An accomplished pilot as well as a member of Brampton Flying Club, Dr. Thicke was also involved with the “Snowy Owl” Royal Canadian Air Cadet Corps as its sponsoring Chairman. He spent countless hours mentoring and inspiring future leaders. Additionally, he served as a Civil Aviation Medical Examiner ensuring both private and professional pilots met high physical and mental standards.
His diverse business ventures took him around the globe-from Tokyo to Texas and London to Costa Rica among other places. Family vacations included fishing trips in the Northwest Territories; sailing adventures in Greece; whale watching in Hawaii; shopping for clothes in Hong Kong; touring churches in Tuscany; riding Disneyland’s Thunder Mountain with grandkids; and searching for delicious custard tarts in Portugal.
Dr. Thicke was happily married to Dr. Diane Bridges and took great pride in his children’s achievements: Alan, Joanne, Todd-as well as his cherished grandchildren Brennan, Robin, Carter, Victoria, Creighton, Evan, Jillian-and great-grandchildren Tyler, Cheyenne, Julian, Mia, Lola, Luca, Landon along with loving nieces Lori and Bev.
In lieu of flowers please consider making a donation to a charity you support.
A visitation will be held at Ward Funeral Home located at 52 Main Street South in Brampton on Thursday October 9th 2025 from 3:00 PM to 7:00 PM. A service will be held at St. Mary’s Roman Catholic Church at 66A Main Street South Brampton on Friday October 10th 2025 starting at 11:00 AM. The interment will take place at Mount Hope Cemetery Toronto on Saturday October 11th 2025 at 1:00 PM.
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