BRIAN CHRISTOPHER POWELL

MARCH 28, 1948 - MAY 11, 2022

It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Brian Christopher Powell, at 74 years old, from complications due to lung cancer and stroke. Brian passed away peacefully at Royal Columbian Hospital on May 11th, 2022 with his wife Diane, and children Rob and Kristy, by his side.

Brian was born in Middlesex, England and was the youngest of three boys. He was the comedian of the family from Day 1. His parents, Harold and Mabel, immigrated to Canada with Robert, Keith and Brian in 1954 and built their home in East Vancouver. Brian lived through the loss of each of these beloved family members, along with his stepfather Ian, and most recently, his mother Mabel, who passed away in 2020 at the grand age of 101 years. He leaves behind his niece Kari and her mom Marion, sister-in-law Marlene, and his beloved Aunt June and cousins Mark and Paul in London, England.

Brian’s family was very important to him. He and Diane recently celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary, having been together since their teen years, and married at age 23. Along with his wife, he leaves behind his son Rob, who has continued in his footsteps as a Vancouver Firefighter, Rob’s wife Catherine, and their son, Rowan; and his daughter Kristy, her husband Mike (Burnaby Firefighter) and their children Emma and Tanner. His grandchildren knew him as “Gramps”, and the family all cherish many memories and traditions that he has left behind, such as camping yearly at Nicola Lake, fishing and celebrating Robbie Burns Day.

Brian’s life-long career began after completing a 4-year post-secondary apprenticeship in steel fabrication, after which he promptly applied to the Vancouver Fire Department. Throughout his 35-year career, ‘Snags’ became well known and well loved as a quick-witted prankster, a supportive mentor and legendary Battalion Chief, and the life of every party.

Brian’s favourite hobbies included camping, fishing, golfing, having the best plus/minus at hockey, and being a drummer in a pipe band. He played in many different pipe bands, the most recent being the Vancouver Police Pipe Band for almost 16 years. Through the band, he had many amazing experiences including travelling the world, proudly playing at multiple local events and being honoured with the prestigious Freedom of the City of Vancouver Award. He was still an active member, practicing with the band for their most recent trip to Halifax, when he fell ill.

The ‘Silver Fox’ lived most of his life in Vancouver and Coquitlam, and made many friends throughout the years. He was immediately memorable to everyone he met; always the entertainer, he could make anyone laugh within minutes of meeting them, and charm them with his genuine personality or just a flash of those ‘baby blues’.

You are welcome to join the family in celebrating Brian’s life at Meadow Gardens Golf Club, 19675 Meadow Gardens Way, on July 11th at 1pm. If you wish to make a donation in Brian’s memory, please consider the Down Syndrome Resource Foundation, a cause close to the family’s heart, or The BC Cancer Foundation.