Brian F. McGowan

McGOWAN, Brian Fairlie – Of Guelph, formerly of Toronto.  Died peacefully at Hospice Wellington on Wednesday, April 23, 2025, age 81, after a brief illness. 

Beloved husband of the late Joan (Howell) McGowan (2013).  Predeceased by his parents Archie and Agnes (Hughes) McGowan, his sister Lorraine Atkinson (George), and his in laws Alan and Grace Filkin. He is survived by his brothers-in-law Jim (Pauline) Howell (Blair, Travis and Matt) and Bruce Howell (Alden) and their families, his nieces and nephews Sheila (Andrew) (Brendan and Kelvin), Arwen (Vashti), Jim and David.  Also survived by his cousins Diane, Dorothy, Marilyn and Ken, and many nieces, nephews, grand nieces and grand nephews.  He was also deeply grateful for the life long friendships with the Eastview Ski Club friends and their extended families. 

Brian spent a 25-year career at Eaton’s, initially selling pianos and then as a national buyer in consumer electronics.  He enjoyed photography and travel with Joan and their friends , with fond memories of Banff and Moraine Lake in Alberta, the beaches and forests on Vancouver Island, Florida and the Caribbean.  He was always engaged and interested in the news, current affairs, history and politics, and loved music and movies.  Family and friends were at the heart of his life, and he was a constant companion to Joan through the many chapters of her cancer journey.  Most of all he was a kind and good man.

Cremation has taken place. An informal gathering with a brief ceremony to honour Brian’s life, will take place on Saturday, May 3, 2025, from 10:00am – 12:00 noon, with reflections and memories at 11:00am at WALL-CUSTANCE FUNERAL HOME & CHAPEL, 206 Norfolk St., Guelph, 519-822-0051 / www.wallcustance.com. For those unable to attend there will be a livestream available via YouTube using this link.

 Many thanks to the kind and compassionate staff at Guelph General Hospital, and the amazing team at Hospice Wellington for their warm and generous care.  Special thanks to Brian’s close friends, Judy and Bill Rogers, for their enduring friendship and their faithful support and care. 

If desired, donations in memory may be made to Hospice Wellington or a charity of your choice.

A tree will be planted in memory of Brian F. McGowan in the Wall-Custance Memorial Forest.