BROWN, David W. Brown 

It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of David W. Brown on August 7, 2026. He is survived by his devoted wife of 38 years, Betty; his beloved children, Matt and Holly; his four siblings; and many cherished relatives and friends. He will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved him.

David was born in London, Ontario, on November 21, 1951, the middle child in a military family of five children. Growing up on air force bases across Canada, he developed a lifelong love of adventure, the outdoors, and the strong family bonds he maintained throughout his life.

Before discovering his true vocation, David worked a variety of rugged outdoor jobs, including tree planting, mineral prospecting, explosives work, and truck driving. These experiences nurtured his resilience, resourcefulness, and appreciation for nature. Adventure remained a defining part of his life, from a ten-month motorcycle journey across Europe and North Africa in his youth to countless backpacking, kayaking, and scuba-diving trips.

David’s frugality became family legend. One memorable example came during his honeymoon, when he suggested that he and Betty save the cost of a motel by sleeping alongside the highway in their sleeping bags. Thankfully, Betty’s love for him endured.

Above all else, David cherished his wife, Betty, and their children, Matt and Holly. Time spent together as a family brought him his greatest happiness, and he treasured every moment they shared.

To his children he embodied kindness, peace, and unconditional love. They treasure memories of the smell of pancakes on countless snowy Saturday mornings and the fragrance of warm Gulf Island winds on early-morning bike rides that opened blissful summer days on Hornby Island. His absence will leave a gaping hole in their lives.

Driven by deep compassion and a genuine love for people, David devoted his career to supporting those facing mental health challenges. He earned Bachelor and Master of Social Work degrees from the University of Victoria and the University of British Columbia and spent more than three decades serving children, youth, and families. From clinician to manager to Regional Child and Youth Mental Health Consultant, he was known for his empathy, wisdom, and unwavering commitment to helping children and families.

Following his retirement in 2012, David embarked on one of the most meaningful journeys of his life. Beginning in Le Puy, France, he walked 1,650 kilometres on the Camino de Santiago. He walked for 69 days with a pack that hovered around 40 pounds. Having survived two major heart attacks, injuries, and physical challenges, completing the pilgrimage was a remarkable achievement. The Camino significantly deepened his faith in God and became a lasting source of strength, purpose, and spiritual growth.

After retiring from government service, David returned full-time to private counselling, a calling he continued until the end of his life. Counselling was more than a profession; it was an expression of his desire to help others heal, grow, and find hope. Through his private practice, his work at UBC Okanagan, and his mentorship of emerging counsellors, he influenced countless lives.

David and Betty shared a love of travel, service, and adventure. Together, they explored much of the world, volunteered in Spain and Southeast Asia, and spent treasured time on Hornby Island, a place that always felt like home.

Throughout the last two decades of his life, David faced significant health challenges with extraordinary courage and determination. He survived heart attacks, major surgeries, a serious motorcycle accident, and a devastating stroke in 2025. Despite these setbacks, he remained committed to recovery, embracing rehabilitation and continuing to live with purpose and gratitude.

As his health declined, David eventually came to a place of peace and acceptance. On August 7, 2026, he died peacefully, surrounded by the three people he loved most: his wife, Betty; son, Matt; and daughter, Holly.

His family takes comfort in a life well lived and in the countless lives he touched through his compassion, faith, service, and love. We imagine he was greeted with the words:

“Well done, good and faithful servant.”

David’s Memorial will be held at Trinity Church, 1905 Springfield Road, Kelowna BC. The service will be in the Hub at 2 pm on Monday, August 24^th.  A reception will follow.