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
29 Responses
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
Rick was an exemplar – inspiration to many in the industry. Very sorry. I’ll miss his wit and advice.
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❤️❤️
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.
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.
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.
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!!
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.
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
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