DOWSE, Brian Edward Wesley,
Brian, beloved husband, father, grandfather, brother, and friend, passed away peacefully on April 28, 2026, in Victoria, B.C., at the age of 87. Brian was born in Dublin, Ireland on May 18, 1938. He studied civil engineering at Trinity College Dublin and got his master’s degree at the University of Illinois in Champaign. In the mid-1960s, Brian emigrated to Canada, eventually settling in London, Ontario where he started a family and embarked on his career as a consulting engineer.
Brian’s work took him to more than 40 countries, and he loved to share stories of his adventures. In retirement, he was active on church committees and continued to pursue learning through courses and lectures. Brian cared deeply for others and was involved in charitable causes throughout his life.
Brian loved camping in the Rockies, travelling on cruises, and visiting family and friends across the world. His generosity and optimism touched so many. He will be deeply missed and always loved.
Brian is survived by his beloved wife, Elizabeth Dow; children Susan Dowse (Bryan Valiquette) and Michael Dowse (Jennifer Wilson); step-daughter Deborah Isaac; grandchildren Isabelle Valiquette, Sophie Valiquette, Wilson Dowse and Charlotte Dowse; step-grandson Ares Isaac; and brother Gerald Dowse (Mavis Dowse). He was predeceased in death by his first wife, Ann Dowse, son Alan Dowse, brother John Dowse, and parents Edward and Dorothy Dowse. Brian will also be lovingly remembered by a host of relatives and friends across the globe.
A Memorial Service will occur on Saturday May 9, 2026, at 2:00 p.m. at Saanich Peninsula Presbyterian Church (9296 E Saanich Rd, North Saanich, BC), with a reception to follow the service. Memorial tributes in Brian’s name may be made to charitable cancer or dementia organizations, Doctors Without Borders, or a charity of your choice in lieu of flowers.
Elizabeth and all the family will be forever grateful for all the care provided to Brian – leisure activities, medical attention, uplifting music, and worship – at The Heights at Mt. View. Brian passed away peacefully to his new home (Psalm 23).
Brian masterminded the very successful expansion of McDougall United Church, Calgary. His crew of newly retired church volunteers were amazed at Brian’s remarkable expertise and his boundless cheer.We have happy memories of camping in Kananaskis with Brian and Ann, sharing games and campfires.Brian’s exceptional gifts have enriched our lives. A wonderful gentleman!
We are very sorry to hear about the passing of Brian. He was a very kind and generous Uncle and I enjoyed hearing stories of his travels every time he visited Dublin. I have fond memories of our visit to stay with Brian & Ann and family in Calgary when I was a kid and the wonderful trip to the Rockies in their campervan.
We will miss him and we are thinking of Susan, Michael, Elizabeth and families during this sad time.
Jenny and Peter x
Uncle Brian was one of the most special people I’ve known. He and Auntie Ann were my parents’ first friends after emigrating to Canada in the early ’80s; the ones who made a strange new country feel like home. Over the years, they became surrogate grandparents to us: an extension of family, generous with their love, patience, and warmth.
I remember long afternoons at their home, looking at artefacts and mementos they’d brought back from far-flung adventures. Knowing they were somewhere else in the world – off exploring a new market, a new culture, a new set of stories. I was too young to fully grasp the breadth of those journeys, but I loved the way Uncle Brian told his stories. He painted his memories vividly, and made you feel you’d been there too.
One moment in particular stays with me: Uncle Brian measuring us three kids against his kitchen wall, marking our heights in pen alongside those of his own children. A small gesture, but it meant the world. It said, without words, that we belonged. And that is how he always made us feel.
Sending so much love to his family. May he rest in peace.
Brian was a wonderful uncle. He was generous and fun. I remember the 3-week trip to Calgary when I was 7 years old. I remember the bookshelf full of National Geographics at home, the bars of Toblerones he brought us in duty free. It was Brian who took us on our first trip to McDonalds.
But most of all I remember his positive attitude. I always felt after chatting to him that every problem could be solved, and the future was going to be great. It just needed some science or engineering, an upbeat attitude, and a bit of hard work.
We will miss him greatly.
Malcolm and Grainne
Brian made his positive professional and personal mark in so many ways. He will long be remembered and always cared for by all those he touched.
We shared many happy times in Calgary with Biran, Ann and their family. Brian will be remembered for his kindness, wisdom, generosity and openness to new cultures. He welcomed the entire Matti family into his home and heart, making us feel truly like an extended family. He was a genuinely wonderful and caring person who will be remembered with love and affection. Sending our sincere condolences
Uncle Brian was a dear friend of the Matti family and a surrogate grandfather to my sister, brother, and me. After my parents emigrated to Canada in the early 1980s, Uncle Brian and Aunty Ann truly became our Canadian family. The love, kindness, and generosity shown by the Dowse family will never be forgotten, and I will always remember Uncle Brian with deep fondness and love.
One of my happiest memories is seeing him for the last time when he flew to England to celebrate my wedding with the Matti family. I will always be truly grateful for that special time together.
Sending my deepest condolences and all my love.
I admired Brian so much. He was a
‘pillar’ at McDougall in Calgary. His contributions to the church and the addition are legendary. He never seemed to get flustered and was always cheerful. What a great human being.
We remember with fondness Brian and Ann at McDougall United Church in Calgary. Such a lovely, committed couple.
Heartfelt condolences upon Brian’s passing.
We are so sorry to hear of Brian’s death. We had some wonderful times with Brian and Ann touring with them in their camper van in the Rockies. May he rest in peace.
Very sorry to hear this news. Have many wonderful memories of “Uncle Brian” going back decades, especially when he and his family returned to Ireland from Canada and London. He was great fun socially and enjoyed regaling both myself and my wife of his different exploits in different countries. I last met him in Dublin when my niece married and he was still as lively as ever. He was a principled and generous man and we shall miss him greatly. Brian and Edyta Dowse
Brian stands out as one of those special people in my journey. He was instrumental in building the new sanctuary at McDougall United where I got to know him and Ann, whose funeral I conducted. Rev. Bob
P.S. How did this Irish Methodist end up in the Presbyterian Church???