Neil Peart's younger brother Danny dies of same cancer that killed Rush legend
Tragic news
Danny Peart, the younger brother of Rush drummer Neil Peart, has tragically died of the same cancer that killed his legendary older sibling.
A post by Neil and Danny's sister Nancy Peart Burkholder on the Peart Family Events Facebook group confirmed the sad news that Danny died from glioblastoma, a rare and aggressive type of brain cancer, on Thursday 13th March 2025.
Danny’s death comes five years and two months after Neil Peart’s untimely passing from the same disease.
Nancy Peart Burkholder wrote on Facebook: "On this dreary Sunday it is with great sadness that we share that this past Thursday evening we lost our third Peart man and 2nd brother, Danny, after his year and a half battle with glioblastoma (brain cancer).
"Danny shared our amazing Peart traits that all of our men carried, a true gentleman with a kind heart and generous spirit.”
She added: “As a brother he was always encouraging and kind, teaching me all of his athletic skills as soon as I could walk and always wanting me to strive for the best I could be! He taught me to ski when | was 8 and his method was 'follow me'...right to the middle hills- no bunny hill for us! (he is very lucky I'm coordinated!).
“He used to pick me up from school and take me home on his purple motorcycle (which terrified me and I may have bruised his ribs while riding!) Being 9 years apart he was a true 'big brother', from always walking me somewhere or being my Barbie play pal at the cottage (he loved the year when Santa brought me the Barbie plane!)
“I learned early on not to drive with him in the car (he wasn't the best driver and never trust his directions!) or on a snowmobile! But I enjoyed making him blt's and testing my baking on him- he never complained.”
Later in the message, Nancy wrote: "We will be planting a tree at Lakeside Park beside our Father's tree and Neil's pavilion and will have a new award starting at this year's golf tournament for 'Sportsmanship' as this was his true self. It is ironic that his golf team has repeatedly come in 2nd place!"
Nancy also linked to Danny’s preferred charity the Niagara Health Foundation for fans who wanted to donate in his name.
Neil, Danny, Nancy and Judy Peart’s father, Glen Peart, also died of cancer in June 2021.
Danny Peart was an esteemed writer and a member of the League of Canadian Poets, and he often recited his work on his official YouTube channel. He lived in Vancouver with his wife Janette and leaves behind two sons, Max and Nick.
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