Obituaries

BROWNLEE, Douglas Norman

It is with deep sadness that our family shares the news of Douglas Norman Brownlee’s passing on July 6, 2022 at VGH.

Born and raised in Kelowna BC, Doug loved the sunny Okanagan and all that it offered. He loved the outdoors and worked in underground irrigation for several decades. He was often referred to as the “Wayne Gretzky” of the industry. Doug was a social butterfly and loved meeting new people. He would often say that he, “never met a stranger, just a friend he hadn’t spoken to yet”. He had a heart of gold and was very supportive and loyal to his family and friends. You could always count on a call from Doug on your birthday.

Doug had recently returned from a trip home to celebrate his mother Pat’s 90th birthday. Doug was Pat’s only son and the two shared a special bond. Doug’s favorite place on earth was the beach. He was especially fond of Thailand and spent some time vacationing there. Doug held his nieces and nephews dear to his heart and often enjoyed treating them to a Slurpee and a day at the beach, among other things.

Above all else, Doug was a devoted single father and best friend to his daughter, Stephanie, who was his pride and joy. When Stephanie reached adulthood and was accepted into Art School he relocated and moved with her to Calgary. Doug fostered Stephanie’s passion for art since she was a young child. Later when she began her career as a successful graphic designer, he again relocated so that he could be there to support her. Doug loved rock and roll. He was the Rolling Stones #1 fan, and he shared that passion with his daughter when he took her on a trip in 1994 to see the band play live.

Doug will be greatly missed by all those whose lives he touched. We will cherish our memories with him. Doug is survived by his loving daughter, Stephanie Dietrich (Ben);mother, Pat Brownlee; sisters, Linda Cichon (Rick), Darlene Rousom (Ken), Lori Greer (Tim) and many nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles, cousins and friends. He is predeceased by his father George Brownlee and his niece Christina Thompson. Doug will return to his final resting place in the sun, at the Kelowna City Cemetery. A date for his celebration of life will be announced next spring.

In honor of Doug’s memory please take a minute to smile or talk to a stranger. It will likely make their day and you might just make a new friend. Rest in peace Doug. Loved and never forgotten.

Condolence Messages

Apr 06, 2023
Very sad to read this from the Kootenays , I was so blessed to have Doug and Steph as neighbours in Kelowna , then we all

Moved and lost touch but will always have amazing memories with them there , he was such a welcoming amazing generous and very real friend to have, his door was always open, his friends become ours and Steph was a groovy teenager diving into life and art and we went to her graduation to cheer her on accepting her art award and so proud Doug was , such a great moment to remember , I am so proud to have had Doug as my bud and Steph too , very proud of you Steph and wish I could have been there to give you a hug . Lots of love neighbour. TODF - Todd white
Aug 17, 2022
Sorry for the Families loss and especially his Daughter Stephanie whom my daughter Heather used to work with in Calgary. Doug and I go way back and I have many a fond memories of school parties and such. I last saw Doug in Vancouver about 6 years back and was surprised he was there as I last saw him in Calgary. He will be missed - Gary Stoutenburg
Aug 08, 2022
Deepest condolences to Doug's family. I was so shocked to hear of his passing. I haven't seen him in many years but remember partying with him and he was always so upbeat and outgoing!! He will always be remembered with fondness.

Deb Ashe
Aug 08, 2022
My sincere condolences to the Brownlee family! Have such great memories of Doug from back in our old KSS days and hanging out in City park in the early seventies. And of course the KSS reunions were always a great time. As so many have said, Doug’s presence would always light up a room or any gathering! RIP my friend! Alan Wilson, Kelowna
Aug 07, 2022
Steph, Pat, Linda, Darlene, Lori.

Very sorry to hear of Doug’s passing.

I look forward to being with you all to remember and celebrate Doug’s life.

I know he will be missed by a lot of people because I’m pretty sure he knew everyone, he had the “gift of gab” and was never afraid to start a conversation with anyone, wherever he was.

I will miss him.

RIP my friend.

Hal
Aug 01, 2022
I have two very fond memories of Doug. He was the fashionista who started The Bronson-shirt look for us guys at K.S.S. A sleeveless undershirt, above Lee Jeans ……brilliant. A fun BE-In week-end at my mothers in Vancouver when, Murph, Hal, Doug and myself flopped on her floor. It was a gas! My condolences to his family. Jon Dowle
Jul 29, 2022
So sorry to hear about Doug. We hung out many years ago and he was always alot of fun.

Cheryl Kittle
Jul 29, 2022
I just got the sad news today. I’m going to miss seeing you buddy. To Darlene, Linda, Rick and your daughter who I feel I know because of everything you told me whenever I talked to you and to all the rest of you great family my heart goes out to you all. Love you Doug. From Patti Kains( Rennick) and Emery too. Going to be thinking of you often as you are and always will be in my life. My God I think I you my whole life.
Jul 28, 2022
So sorry to hear about your dad Stephanie,he was one of my old time good friends,he will be missed. Don Saby
Jul 26, 2022
I remember going to Thailand with Doug. The people there couldn't pronounce his name so I started calling him "Slim" to make it easy.

"Slim" became his official travel name, we had many good times in Thailand and Cambodia over the years. I couldn't have asked for a better traveling companion and was super sad when I heard of his passing.

Chuck Varabioff
Jul 26, 2022
My dearest Stephanie, I am so sorry to hear of your Dads passing. He was so generous and kind to everyone he met! I have so many great memories of all us girls at your Dads house and him always making us feel welcome. I can still smell his cooking, and him insisting we all eat! The coffee pot was always on with endless amounts of flavoured cream! I remember the day when you kinda opened up to me on how your Dad fully raised you on his own, my respect for Doug grew a million times that day. He lived life for you, and you were his star! He followed you every where you moved because you were his everything and he was so proud of you! I will never forget all our great memories at your Dads house! Please give your Grandma an extra hug next time you see her! Love you, Haley Miles
Jul 25, 2022
Pat, Linda, Darlene, Lori and family. I was so shocked when I saw Doug had passed away. As most people have said, Doug always had a smile for you whenever you ran into him and always bragged about his daughter Stephanie. My thoughts are with you.

Lynn Rieger
Jul 25, 2022
Lori and Pat and the rest of Doug's family.

Just wanted to send my condolences to you all on the loss of Doug, so sad to hear. I always thought it was cool we both had brothers named Doug when we were little girls. I lost my Doug too a few years ago now. My thoughts are with you.

Heather Thompson
Jul 24, 2022
Still hard to believe. The picture of him on the phone reminds me I used to call his house every Friday night to find out what was going on. He was the hub. All fun and high jinx in high school and for sometime after involved Doug. Who could forget the Cannery or Tramps or the Sparkle Party and I could go on, my long term is pretty good. He used to visit my dad right after he would visit his dad when they were in Cottonwoods at the same time. Very caring. Had hoped to talk but as usual you take time for granted .Please accept my condolences. R.I.P.my friend. Brian HIne
Jul 24, 2022
So very sorry to hear of your son’s passing Pat Our thoughts and prayers go out to the Brownlee Family.

Ray and Linda Squair
Jul 24, 2022
I am very saddened to hear of Doug's passing. In the good old days of irrigation he was like family to Ray and I. Many good stories Ray used to share of his original irrigation team and the fun they had at work and after the work day. My condolences to his daughter Stephanie and family.

Judy Eason
Jul 24, 2022
Dearest Darlene and Family,

Our hearts sank when Pat and I heard the news of Doug's passing. We will always remember Doug for his kind and caring nature. His smile would light up a room, and his warmhearted spirit would light up your day. The last time we saw Doug was at his favorite place, the Beach. It was at Collett beach in the Mission. He was happy, he was smiling, he was Doug. There is another Star in the evening sky tonight.

Our thoughts and prayers are with you Dar and your family during this difficult time.

Your forever friends,

Fran Surtees - San Diego

Pat Kaye - Vancouver
Jul 24, 2022
My sincere condolences to all of Doug’s family. Many fun, happy and crazy times shared together. He always had a smile on his face when we would meet. The hardest time in life is to say good bye. Rest In Peace my friend.

Ron and Sue Kabatoff
Jul 24, 2022

My sincere condolences to the Brownlee Family.

It has to be twenty years since I last ran into Doug. Downtown Safeway parking lot as I recall. We had a great chat, mostly about hockey. He was always smiling, always positive and always interested in what you were doing. We had met in high school and remained in each others orbit for a number of years but as life took different directions we unfortunately didn't run into each other that often. I look forward to chatting up a stranger in Doug's memory.

RIP Doug.

Don Fraser
Jul 24, 2022
We were all very saddened to hear of Doug’s passing. The Brownlee family and ours were neighbours for many years. We were in and out of each other’s homes, went to school together and were friends. Doug was always a happy person with pleasant words for everyone he spoke with. Even in later years, after we had all moved away, and we saw him around Kelowna, it was like no time had passed at all. He will be missed.

Mary Weninger, Denise, Alan (Nancy), Dale, Karen (Mike)
Jul 24, 2022
My Sincere Condolences to the Brownlee Family. I am so sorry for your loss.Thinking of you all.

Anne Millsap
Jul 24, 2022
Dear Stephanie, Auntie Pat, Linda, Darlene, Lori & family,

I have been thinking of you all since I heard the sad news of Doug's passing. I remember a picture my mom has of my younger (2 weeks) cousin Doug sitting on grandma Ryder's knee, and me on the other with our baby bottles in front of us. Doug's bottle was almost full and mine was almost full. I still have lines on my arms from my baby fat rolls to prove it, lol. So many good memories from childhood and youth. Then we became parents about the same time. Stephanie, from the moment you were born, when I visited your parents in the hospital, I could see you were the apple of your dad's eye. He was an incredible father, and he nurtured you to become the amazing woman you are today. Your dad was so proud of you and loved you so much. I will miss my dear cousin very much. I know I am not the only one, as Doug had the ability to make strangers his friend. He will be much missed.

Love, Barb & Mike Roberts
Jul 24, 2022
So sad at Doug passing. He was my special person. We all miss him. Love to all of you! Olga Rogowski
Jul 24, 2022
We are so sad to hear of Doug's passing Stephanie and Brownlee family. So many memories of growing up with Doug, I can't believe he is gone. I'm glad I was able to see him at Pat's 90th birthday party. We talked about the old days.

Thinking of all of you,

Al & Nancy
Jul 24, 2022
My condolences to Pat and Linda on the passing of Doug. I remember first meeting Doug when I became of member of the North-end gang when I married Reg. Fun times.

Cynthia Rantucci Warrilow
Jul 24, 2022
I met Doug fifty years ago through his sister Darlene and he soon became like a brother to me, too. But then when I think of it, Doug was like a brother to everyone he met, in fact, I think it's safe to say that most of Kelowna was six degrees of separation from our beloved friend Doug Brownlee. So many good times and memories! You will be missed.

My condolences to the family.

Elaine Quessy
Jul 23, 2022
We are very sad to hear of Doug passing. Doug had been a dear family friend when John and I were raising our children in the North end. He was a great co-worker with John and Coll installing irrigation all over in our then small Kelowna town.

I always saw them as the three Musketeers. Great friendship they had. Doug was very attentive and caring to our children. He visited often with young Stephanie. Although his departure from Kelowna kept our friendship at bay, he didn't hesitate to come to support us at the memorial of our son Philip. We send our sincere and deepest sympathies Mrs B. , dear Stephanie, Linda, Darlene, Lori and family.

The Castle family
Jul 23, 2022
My deepest condolence to my beautiful cousin Linda on the loss of her only brother Doug.

Sandy L
Jul 23, 2022
Hard to say anything right now, it's kinda emotional. I'm so sorry. Randall Tunks
Jul 23, 2022
My Sincere Condolences to the Brownlee family!! I have found memories of Doug!! He would visit me often in the Village At Mill Creek store. He would jokingly would say to me there better be a cold Pepsi in there for me!! I would reply you bet ya Doug!! His kindness would always explode when he was visiting Auntie Pat!! Stephanie I am thinking of you!! It was my utmost pleasure in meeting Doug and Stephanie!! He was always on the go dropping stuff off to his friends going beyond the call of duty!! He never was rushed when his would stop and have a visit with me when he was it Kelowna for a visit!! I have found memories and I am going to crack a Pepsi in his honour tomorrow so cheers Doug until we meet again!!

Jeff Gartrell (Former Villiage At Mill Creek Resident)
Jul 23, 2022
So sorry for your loss Pat.

Bob Harris
Jul 23, 2022
We are so saddened to hear of Doug's passing. Sending condolences to you all at this difficult time. We will all have great memories of Doug in our hearts. You will be greatly missed by all. R I P Doug. Love Dennis & Ria.
Jul 23, 2022
Dear Pat

I'm so sorry to hear of your sad loss. I'm thinking of you and your family at this difficult time.

Carol (Evans) Gavin
Jul 23, 2022
So sorry condolences to all of family. Doug was a very nice soul. Meeting him when Stephany was born great dad. Judy Hildebrandt
Jul 23, 2022
Pat, Linda, Darlene & Lori and families, so sorry to read about the loss of your brother Doug! Gone too soon for sure, hold on to the wonderful memories.

Love Tom & Wendy.
Jul 23, 2022
Still hard to believe Doug is gone. So eager to visit with me whenever we had the chance. Was happy I saw him at his Moms 90th birthday in June. We had serious conversations & lots of laughs & fun. Stephanie you were blessed to have such a great Dad & how he loved you. Doug will be so missed, Aunty Joyce.
Jul 23, 2022
My sincere condolences to Pat and family for you loss. It was always a delight to chat with Doug on his many visits with his Mom. Such a kind and thoughtful man.

Melanie Schleith (nee Brownlee)
Jul 23, 2022

It has been a shock to learn you are no longer with us. Truth be told it's still just starting to sink in. I will cherish the time I had with you on this earth. No matter how things were going for me you always showed your love and support and I remember you telling me how smart I was and that sometimes smart people feel deeply and have a more difficult time dealing with some things. That really stuck with me. I know that you were really proud of how far I've come and are cheering me on from up above as I finish my Masters. You always made others smile and feel special. Love you Uncle D. Until we meet again xoxo

Love, Mel
Jul 23, 2022
My deepest condolences to the Brownlee family. I first meet Doug probably around 60 years ago while attending Gordon Elementary in Kelowna's North End. Although being a year younger than myself and a grade behind, there was something special about growing up with so many different families in the neighborhood including Doug and his family. Couldn't ask for an nicer guy and I was so saddened to hear of his passing...... Jeff Bryde
Jul 23, 2022
To all of Doug's family.

We were shocked and saddened when we heard this news. Our families grew up in the North End together. I hadn't seen Doug in years until George's memorial. We did a lot of catching up...like someone said....it is so very hard to say goodbye to a sibling. May all your wonderful memories bring you comfort at this most difficult time. Our thoughts are with all of you.

Fred and Debbie (Graf) MacKinnon
Jul 23, 2022
Sad to hear of Doug's passing. Far too young. I considered Doug as one of my best friends. This was common for the many friends Doug touched in his life. This was back in our late teens and continued for about 10 years. I wish I had maintained contact with Doug. We had lived together at around the same time as Pat came into his life. And i met Baby Stephanie. I am so so happy that he had an enduring life with her. What a good man. What a great Father. Not surprised. I am heartened to hear of Doug's goodness with the people he met. I know that some were experiencing a bad patch in their lives. "A friend too many and to most in need".

He was such a character. His chiseled face bore his huge smile, and his eyes enthusiasm. He was a very positive person. I do not remember the "Wayne Gretzky " characterization, but that is most likely my aging memory. I certainly do remember his enthusiastic passion for hockey.

I look forward to next spring. it will in some ways be a class reunion. A time to meet with Dougs friends and family again. To catch up and share stories of this unique man. Rick Brimacombe a mutual friend of Doug's, told me the news today. A few of us will be sharing stories about Doug over pints of beer.

Ron Henderson (Scron).

250 808-9033

[email protected]
Jul 23, 2022
We are so sorry to hear this. We went to KSS with Doug, shared some classes and some friends, some fun times. Last we saw him at Gord Tucker’s funeral a few years ago, had a great visit and caught up on all the years. He was the same smiling, easy going guy we remembered. It will be a pleasure to chat up a stranger in his memory. RIP Doug.

Danny and Denise Butticci
Jul 23, 2022
Linda, Rick and Family.

I'm so sorry to hear of Doug's passing! It is hard to say goodbye to a sibling.

Thinking of you and sending big hugs!!

Brenda Fazan
Jul 23, 2022
So sad to hear of Doug's passing I have a lot of memories with him as young guys growing up in Kelowna RIP Doug --- Rick Brimacombe
Jul 23, 2022
Pat and family,

My deepest condolences.

I remember his special kindness with Pat.

Your in my thoughts and prayers.

Tammy Thomas
Jul 23, 2022
You are so missed by your family! Love you my brother. Linda and Rick Cichon
Jul 23, 2022
Pat and family, so sorry to hear of Doug"s passing. My thoughts & prayers are with you.

Kathy (Quemby) Ivens
Jul 23, 2022
Doug’s family,

I met Doug in high school. He was easy to like. We ran into each other often over the years and we would talk and laugh at length. Doug was a great guy who will be fondly remembered.

My sincere condolences,

Brent Carr
Jul 23, 2022
I was so sad to hear of your passing Doug. You were one on the kindest, caring, funniest people I knew. I was also lucky to call you my cousin. My condolences to Stephanie who you raised to be a beautiful person. Auntie Pat, Darlene & Laurie. You will be missed…. love you cousin. R. I.P. Doug.

Love Sandy & Frank Lenarcic