It is with regret that we announce the sudden, peaceful passing of Dick Browning at his home at the age of 83.
Dick was born in Marcelin, Saskatchewan on March 30, 1925. He was the third eldest of ten children born to Ernest and Mary Browning. At the age of thirteen Dick left home to work in logging camps in Northern Saskatchewan and in The Pas, Manitoba. Later, he moved to Carrot River, Saskatchewan and worked as a truck driver transporting harvested pulp wood for Harry Hlady. It was at this time that Dick met and fell in love with Harry’s daughter, Hazel. Dick and Hazel wed on October 17, 1945 and moved to Quesnel, B.C. in 1950.
Driven by an independent, entrepreneurial spirit, Dick owned and operated several businesses. His first venture was Quesnel Junk and Salvage, later known as Quesnel Salvage and Equipment. In the mid-1960s, he partnered with his brother-in-law in the operation of Brody Machinery which employed up to 30 people, servicing the mining industry in B.C. During these years, his machine shop manufactured sprockets and gears. A distinguishing project for the company was the construction of one of the largest roller chain sprockets for the St. Lawrence Seaway. Years later, he was active with his heavy duty towing and vehicle storage business of R.G. Browning Enterprises. As a tow truck driver he was known as Captain Hook. To Dick there was no such thing as “cannot be done” and no job was too big. More recently, he spent many hours in his “play room” establishing R.G. (Dick) Browning Rock Cutting and Polishing business. One consistent trait has always been evident – he was a dedicated, hard worker.
Throughout his life Dick enjoyed numerous activities including music (in earlier years he played the guitar, accordion, violin and the banjo), fishing, camping, and rock hunting and polishing. Dick was always busy with his hands and mind, living life to the fullest each day and looked forward to his next “project”. He valued being faithful to his friends and kind to strangers and people in need. He believed in being true to yourself, and persisting along the path to be the best you can be. Dick was a mentor to many people in his community, in many different ways. Friends and family could count on him for support, strength, and as a source of inspiration. His family is blessed to have shared in his living and to have loved and been loved by him. We will miss him.
Dick was predeceased by his wife, Hazel, November, 2007 and is survived by his three children; Rodney (Brenda), Brian (Elodieanne), Brett (Pam); 10 grandchildren and 2 brothers, Wilf and Jim.
A private Memorial will be held at a later date. Anyone wishing to donate in memory of Dick may do so to the BC SPCA (Quesnel Branch), The Canadian Cancer Society (BC Division), or to a charity of their preference.
The Browning Family