It is with a heavy heart and tremendous love that we announce that Richard “Rick” Dale Bower skated his last shift, in Victoria B.C on August 28, 2023.
Rick was born in Calgary, Alberta on July 20, 1951. He spent his childhood years growing up and playing sports in the Hillhurst area of Calgary before eventually attending the University of Calgary, in the Engineering Program. An enthusiastic athlete from the onset, Rick’s passion for sport and people led to a lifetime supporting his community, his friends and most importantly his family over the last 72 years.
In his professional life, Rick started his engineering journey at Richland Engineering before finding success as a founding Partner and Chief Engineer at Bower Damberger Rolseth Engineering Ltd. where they operated successfully within the Oil and Gas industry for over 20 years. In his most recent role, Rick was operating as a Principal and Owner at Allardyce Bower Consulting where he focused on maximizing the efficiency and recoveries from existing Oil and Gas facilities, whilst also being on the leading edge of the Carbon Capture initiative in efforts to minimize impact on the environment and push the industry toward innovation.
Though he excelled professionally, where Rick truly found greatness was in his role as Husband, Father, Grandfather, Brother and friend. The consummate teammate and family man, he always endeavoured to teach, mentor and encourage those he engaged with to find their potential and push beyond it. Rick’s impact was seen through his time coaching kids in minor sports, mentoring young engineers and providing his family and friends with the love, guidance and sense of compassion that made everyone he touched, feel supported.
He will be dearly missed by his wife Leda, his children Sean (Amy), Jessica (Magda), Ezra (Pia), Zereau (Breanna), Vefele (David), and Caitlyn (Paul). He is survived by his 5 grandchildren, Bodhi, Gideon, Ewan, Evan and Ian. He will also be dearly missed by his brother Len and his sisters Judy and Deb and their families and by his loveable dogs Chi-Banda “stupid dog” and Kashika.
A recording of the Celebration of Life for Rick can be viewed by clicking play on the image below.
In lieu of flowers, memorial tributes may be made directly to the Canadian Cancer Society or the Heart and Stroke Foundation of Canada.
Condolences may be offered to the family below.
McCall Gardens
www.mccallgardens.com
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Tony Hebert North Bay ON
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Sid Greenner I met Rick playing hockey with the Retreads at Panorama and golf at Ardmore. Rick was always full of fun and liked to challenge the boys. Rick and I supported the tennis at Panorama and he was very generous. A good friend passed too early and will be sadly missed.
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Anna Boues Uncle Rick and Auntie Leda brought me into their home right after graduating highschool. It was my first experience growing into adulthood and for that I’m eternally grateful. The last morning I saw Rick in July, he had gone out to get my niece fruit and breakfast supplies, all because a four year old had asked. He said “that’s what Grandpas do”. That’s the gentle and kind energy he brought the world. Though he will be greatly missed, I find comfort in knowing he truly left the world a better place than he found it. Sending my love and condolences to his family and friends.
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Barry Boyes, Ph.D. Rick Bower personified the term gentleman. Across more than 5 decades I counted him as my best friend, sportsman, and a peerless councilor. We are left impoverished by his surprising loss, but are left with a model of personhood to aspire towards. I cannot recall a single person who bore him ill will, or could not appreciate his love of life. He will be sorely missed, and my it is with heavy heart that I offer my condolences to his wife and children.
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Andrew MacGillivray I met Rick when he began playing hockey some years ago with the Sidney Retreads. Along with a love for old timers hockey, we shared a common interest in the oil patch – he as an Engineer and myself as a long time investor in Canadian Oil and Gas companies. He was a great guy and a talented player – always stepping up to help organize the games. In recent years he made the extra effort to organize August hockey which enabled some of us keeners to start getting into shape for the fall session a bit early. His sense of humour and the camraderie he brought to the “room” will be sorely missed by all those who had the pleasure of playing alongside him. My sincere condolences to Leda and the family.
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Sean Kinoshita Rick was instrumental in the development and mentorship to many. I worked for and with Rick during the early days in my professional career.
I respected him for his professionalism, his friendship and his never ending support.
Please accept my condolences. He was a great friend and an amazing man.
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Vanna Lee Wells Dear Leda and family, my heart breaks for all of you.
Vanna
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Scott Robinson I will remember Rick as a multi-decade superstar in the oil and gas industry, a hall-of-famer in the realm of Process Engineering! His contribution was paramount to the success of a huge number of notable and successful companies over the years both directly from his own work and also from the large number of people whom he mentored and who carried on their careers with the competence and confidence he bestowed upon them.
Rick was a great friend, loved and respected for his kindness and character. He was such a positive influence.
It was shocking to hear of his passing. I wish Leda and the family comfort and happiness in their memories of a great human being.
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Ada Aponte P. Eng. As an engineer, Rick was a force to be reckoned with. He never stopped learning and reinventing himself. He honoured our profession and always supported our customers. He leveraged his connections to raise the bar and enhance our industry. As a women in the oil and gas industry, he was my biggest ally and supporter. He was passionate about engineering, loved his family, and made us laugh. You will be missed my friend!
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CSV Midstream The office at CSV Midstream was so very sad to hear of Rick’s passing. He was a mentor and friend to many at CSV. With our deepest condolences, from your colleagues and friend at CSV.
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Jan Voss. Jano Sean and Jess my thoughts are with you both. My very special friend will be in my heart forever. Love you both very much. My thoughts are also with the rest of the family. Also have treasured memories
Of our holidays together all my love.
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Ezra, Pia and Gideon Rick was like a father to us when we lost our father. That will always be appreciated as he was a great person.
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Sheila Wilson I’m so sorry to hear of your loss Leda, I never met Rick so I can only say that losing a loved one is very difficult. Your family and friends will be your support and consolation in the coming years.
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John Koch Rick was a true gentleman and a fine person. It was an honour to know him and to work with him. My sincere condolences to his family and friends. John Koch
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Brian Ford Thoughts and prayers to all the family, so sorry.
Rick was a work associate, a mentor but most of all a great friend. Will be sorely missed…
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Irene Cevallos Dear Leda, so sorry to hear about Rick’s passing. He will always be remembered as an exceptional human being, kind, respectful and with a huge loving heart. Please accept my condolences.
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Ken Strong I got to know Rick when he joined the Sidney Retreads, a wonderful group of old time hockey players in greater Victoria. From day one he was involved with helping out where needed and was always generous with gifts for hockey and golf tournaments. Rick was a great guy to play with on the ice; smart with the puck, great passer and an enthusiastic supporter of all players, regardless of ability. We will all miss a good friend and hockey comrade. Rest in peace Rick.
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Wayne Madsen Wayne Madsen and Lynda Guimond. Leda and family. I always looked forward to meeting up with Rick, usually in Florida for hockey. Also the times we came to your home when playing hockey with Rick in Victoria. A special friend, kind and humble with a unique sense of humor and very calm. I am still in Europe but will be able to be at the celebration of life in Calgary to pay my respects and share memories with his family and friends.
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Rob Dawson Our sincere condolences to the Bower families. Enjoyed the years at West Hillhurst playing hockey. One of the best line mates that I had the pleasure to play with
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Neil McKechnie Rick was an exemplar – inspiration to many in the industry. Very sorry. I’ll miss his wit and advice.
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Carol Charlton Dear Leda & Family, Sean & Jessica:
I was so sorry to hear about Rick’s passing. It was wonderful working with him all those years at BDR. We worked hard but had lots of fun also. I am sorry that we will not be able to attend the Celebration of Life as we will be in Italy but I will be thinking of all of you. RIP Rick!
Love Carol & Jack❤️❤️
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Dora Glover Leda, so sorry to hear of your husband’s passing. Just take it one day at a time and remember that you have lots of friends you can call on. Take care.
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Bernard Kespe I am really so sorry for your loss Leda. Please accept my heartfelt condolences during this difficult time. I can only imagine how you must be feeling during this difficult time, but please know that my thoughts are with you. I truly hope that the memories of your loved one bring you comfort and peace in the days ahead.
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Peter Rhodes My sincere condolences to Rick’s family on his sudden passing. We had many years of fun filled hockey together at West Hillhurst in Calgary and I treasure the memories.
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Stan Stawowski Leda, my condolences go out to and your family. Rick was such a visionary in the oil & gas world, a wonderful partner with Ken and Colin at BDR and truly a man of integrity. He passed doing what he really loved, hockey, what a fitting way to go. The legendary BDR Friday hockey still lives on. I am so fortunate to have met him in my professional life and later in my personal life what a difference he has made. I am sorry you lost such a special person and so are we!!
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Don Bouschard This guy is a legend and you could not ask for a better friend. His influence on all of us has been huge and we will all miss him as a friend and co-worker. Some people you meet in life have a major influence on you and Rick was that person for me and many others. My condolences to the family.
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Steve Fletchwer Sean and Jessica,
Every time I’d hang out at the house as a kid, when Rick came home there was always a palpable injection of warmth and good humor. He was such a kind and spirited man.
Sending compassion and strength to you and yours in this difficult time.
Sincerely,
Steve
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Barbara and darcy haddock Hello Leda, Darcy and I are overwhelmed with sadness over Ricks passing and you and your family are in our hearts, and will continue to be. We will see you at the memorial on Friday, October 13th, 2:00pm at McCall Gardens, Sequoia Centre, and I hope to speak to you. Lots of love, Barbara and Darcy Haddock. Xx
so sorry to hear about Rick Bower