BROWNLEE, Brian

BRIAN GENE BROWNLEE June 16, 1945 – November 12, 2025 After a brief and painless bout of cancer, Brian died peacefully in his sleep and left his family and friends to mourn the passing of this kind, helpful, much-loved man, who relished talking at length with colleagues, friends, relatives, and strangers alike. He participated on several scientific teams during his professional career, tackled technical problems for friends outside of it, maintained far-flung friendships for decades, door-knocked for his local Conservative candidates, and was generally ready to chat at the drop of a hat. He leaves Linda, his wife of 57 years; daughter, Shannon (Andrew) of Halifax; son, David (Lisa); grandsons, Thomas and Simon of Montreal; sister, Myrna Lemay (Paul) of Grande Prairie; brother, Ray (Karen) of Lethbridge; and several nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his parents, Virginia and Elmer Brownlee.
Born in Lethbridge, Brian grew up on the family farm in the Lucky Strike district east of Milk River with his older sister and younger brother. An avid builder as a child, he was introduced at an early age to farm work and the creative problem-solving skills that come with it. Academically, he was an excellent student and also developed a life-long interest in politics as president of his high school’s student council. He did a B.Sc. and M.Sc. in Chemistry at the University of Alberta, during which time he met his future wife, Linda. They were married in 1968 and moved to Fredericton, NB for three years, where Brian completed a PhD in organic chemistry at the University of New Brunswick. After another move to Hamilton, ON for two years of postdoctoral studies, in 1973 he became an Environment Canada research scientist at the Canada Centre for Inland Waters in Burlington, ON, a position he held for 31 years. Brian’s expertise was the detection and analysis of very low levels of organic compounds causing taste and odour in fresh water. Most summers he travelled with field teams, usually as the only chemist, to several parts of Canada, including Alberta’s oil sands, to collect water samples. Laboratory analyses and reports occupied the rest of the year. He loved both kinds of work but was also a devoted father to their two children born in Burlington. In the late 1970s, he became an enthusiast of home computing systems and built up an impressive expertise he was happy to share for the rest of his life with anyone who asked for help. Brian finished his career in Edmonton, where he and Linda had moved for their retirement. There he had a wonderful time auditing university courses, door-knocking at federal election times, volunteering as adjunct professor at the University of Alberta, and advising on technical problems at church and in condominium living. He also enjoyed visiting his grandchildren in Montreal and travelling in the U.S. and abroad.
The family wishes to extend their deep gratitude and appreciation to Dr. Clark and the entire team in the Palliative Care unit of the Edmonton General for their compassionate care. There will be no funeral at this time, and interment will take place in Vulcan, AB in summer 2026. Any donation to the Covenant Foundation or a charity of your choice would be appreciated.
To share photos, memories, and condolences, please visit www.connelly-mckinley.com. Connelly-McKinley Funeral Home – Downtown (780) 422-2222