Bryan Cecil Callowhill

It is with profound sadness that we share the loss of Bryan Cecil Callowhill, age 79, who passed away peacefully February 27, 2026. He is once again with his beloved wife, Anke, who passed before him on August 20, 2025.

Words cannot capture or convey our father’s unique essence and the profound impact he had on us — his children — and on those he touched. He was thoughtful, insightful, knowledgeable and articulate. He was honest, patient, conscientious, and compassionate. He was valiant, steadfast, and approachable. He was handsome, charming and quick-witted — with his radiant and infectious smile.

Dad / Bryan lived a full and meaningful life defined by his curiosity, integrity, resilience, his devotion to family and friends, and his giving nature. He always focused on making the world a better place through his actions.

He is lovingly remembered by his children: Erika Callowhill (Steven Comin), Warren Callowhill, and Roberta Baran (Kevin); his grandson David Baran (Larissa); and his great-grandson Jakob. He is also missed by his siblings Michael Callowhill (Veronica), Drenda Troy (Ken), and Heather St. Jacques (Jean-Guy).

Born on October 31, 1946, in St Thomas, Ontario. Bryan was the beloved eldest son of Cecil and Jean Callowhill. 

In his youth, Bryan was an avid student, a proud science club “geek,” a badminton team member, a square dance caller, a cadet officer, a basketball player, and a rocketry club member.

In everything he set his mind and hands to, Bryan demonstrated his unwavering work ethic and pride in doing his best.

He worked tirelessly to put himself through university: hoeing weeds on a farm, harvesting hay, and working tobacco. At the Carnation can-making plant nearby, he was promoted quickly…but was happier he helped a good friend get a job. He clerked at a liquor store one summer, and at university he spent two summers researching tomato growth and starch content. 

From a young age, Bryan was passionate about science—a passion that foreshadowed his remarkable career. He earned a Bachelor of Science in Chemistry (Honours) at the University of Guelph, where he met his wife Anke at fencing club.

He launched his professional life as a high school chemistry teacher in his hometown of St. Thomas, and then taught in Cornwall, Ontario — inspiring young minds with his enthusiasm for discovery. His talents in teaching others served him well throughout his life.

In 1971, Bryan joined the RCMP Forensic Laboratories, embarking on a distinguished 30-year career. Working in the Alcohol and Chemistry Sections in Regina, Saskatchewan and Vancouver, BC, he played a key role in implementing and supporting the rollout of the new roadside screening breathalyzer program in the 1970s and ‘80s. He taught and advised police officers, did analysis and attended many roadside tests (and a few busts of illegal stills). He was an expert witness in court cases across provinces, even flying into the far North.

Over the years in Chemistry, he analyzed countless cases, relishing the intellectual challenge of piecing together complex puzzles, ranging from car paint analysis to piecing together duct tape from a crime scene. He was a member of the team working on the Air India Case — and so many other cases. He took a multitude of courses in varying subjects throughout his career, in order to expand his knowledge and expertise. As an expert witness in court, he was always committed to ensuring that truth and justice were upheld. He earned many awards and professional recognition for his work.

Following his retirement from the RCMP, Bryan continued sharing his expertise by teaching crime scene examination, and evidence gathering at the Justice Institute of BC. He then embarked on teaching at the BC Institute of Technology: fire investigation, hazardous materials chemistry, and emergency response to terrorism. He also got to blow things up — when he taught first responders about explosives.

For many years he and his wife worked at both provincial and federal elections — this was important to him as he believed in playing an active part in electing government. Bryan also worked as a security screener at the 2010 Vancouver Olympics, enjoying meeting people from all over the world and being part of an important event.

Bryan gave generously of his time to the community. He served as President of the Board of Directors for the Learning Disabilities Association of BC. He established their first physical office, launched and organized annual conferences, raised funds and managed budgets, and advocated passionately for a cause close to his heart. He acted as spokesperson and was interviewed by the press for their proposal for starting a special school, targeted to helping children who learned differently.

Bryan was, above all, a family man. His wife and children were his world. He shared with them his love of nature, science, problem-solving, and working with their hands and minds. He was the dad who helped with homework and science fair projects, designed unforgettable Halloween costumes, took his kids to their activities and coached. Local excursions, backyard fun, and family camping trips across Canada—visiting national parks, museums, and roadside attractions with their tent trailer—created countless treasured memories.

A gifted craftsman, Bryan designed and built furniture and landscapes — including bunk beds, desks, gardens, gates and arches…and even a greenhouse to complement Anke’s passion for growing vegetables and flowers. He built a flashy race car bed for his grandson, who he adored. Bryan was an avid do-it-yourselfer — he renovated and improved every family home, culminating in the custom split-level house he designed and helped construct in Surrey. He taught his children how to repair, refinish, renovate, and build—skills that endure as part of his legacy.

An avid lifelong reader, Bryan amassed thousands of books, particularly in science fiction, fantasy, science, history, and do-it-yourself subjects. He built many bookcases in his lifetime—for himself and his children—fitting, for a man who believed that learning never ends and that reading was not just a pastime, but necessary to stimulate thought and foster improvement.

Bryan will be remembered for his steady presence, integrity, analytical mind, capable hands; his generosity with knowledge and his time — and his deep love for his family. His lessons—about lifelong curiosity, serving others, hands-on craftsmanship, and perseverance—live on. He was always there for his family, his students, co-workers, and his many friends.

In his later years, Bryan struggled with Alzheimer’s, gradually losing pieces of himself, mentally and physically. After his wife Anke was disabled by a serious stroke in spring 2020, they faced isolation and pandemic restrictions and had to leave their beloved home to move into assisted living together. Many other challenges followed for both, as Anke’s health declined and Bryan’s disease progressed. Their last years were particularly difficult, spent in different care residences. Bryan never lost his irresistible smile, the twinkle in his eye, or his wonderful sense of humour.

“Though the earth give way, and the mountains fall into the sea…”

— We will always love you, Dad —

Bryan’s family would like to share our heartfelt gratitude for all the people who cared for and supported him at Fair Haven Burnaby Lodge. They have been a true haven for our father and family, providing care, shelter, security, comfort and compassion when it was needed most.

In lieu of flowers we ask that donations be made to Fair Haven Homes Society in memory of Bryan Callowhill, or to the Alzheimer’s Society of BC.

A Celebration of Life will follow in April.