1939 – 2025
Bryan Laverne Dowell was born in Trochu, AB on May 29, 1939 to Myron and Ada Dowell. Bryan’s grandparents arrived in the area with their family from Oklahoma in 1914. Bryan and his older brother Don grew up on the Dowell homestead northwest of Trochu where they would later farm together. Bryan’s grade school years were spent in Trochu and then he went onto Olds College where he studied General Agriculture in 1960-61. From there he went to Red Deer College as well as the University of Alberta. Bryan was a second-generation graduate from Olds College following in his dad and brother’s footsteps. His sons and two of his granddaughters have continued this legacy.
In 1962, Bryan married Donna Hogg and together they spent 63 years side by side. Bryan and Donna welcomed Brad, Scott and Debbie into their growing family. Bryan and Donna raised their family in a Canadian Pacific Railway home located 4 miles north and 4 miles west of Trochu. They lived there until retiring from farming and moving to Olds in 1990. Bryan then returned to Olds College to study Land Reclamation and was even in one of his son Brad’s classes as a student – Brad as the instructor! Bryan spent several years as a Crop Insurance Adjuster and in his later years as a Commissionaire at Olds College. He was also a Director for several years on the College Alumni Association. He relished these roles, with his love of farming and Olds College.
Bryan loved history and music and spent a lot of time at Jam sessions in Olds and Arizona. He loved driving and exploring and spent many weekends travelling around Alberta and BC and a few winters in Yuma. He also enjoyed going on several fishing trips west of Caroline and even took a few plane rides when he was at Dease Lake BC to take in a few remote fishing opportunities. Over the years, Bryan’s family made many cherished memories while camping at Pine Lake including building campfires and eating homemade goodies!
Bryan enjoyed his time as an Elk in the local Lodge in Trochu and could be found actively organizing and volunteering in many local events for the community. He especially enjoyed participating in the parades as a member of the Drill Team. Bryan was well-respected for his contributions as a Mason and his time as a Shriner as well. All of these roles contributed to building a stronger community and fostered many great memories for family and friends.
Most recently, Bryan and Donna moved into Long Term Care together and spent the last few years in the wonderful care of many special caregivers and Doctors.
Bryan is remembered by his wife Donna; children Brad (Marianne), Scott (Claudia) and Debbie; grandchildren, Justin (Alicia), Tyler (Bree), Erika (Mat), Amber (Joel), Marissa and Kaitlyn; great grandchildren Finley, Elijah, Myles, Roy and Allison. Bryan is also survived by sisters-in-laws, Betty Edwards and Brenda Dowell, close friends Phil and Linda Woytuck, nephews and many cousins.
Condolences to Bryan’s family may be emailed to [email protected]. Please indicate “Dowell” in the subject line. Arrangements in care of Meaningful Memorials Funeral Service, Red Deer. 587-876-4944.
