We Remember
BRANCH, Dudley
January 15, 1946 — June 6, 2022
At the age of 76, Dudley Branch passed away suddenly, at home, on June 6, 2022.
Dudley was born in Kent, England, to Thomas and Dora May (née Fitz). When he was only 9 months old, they made the journey to Rhodesia (Zimbabwe), where his two younger brothers, Scott and Charlie, were born. Growing up, Dudley spent many days playing with his cousins George and Eleanor and always spoke with deep affection for their mother, “Auntie Boo”. He attended the University of Rhodesia for a B.Sc. Econ. and then went to London where he certified as a Chartered Accountant.
Dudley met Pauline in London; they married and, in 1975, moved to Vancouver, BC, Canada. They had two children, Chelsey and Lawson, and lived in the Coquitlam, BC, area for many years. In 1988, Pauline sadly died of ovarian cancer; the children were still quite young. Dudley managed to pursue his career as a bankruptcy trustee, running his own practice, and caring for his two kids. He was involved with the business community, as an active member of the local Rotary club, and had many great relationships with friends and neighbours over the years.
Once his kids were grown and launched, Dudley moved to West Kelowna, BC. The top choice over other locations he considered for his retirement years. He thoroughly enjoyed the warm weather, the beautiful house he redesigned and, of course, the stunning view overlooking the lake. He took pride in his garden, delighted in hosting people for meals, and going out to eat, though as many friends would know, he would fight you if you ever tried to pay the bill. He often talked about the coffee group, driving down to the lake in the morning, and watching the deer, magpies, and other creatures that enjoyed his yard and were drawn to his gentleness.
Dudley loved to travel. He visited every continent except Antarctica and always had many stories to share about his adventures in China, India, Hongkong, Mexico, Europe, and South America. He also visited his kids on their adventures in Japan and Australia. In most recent years, Merida in Mexico’s Yucatan became an annual hot spot. When he returned, his excitement and joie de vivre was palpable and contagious.
Dudley loved his three grandchildren, Keaton (age 6), Meara (age 4), and Quinn (age 3), and was always keen to hear updates and anecdotes. He liked to read and share his favourite novels with friends and family. He would get up all hours of the night just to watch Formula One and Indy car racing, cheering along the drivers and yelling at the crashes and mishaps. Dudley will be remembered as passionate, intelligent and creative, someone who was curious about places and people, and determined to go his own way. His legacy is one of generosity and kindness, as he was always ready to share what he had with another person in need. For those close to him, Dudley’s intensity was matched by his gentleness and heart. He had a wit and silliness that could emerge at unexpected (and often inappropriate) moments. We loved him for all of this, and he will live in our gatherings (especially with food), in our gardens, in our adventures, in our laughter, and always in our hearts.
Surviving family members of Dudley include, his children Chelsey and Lawson; grandchildren Keaton, Meara, and Quinn; his siblings Scott and Charlie; and his cousins George and Eleanor. He was predeceased by his wife, Pauline, who died in 1988.
A small Celebration of Life will be held summer of 2022 in both West Kelowna and Vancouver. In lieu of flowers, we invite you to share a memory on this page and pass on an act of generosity to someone in need.
If you wish to send a condolence, post photos, or share a memory, please scroll down the page to the area called “Condolences”.
Dudley was the most generous, giving, and kind-hearted person. Always ready to help at the drop of a hat. One time, I had travelled to Victoria with a friend, and we got stranded and couldn’t get a ferry back to Seattle. Dudley generously drove all the way out to the ferry in Vancouver, picked us up, hosted us for the night and dropped us off early the next morning at the bus stop heading to Seattle again. All without complaining and just happy to spend some time with us. Ruth and I will of course never forget our wedding rehearsal dinner when Dudley arrived with Chelsey and Lawson in tow, all wearing gorilla suits… and I had to explain to everyone that these were my relatives! Later I found out that his original plan was to wear them to the wedding service itself! He made the long drive from Kelowna to Seattle many times, always spending some time with us. So many treasured memories. He will be sadly missed. Trevor (Ruth, Simon and Patrick)
Lawson’s wife, Lindsey, is my daughter, and I enjoyed spending time with Dudley when visiting Canada. We always went out for Chinese food with Dudley doing the ordering. He and I are peers, and I will miss laughing and sharing stories about the kids. When my husband died two years ago, Dudley gave me advice that help me during the first year. I am happy I got to know him.
Monette Straily
Uncle Dudley loved to tell this story…
On one of many sleepovers at the Charter Hill house us kids were supposed to be asleep on the rec room floor. Uncle Dudley snuck out for a hot tub on the patio, in his birthday suite- leaving his towel inside the door. Someone (no names necessary) thought it would be funny to lock the door, which we did before passing out fast asleep. After a relaxing soak Uncle Dudley found himself locked out of the house with the sun coming up and children he could not rouse from sleep on the other side of the patio door. As the story goes he had to do a walk of shame around to the front of the house to ring the door bell, all while wearing his birthday suite! This was one of his favourite stories to tell when our families got together. What I remember the most is how he was always up for a good story and a laugh! You will be missed Uncle Dudley! ❤️
Dudley was such a wonderful friend. The highlight of our friendship was travelling to Africa with him and four other friends. His passion for life and ability to describe experiences made the trip an exceptional experience for me. His kindness when my son and I needed help was more than I ever expected from a friend. His personality was so well received when we were in Rotary together and throughout the years he demonstrated an incredible talent for getting things done and a sense of humour that was both hilarious and contagious. My thoughts and prayers are with Chelsey and Lawson and family, their love and support for Dudley has been evident throughout the years. He will be missed.
Dudley was our most gentil , affable , generous , and thoughtful neighbor .We shared a fence-line dividing our orchard from his . He often would invite us to Bar-B-Q’s ,
Christmas parties , and he would often come to our house for the same kind of events . In the 15 years that we knew Dudley , the greatest party that he staged was the celebration of Lawson’s wedding to Lindsey : An extravaganza by any measure , He enjoyed coming with us to hockey games , concerts , My two daughters always thought of him as ” Uncle Dudley” . He always gave Christmas presents to them .
We truly miss Uncle Dudley . he leaves an empty place in our lives .
I feel incredibly lucky to have known Dudley. From the moment I met him in Australia in swim trunks and a Santa hat, he was always the life of the party and always the one to bring people together. Dudley ensured everyone felt included and welcomed – I immediately felt part of the family, his love never-ending and genuine. A very wise man with many experiences, he had the balance of giving advice and of listening and supporting you thru your own mistakes and journeys. On top of everything Dudley was, he was an amazing Grandfather, whose smile beamed when his grandchildren were present and who so loved hearing about their days. We will forever cherish the times the kids had with Grandpa … the trips, the adventures, holidays together, the random dance parties at breakfast, the way the children bragged “This is my Grandpa and I love him” when he surprised them at daycare pick up and how happy he was in that moment. Thank you Dudley for the family you created and for the example you have provided. You will be missed.
I met Dudley through our hang out at the Johnson & Bentley Aquatic Center. We shared many stories soaking in the hot tub and later at his favorite coffee & muffin spot, Timmy’s and McDonalds. Just a fine all round good man. Thank you for your friendship and especially our last coffee chat just before your passing. RIP my friend and sincerec condolences to the family. C
Chelsey has been my dear friend for over 20 years and I remember many a delicious meal and good laugh with her father, Dudley Branch. On my way to Africa for the first time, many years ago, Dudley gave me the good advice to never wait to take advantage of an opportunity to experience something unique. I actually thought about that advice many times over the years.
It was a pleasure to know him. Many blessings to the family.
We first met Dudley and Pauline years ago when they went to Zim on holiday, with his Cousin George and Margo. Then about 15 years ago when he came to South Africa on holiday he spent Christmas day with us. We still hang the Christmas bauble he painted when we decorate for Christmas. The whole family were very good to Steven both times that he stayed in Vancouver and he loved spending time with you all. We send all our love from Africa.
Thank you to everyone who has shared a memory, ancedote and wish on this page. It has been really meaningful to read your comments and receive your thoughts and love.
Chelsey & Lawson
I remember in March of this year we invited Dudley to Sheena and Daddy’s birhthday party . After supper we took Dudley to the hockey game . He was extremely enthusiastic cheering for the home team : ” GO GO GO , ” He enjoyed the game very much .
Dudley was our friendly neighbour who always had a smile and wave to share. We met Chelsey and Lawson soon after they were married when Dudley had a celebration at his home where he invited family, friends and neighbours. He was a wonderfully gifted host and always made us feel welcome. Sincere sympathy to all of Dudley’s family. We’ll miss him.
Just heard of Dudley’s passing from a mutual friend. I first met Dudley in 1978 when I was fortunate to be hired by his firm. Within 5 years we were partners. Dudley was a good mentor & more importantly we became friends. Thank you dear friend. RIP Dudley