Rowan Robert Brown was born on October 29, 1948, in Fort William (now Thunder Bay), Ontario, and passed away peacefully of natural causes at his Vancouver home on October 29, 2024. Rowan was the son of Ian and Stella (McMahon) Brown. Rowan is survived by his older brother Doug (Bobbie) Brown of Collingwood, Ontario. He was a beloved uncle to Ian (Cindy) Brown of Collingwood, and Keely (Kathy) Brown of Edmonton, Alberta. Rowan was also a great-uncle to Elijah, Claire, Kaia and Jake.
Rowan also appreciated special friends and neighbours, like Fernando Este and Don Glass, along with his weekly dinner group, Michael, Michel, Steve, Richard, and Ben. Trent, Keith O, Dan, Keith C-R, Ivan, GiHoon, and Joey were also close friends who offered the comfort of long-term companionship and fun. Sandi and Edgar will miss their almost daily interactions at their condominium.
In his younger years, Rowan enjoyed curling, skiing, camping, music, art, theatre, acting, the great outdoors and, among other things, won at least one diving trophy. Rowan carried most of these interests and activities into later years. He excelled at academics and graduated top of his class in architecture at the University of Manitoba.
After graduation, Rowan moved to Maple Ridge (Haney), B.C., where his parents were living and began work as an architect specializing in interior design with Musson, Cattell & Mackey in Vancouver. He soon moved into the West End of Vancouver to be closer to friends, Stanley Park, English Bay and cultural events. In retirement, Rowan worked part-time at Ed’s Linens in addition to his private practice in interior design.
Rowan loved to collect wooden ducks and had a fondness for fine china, figurines and other handcrafted items. Friends and family members will sorely miss his eye for colour, detail, and arrangement, his gentle manner and his willingness to help. We will all particularly miss his thoughtful and unique cards for birthdays and Christmas.
Rowan was very active in the 2SLGBTQ+ community since the very first Pride Parades in Vancouver. In his retirement years, Rowan treasured his friends, and enjoyed theatre, his walks through Stanley Park and his gardening.
Instead of flowers to honour Rowan’s life and memory, please feel free to make a donation to the Canadian Celiac Association British Columbia, or a charity or cause of your own choosing, or do some acts of kindness for other people. A small Celebration of Life will be planned in the future. Cremation has already taken place and interment will be at a later date in the family plot, at the Maple Ridge cemetery.