Brian was the beloved husband of Cheryl Cowan (nee Scott) for 44 years. Together they raised a beautiful family and created welcoming homes in Guelph and Puslinch, Ontario, before settling in Delta, British Columbia. Their home was open to all and always filled with love, laughter, and unwavering support for one another.
Born and raised in Guelph, Brian was a proud fourth-generation resident of the community. He was predeceased by his parents, Reta Cowan (nee Marsland) and William Cowan. He was a proud and devoted father to Derek (Maria) of Florida and Phillip (Nicola) of Delta, BC, and a cherished grandfather to Bennett, Rylie, and Oakley. Brian was the beloved brother of Diana Roth (Dennis) of Guelph, ON. He will be fondly remembered by his extended family of in-laws, nieces, nephews and cousins.
In later years, Brian and Cheryl made Delta, BC, their home to be closer to family, where they made new friends, got involved in new groups, and travelled around the province to create even more treasured memories together.
Brian began his career at Guelph Hydro after completing studies at the University of Waterloo and graduate work at Wilfrid Laurier University. He later worked with Intergraph Corporation in Toronto and Amsterdam before completing his career as a senior executive with Teranet Inc. in Toronto.
A respected leader and early contributor in the field of Geographic Information Systems, Brian helped advance innovations in land registration, real estate, and financial technologies across Canada, the United States, and Europe. Later in his career, he became deeply involved in corporate governance education and mentorship, earning his Chartered Director designation through McMaster University’ s Director College, where he also served on faculty for many years.
Brian strongly believed in ‘ giving back’ and ‘ building forward.’ He volunteered everywhere, generously sharing his leadership and expertise with numerous professional, healthcare, sporting, and community organizations throughout Ontario and British Columbia. He held leadership roles with organizations including Guelph Hydro, Innovation Guelph, Wellington-Waterloo Community Futures, Community Care Access Centres, Guelph General Hospital, CurlON, Curling Canada, Cutten Fields (Guelph), and Beach Grove Golf Club (Delta). Whether serving on a board, mentoring colleagues, or supporting local initiatives, Brian was admired for his thoughtful leadership, integrity, and ability to bring people together to achieve mutual goals.
Community service was an important part of Brian’ s life. A proud Rotarian and Paul Harris Fellow, he also served as President of the Rotary Club of Guelph South and helped support many of their charitable initiatives. He spearheaded the team that introduced the Tour de Guelph Ride, thus benefiting the Foundation of Guelph General Hospital and enabling Rotary to support other local community groups.
His faith and commitment to helping others guided much of his life. He served as a Cub Scout leader, Sunday School teacher, church elder, and was a devoted member of both Chalmers United Church (Guelph, ON) and Duff’ s Presbyterian Church (Puslinch, ON). He was a mentor, teacher, and trusted friend to many: strong yet gentle, accomplished yet humble, and always genuinely interested in others.
Beyond his many accomplishments, Brian will be remembered most for the way he made people feel. His kindness, wisdom, humour, and quiet generosity touched countless lives, and the example he set through his love of family and service to others will continue to inspire all who had the privilege of knowing him.
Above all else, Brian’ s greatest joy and pride was his family. He was a big man, with a big heart who loved nothing more than having family gather together for conversation, food and fun - and if that could involve travel to a new destination, or a round of golf, even better! He loved to offer his extensive DIY knowledge to renovations, creating 'teachable moments' for his sons and leaving his mark on their creative projects. The grandchildren knew all they had to do was ask Poppa to play, and he was right there.
The family would like to extend their heartfelt gratitude to their family physician, Dr. Menglin Yang, and commend Dr. Jesse Shustik and Dr. Hannah Cherniawsky for their dedication and compassion in treating his Mantle Cell Lymphoma. Our biggest shoutout goes to the nurses and physicians involved in managing Brian's daily care - at BC Cancer, the Vancouver General Hospital and Surrey Memorial Hospital - you folks are absolutely the best!!!
Arrangements have been entrusted to Valley View Funeral Home & Cemetery
