WILLIAM DOUGLAS BROWNE

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WILLIAM DOUGLAS BROWNE On Monday, December 2, 2013, Doug Browne passed away at the age of 59. Born in Winnipeg, Manitoba on April 29, 1954, Doug was the eldest of four boys and lived the majority of his life in St. James. He graduated from Silver Heights Collegiate in 1973, and went on to earn a bachelor degree in History at the University of Winnipeg (1977) and a bachelor degree in Law from the University of Manitoba (1981). Doug spent his professional career working with young offenders at Manitoba Youth Centre, retiring in 2013 after 32 years of service. Doug will be sorely missed by his three brothers and extended family: Ken and Judy Browne; Paul and Colleen Browne; John Browne and Karen Cooper; Gwendolyn Browne and Jordan Hutsal; Samantha Browne; Betty (Roberts) Browne; Jamie Cooper and Tyler Debacker; Morgan Cooper, Zeke Garrow, and Jace Garrow. Doug was predeceased by his parents William Archibald and Irene Lea Suzanne (DeBrouwere) Browne and by his grandparents William E. and Islay (Raymer) Browne, and Achille and Suzanne (Supeene) DeBrouwere. Doug was an avid sports enthusiast and followed professional soccer, an interest he shared closely with his brothers. Doug also enjoyed science, music, art, and literature specifically in history and the humanities. Doug was a strong advocate for social justice and equality. He supported organizations which further those causes. Doug was inspired by historical icons such as Karl Marx, Rosa Luxemburg, Vladimir Lenin, and Leon Trotsky. Doug took a tremendous interest in his families' lives. He was not only a role model, a coach, and teacher to them, but also a true friend. They share fond memories of him and are grateful for the profound influence he had on their lives in their time together. He inspired them to be independent thinkers who strive to make the world a kinder place. He touched the lives of everyone he met by sharing his views, wisdom, wit and kindness. Doug's last gift was donating his body for medical research and education. A special thank you to the staff at Brummitt-Feasby House, ALS Society of Manitoba, and the St. Boniface Palliative Care Unit for all they did for Doug and making him as comfortable as possible while living with ALS. In lieu of flowers, a donation in Doug's memory can be made to the ALS Society, Amnesty International, or a charity of your choice. There will be an informal gathering in celebration of Doug's life held Saturday, January 11, 2014 between 1:00 p.m. and 3:00 p.m. at Holiday Inn Airport West, 2520 Portage Avenue. Family and friends are welcome to join us in remembering Doug and share in the love we have for him. A final note for Doug; "Life is Beautiful. Let future generations cleanse it of all evil, violence, and oppression and enjoy it to the fullest" - Leon Trotsky
Publish Date: Dec 14, 2013

WILLIAM DOUGLAS BROWNE It is with saddened hearts we mourn the passing of our brother, brother-in-law, uncle and comrade. After living with ALS, Doug gracefully passed away Monday, December 2, 2013 at the St. Boniface General Hospital. A full obituary to follow. A memorial service will be held in the new year. Details of the memorial will be included in the obituary.
Publish Date: Dec 4, 2013

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Dec 14, 2013