Our beloved Jake passed away in
Richmond General Hospital on December 31 with
wife, Mary, and daughter, Carolyn by his side.
Jake was born in 1933 in Londonderry, Northern
Ireland, to Eleanor (Bates) and John Kent Browne,
the second of 4 children. He grew up in nearby
Gorticaw. Jake was known as Kenneth in his
early years. At school this was shortened to
JK and in Canada became Jake. Jake often
remarked at how fortunate he was to have grown
up where he had much freedom to play in the
countryside and help out his relations on the farm
across the road. Jake loved nature and wide open spaces. His sister, Adele, tells us that as
a child he had a book “Lost in the Canadian Wilds” which gripped his imagination and
maybe set the course of his future.
At school Kenneth was a good student and excelled at cross-country running and
rugby, captaining the team in 50/51. After He studied medicine at Trinity College
Dublin and after a short time in practice he obtained his FRCS specializing in
orthopedics. He immigrated to Canada and worked/studied in Newfoundland,
Saskatoon, Vancouver and Richmond gaining his Canadian orthopedic qualifications
along the way. Eventually he was drawn northward, first to Kamloops and then to the
wider skies of the Peace Country settling on a farm in Farmington. In the ‘Peace’ he
worked as the sole orthopedic practitioner for most of his career, based in Dawson Creek
but also holding clinics in Fort St. John and Chetwynd.
Besides his career Jake’s life was marked significantly by his love for his family and
genuine fondness and acceptance of people from all walks of life - patients,
neighbours, colleagues, everyone who served him in the bank, grocery store,
restaurant etc.. He drew to people and they to him.
Many holidays/visits were enjoyed with his family in Ireland and England and with
Mary’s family in BC. As well, camping trips throughout the north were summer
highlights. Jake and Mary moved from used camper, to used motor home and finally to
a new trailer. What luxury!
Since spring 2012 Jake and Mary lived in Richmond having sold the farm. Jake’s
diminished health meant living in a more urban location away from long snowy
winters made sense. The move and his rapidly changing health resulted in major
adjustments for him. The biggest loss for Jake was his inability to really converse and
debate with his friends and family. Still, he could have a good laugh at a story. I (Mary)
would not have remained as even tempered as he did, overall.
Jake is lovingly remembered by his daughter Carolyn (Brian, Kevin, Emily); his wife
Mary Spoke; siblings Adele Browne, Geoff (Florence) Browne, Anne (Patrick) Moody;
Mary’s family (Fred, Fred/Marie-Lucie, Enneke/Rob, Peter/ Janice, Jennifer/Malcolm);
nephews and nieces in UK & Canada; Jean(Mel) Potter, Jake’s first wife; and by further
extended family and many dear friends. Jake was predeceased by his parents; Mary’s
mother, Henny; and Karmen Jones his 2nd wife. Mary thanks Jake’s main caregivers,
formerly Peng & Sunil and lastly, Randy for bringing quality to his life.
Two Gatherings of Remembrance will be held (1) UBC Boathouse and (2) Farmington
Hall, January 31, at 11am. Two possible options for those who wish to make a
donation in Jake’s name: Dawson Creek Hospital Foundation and UBC.