Richard Stanley Dabrowski died peacefully at his home in Victoria on July 29th following a short, yet courageous battle with cancer. He was surrounded by his loving family; his wife of nearly 48 years Erica (nee Boak), daughters Richelle and Jenny, granddaughters Zoey and Hannah, and son-in-law Chris.
Born in Keighley, Yorkshire England on May 4th, 1953, Richard is predeceased by his parents Jan and Wanda, who immigrated to Canada in the late 1950’s. His early passions in life were The Beatles and cars. He was “Rick” to the dear lifelong friends he made in his teens and early 20s, also car fanatics who bonded over Richard’s beloved 1971 Camero.
Richard married Erica in 1977, and he spent his life devoted to her and his family. He was a special son-in-law, brother-in-law and uncle to the Boak and Boorman families, counting many fond memories with those no longer with us—Phyllis, Diane, Rick, and Shannon—and sharing in many more years with Sandy, Ian, Mike, Dean, Cheryl and Steven. Most recently, he cherished the title of “Pappi” to both Zoey and Hannah.
He found tremendous joy in and excelled at many hobbies over his years, primary as a self-taught chef and grill-master, but also computers, audio-visual equipment and records, building model cars, coffee, cycling, strength-training, and gardening. For Richard, happiness was cooking for his family but also sharing his wisdom and teaching others what he had mastered.
He will be missed by former colleagues from the BC Government, gym buddies from Oak Bay Rec and close neighbours.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the BC Cancer Foundation, bccancerfoundation.com.
A celebration of Richard’s life will be held in the Uplands Golf Club, 3300 Cadboro Bay Road, Victoria, BC on Wednesday, August 27th, 2025, at 2:00-4:00pm.
Condolences may be offered to the family below.
McCall Gardens
This obituary is the property of the “Dabrowski” family and may not be reproduced, distributed, or altered in any way without prior written consent.
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Howard Stanley
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Jim &Sheila French Erica, we just learned of Richard’s passing. Jim & I send our condolences to you and your family.
We hope all the treasured memories you all have will help ease your sorrow
Much love Jim & Sheila French
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Gill, Matt, Harriet and Molly We are sorry we can’t be with you today. You and Richard are in our thoughts. Sending all our heartfelt sympathy from afar.
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Georgia Toevs Erica, I’m so very sorry to hear of Richard’s passing. He was such a lovely man and devoted father. My heart goes out to you, Jenny and family. Please accept my sincere condolences. You are in my thoughts.
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karen Van Rheenen Erica, I am so sorry that you lost Richard to cancer. He was such a nice man…too young to be gone. As with Pieter’s passing, I know how hard it will be for Jenny as it was for Andrea. There is such a terrific bond often between great fathers and daughters. Thinking of you during this time of transition.
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Doug O’Brien I am saddened to learn of Rick’s passing as I reflect on the good times we had during our high school years at Vic High. I remember vividly the anticipation Rick shared at the Vic High cafeteria of the pending arrival of his new Camaro Z 28. That was one sweet car that was frequently on display at the White Spot and cruising Douglas St with all of us car buffs..Good memories of good times. Keep cruising , Rick!
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Dave Ford was deeply saddened to hear of Richard’s passing. I had the privilege of working with him during our time at the Ministry of Health, and I will always remember him as someone who was unfailingly generous with his time and knowledge. If someone needed help, Richard was there without hesitation.
He had a personality that was truly larger than life—when he walked into a room, his warmth, humour, and energy instantly lifted everyone around him. Richard made a lasting impact on those fortunate enough to know him, and his absence will be deeply felt by many.
Please accept my heartfelt condolences. My thoughts are with you and your family during this difficult time.
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Kathy Harrison Erica, I am so saddened to learn of your husband’s passing. May you find comfort in all the wonderful memories you made together. My sincere condolences to you and your family.
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Brenda Quin Erica Anne family,
Sending my deepest condolences to you all.
Thinkng of you and sending huge hugs.
Brenda Quin
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Sue Morneau You will be greatly missed. I will miss our sometimes heated discussions on various subjects over the years. You will forever be in my heart, rest in peace.
Please accept my most sincere condolences to the family of Richard. I knew him from the gym at Oak Bay Rec and had many conversations with him about music, much of it centered around The Beatles. He was a positive and happy personality who I looked forward to seeing at the gym and chatting about all sorts of things. He is greatly missed.