Edward "Ted" Britton

On November 24, 2025, Ted Britton set off on a new journey, surrounded by family.

A singular figure in Muskoka, Ted will be remembered for his sharp intellect, love for his family, and generosity to his community. Arriving in Muskoka in the 1970s with a young family and a doctorate in medieval history, Ted defied the local status quo through his journalism. He was best known for his incisive editorials in the Bracebridge Examiner that confronted community issues bluntly but fairly.

Throughout his publishing career and afterwards, Ted gave generously and quietly to the community, notably supporting the academic aspirations of students from the area. In his retirement, Ted continued his lifelong pursuit of learning through collecting art, especially appreciating the painters who depicted the history and landscapes of Canada.

Not surprisingly, Ted penned his own obituary, signing off with his regular “E.B.” - the initials that followed his weekly editorials. A private celebration of life will be held for the immediate family at a later date.

Born in Toronto, Ted grew up in Burlington, Clarkson-Lorne Park and Willowdale. The only son of Sally and Ernie Britton, Ted graduated from Glendon College, York University. This was followed by graduate school at Brown University and then a PhD in medieval history at the University of Toronto. His thesis provided a social history of a rural village in Huntingdonshire, England.

In his first year at York, Ted met his future wife, Joan. It was Joan who introduced him to poetry, literature and art. Having spent most of his time playing hockey, baseball and football, Ted was a typical jock. He had never heard of Joan Baez, Bob Dylan or William Blake until he met Joan.

Partners in life and partners in business, Joan and Ted founded the Bracebridge Examiner in 1977. Twenty-eight years later, the publishing companies they created were sold to the Toronto Star in 2005. Sadly, Joan lost her life to leukemia that same year.

Ted is survived by his second wife, Linda, whose enduring love and kindness brought him great joy. Four wonderful children survive their father; David (Holly), Jonathan (Louise), Miranda (Scott) and Emily (Tyler); as well as Ted’s loving sister, Donna (the late Tom). Especially important to Ted were his grandchildren; Noelle, Seth, Paige, Bishop, Leah, Mercy, Ellesandra and Rosalie. Ted was proud of all of his children’s achievements, but he was most pleased that all four remained supportive, loyal friends to one another. Their kindness and decency were always something he valued greatly.

Following the sale of the Examiner, Ted travelled extensively, including the Arctic, Antarctic, Mongolia and Ecuador where he studied Spanish. Ted’s youngest child, Emily, joined her Dad on many trips during these years, travelling to Peru, The Galapagos, Tanzania, Zanzibar and the Canadian Arctic. These journeys were remembered with fondness and love by both Ted and Emily.

Opinionated and passionate, Ted was a natural for the newspaper business. Politicians, bureaucrats and Muskoka’s “important people” picked up Wednesday’s newspaper with some apprehension. Not interested in participating in a popularity contest, or placing himself in the limelight, Ted cared most about honesty and fairness.

In retirement, Ted pursued other passions including photography, nature and art. Philanthropy was always important, especially providing scholarships to students of modest means who were bound for higher education.

Ted always said “I owe the community of Bracebridge and Muskoka a great debt. Not only did it support our new venture in 1977, it has been a wonderful place to raise a family and to live a life”.

E.B.