Richard (Rick) David Browning
May 12, 1946 – July 6, 2022.
Rick was born in Toronto, lived a beautiful life, and passed gently away in Kamloops, BC at the Marjorie Willoughby Snowden Memorial Hospice Home. He is survived by his loving wife and caregiver Susan (Stokes) and their children Catherine & David Browning; his daughters Ashley & Brianna Browning and their mother Wynn Browning; as well as his loving sister Ruth Howse (Robert). Rick was predeceased by his parents Col. Lydia & Col. Albert Browning. He also leaves behind a large extended family and many friends.
Rick was self-deprecating, and he didn’t like to fuss. But he lived a life worthy of recognition. As co-founder of the Institute for Human Resource Development (St. John’s, NL 1987-1999), he offered a different approach to healing communities and brought new perspectives to human issues. He worked in the NWT before settling in BC, where he retired from Thompson Rivers University as the Director of Human Resources (Kamloops 2005-2015). There, he was known to be a fair and thoughtful leader by the Administration and the Unions, and his ability to mediate tense situations and lead them to desirable outcomes was respected by all. He mentored both colleagues and students. Some of his favourite times were Convocation, and the Back-to-School BBQ where he would proudly wear his TRU polo shirt and flip burgers. He loved his work, and through it he made many friends and confidants.
Rick’s kind, gentle and loyal soul was front-and-centre to those that met him. He was soft-spoken, but also funny and charming – right to the end. He was a devoted husband and proud father and doted on his cat Jenny who was by his side for many of his last days. He loved camping, his motorcycle, watching sports with his family, and hanging out at the ball field. He could often be seen enjoying a Timmies Hot Chocolate and Fruit Explosion muffin. In earlier days, Rick loved a good book, good beer, and good chicken wings.
Rick fought a lengthy illness – an imperfect storm of Alzheimer’s and then cancer. While life did become more challenging as time went on, Rick continued to engage with his usual humour, and built many wonderful memories with his family.
Rick’s remains will be repatriated to his beloved Newfoundland in August for a private celebration of life. Contributions in his memory can be made to the Alzheimer’s Society Canada research program or to the Marjorie Willoughby Snowden Memorial Hospice House. We’d like to recognize that Alzheimer’s is a complex, devastating, and underfunded disease; and would also like to thank the staff at Hospice Home for the amazing support they provided to the whole family during Rick’s long stay in their care.
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The Dimopoulos Family
We are so sorry to hear of your family’s loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with all of you.
Donna Carol Squires
I am so deeply sorry for your loss; wonderful man. God bless.
Irene Bazell
I am so very sorry to hear this. I worked for Rick at TRU before my retirement.
He was a lovely man. My condolences to his family.
Cheryl Schwartzenberger
Susan, Catherine, David, and family, please accept our sincere condolences. We admired Rick for being the gentle loving father that we witnessed. Blessed to spend time with such a gracious man as he was.
The ballfield holds special memories for sure. My parents, now in their late 80’s still remember Rick. Even though they traveled from Saskatchewan to watch David and Blair play hockey, ball and even St. Ann’s track meets. He was truly respected by so many fellow parents. Personally I appreciated his quirky humor and his many stories from a full life. Especially your Ireland trip. He sounded so grateful to have made it there and really enjoyed it.
Bless you all
Love from Cher and Squirt
Marilyn Taylor
My sincere condolences Susan, Catherine and David, in the loss of your husband and father, Rick. Didn’t know him really well, what I did know he was a gentle soul. My prayers are with all of you.
Verna Harvey
Susan , Catherine and David. We are sending all our love to you at this time. Rick had a wonderful life doing the work he loved and having a family who loved him so much and friends who enjoyed his sense of humor. We will see you in August.
Verna and Rick
Charles & Anna Buffett
Condolences to the Ruth & Familes in the Passing of your Brother Rick.
Hold close to those Precious Memories you all have.
( Ruth) In reading your Brother’s Obit’s he sure made a difference in this world he left behind. . God Bless. …. RIP Rick.
Charles & Anna Buffett.
Bernice Diamond (Wicks)
Susan and family
I am so sad to hear of Ricks passing. He was a wonderful and caring man. I know you will keep him close to your heart until you both can hold each other again.
Sue Mitten
Thinking of all of Rick’s loved ones and sending love and condolences. I had the privilege to meet Rick when we worked together in staff development a the NL Public service Commission. His humour, friendship and support made coming to work a joy. Know he will be missed so much .. am thankful he was part of my life.
Ashley Browning
Thank you so much Sue. It’s lovely to know Dad is remembered fondly from his time In St. John’s, Newfoundland.
Sincerely,
Ashley Browning (Daughter)
Paul and Ingrid Stokes
Susan – we were so saddened to hear of Rick’s passing last week. We only met him a couple of times but long enough to know what a really great guy he was. Over the years, there have been nothing but wonderful comments about him, especially by your father. It’s quite a compliment when a daughter’s dad loves his son-in-law. Another compliment to Rick is how Catherine and David have been brought up to be such smart, kind and competent adults. Please know that we’re thinking of all of you, and we extend our sympathies to his extended family as well.
Sandra Barker
Ruth, so sorry to learn of Richard’s passing. He had a difficult road these last years but he dealt with it in his usual humour!
Sandra
Elaine Dalgarno
Ruth, we will always remember the times we had when we kids enjoying all of our cousins. As life went on we were not in touch as much ,as we all went our separate ways. , I was still in touch with you and got updates on what was happening .Richard reminded me of your Dad, he really looked like him. May he Rest In Peace.
Elaine
Joy and Robert Barker
Dear Susan, Catherine, David, Brianna, and Ashley,
We were so deeply saddened to learn of Rick’s illness and passing, offering heartfelt condolences at this time. We will always remember Rick as a warm, gentle soul who dearly loved his family. We always enjoyed his great sense of humour and of course, his signature giggle. Hold tight to all those wonderful memories, and please know that we walk with you in spirit as you mourn his loss.
Much love,
Joy and Ribet Barker