Brian Joseph Dobbin

It is with incredible sadness that we announce the passing of Brian Joseph Dobbin at his home on Friday, May 8, 2020 at the age of 66 years.

Brian was born on May 27, 1953 in Port Saunders, Newfoundland. The eleventh of fifteen children, Brian moved away at a young age to find work. From Sudbury to Fox Creek, Hibernia to Fort McMurray, Brian earned the reputation of an extremely hard worker. His colleagues loved and respected his work-ethic, referring to him as “Papa Dobbin” and “The Bull”. This trait carried with him throughout his life and into retirement. Whether it was cleaning up his daughter’s backyard or supervising his son-in-law’s DIY projects, he was always there to help in whatever way possible.

His greatest pleasures in life were simple: family, hockey, and anything Canadian. More often than not, those three things were combined, with Brian often being the reason. He loved watching his grandson Noah’s hockey practices with a hot cup of Timmies, or driving to the Okanagan to visit his his daughter Kristy and her fiance Jake to cheer on Team Canada, or his yearly Christmas tradition of spending time with family while watching the World Juniors and the Spengler Cup. He cherished his grandchildren, Noah, Vada, and Mave, who looked forward to his daily visits. There was rarely a day that they had to ask “where’s Pops?” because he was always there, rain or shine, usually with a box of Timbits in tow.  

Brian loved his walks in Carburn Park, driving to Bragg Creek for his elk burger, his daily coffee at Tim Hortons, dancing to Newfie music, Oh Henry bars, fishcakes, making turkey soup and jiggs dinners, working up North, road trips, the East Coast, and of course, his beloved Maple Leafs. But what was amazing was how he could take these simple treasures, the most normal events, and turn them into lasting memories for anyone involved.

Although he left Newfoundland when he was young, Brian always cherished the saltwater joys. He was the epitome of genuine; faithful, honest, humble, hard-working, kind, and full of love. He touched the lives of everyone he met, from St. John’s to Powell River, Cape Breton to Fort McMurray, Brian has left a lasting impact on us all. He will be dearly missed, but the love and memories he leaves behind will be cherished forever.

I’m sure that when Brian gets where he’s going, there will be someone on the other side saying “Pops is here!”

Brian leaves to mourn his beloved grandchildren, Noah, Vada, and Mave, daughters Kristy (Jake) & Ashley (Thomas) their mother Debbie & his dearest friend Jackie; brothers: Ben (Hazel), John (Maud), Gerald (Shirley), Danny (Noreen), Murray (Linda); sisters: Eliza, Margaret (Wade) & Madeline (Henry); many cousins, nieces, nephews, extended family and beloved friends. He was predeceased by his parents, John & Mary Dobbin; brothers Pat, Edward, Calvin, Mike, Stanley & sister Genevieve.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation in Brian’s name to the Alberta Children’s Hospital Foundation (http://www.childrenshospital.ab.ca/). 

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