We Remember

STOVEL, Brian Earl
November 10, 1938 — May 16, 2024
With his family by his side, Brian Earl Stovel passed away peacefully at home in Kelowna, BC, on May 16, 2024. He was 85.
Brian was a proud dad and grandpa, who’ll be remembered for his keen sense of humour, inquisitive nature and raft of interests, at which he inevitably excelled.
Born in Vancouver on November 10, 1938, to loving parents Harvey Stovel and Lorenda (née Laird), Brian spent much of his childhood in Parksville, Vancouver Island. After Lorenda’s untimely passing, his father eventually married Stella (née Hollins), which gave Brian and his brother Laird a stepmom who loved them as her own – and before long, they had a younger sibling in their brother Grant. In those early years, Brian was introduced to a variety of pastimes, some becoming lifelong pleasures – from building (he fondly recalled working on an over-river suspension bridge with Boys Scout peers) to photography and more.
It’s in Kelowna, though, that he put down roots and found his vocation as a teacher after earning his degree at UBC Vancouver. For more than 30 years, most at Kelowna Secondary School, Brian taught metal work as well as math. Other passions defined him, too: He was a long time rally car enthusiast, 25-year member of the gun club, vintage model-train collector, ballroom dance aficionado (tango was a favourite), board-game enthusiast and inventor, fan of card games (particularly cribbage), and an avid pickleball player – one of two to have received an honorary lifetime membership award. He always considered himself fortunate in life to have amassed a wealth of experiences, and took none of them for granted.
Woodworking was another of his skills, which came in handy when he designed and built a double A-frame house for his family, the heart of his world. With his beloved wife of 48 years, Sue (née Lauer), who passed away in 2013, he had four “awesome children,” as he’d say: sons Mark and Darren (and his wife, Ursula), and daughters Stephanie (husband Thom) and Jennifer (husband Cary). Along with Sue, he spent many summers as a young dad planning fun adventures for the family. His children have treasured memories of Brian at the helm of roads trips, a houseboat vacation and frequent camping holidays on Vancouver Island that introduced them to the region he knew and loved.
As well as many cousins, nephews and nieces, he had seven cherished grandchildren – Ryan, Andrew, Madelyn, Maia, Dani, Adam and Spencer – who will all miss spending time with him, learning from him, not to mention laughing at his endless puns and clever brainteasers inspired by his love of numbers and fun facts.
Brian, Dad, Grampa, you touched all our lives and will be in our hearts forever.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to the Canadian Wildlife Federation or the BC SPCA for anyone that considers themselves a fellow animal lover; Brian held much love for dogs of all kinds.
A Celebration of Life will be held on FRIDAY, JUNE 21, 2024, at 4:00 pm (PDT), at SPRINGFIELD FUNERAL HOME, 2020 Springfield Road, Kelowna, BC. If you are unable to attend in person, please join the family online by Livestream at the time of the service (see below), a recording will be made available to view shortly thereafter.
If you wish to send a condolence, post photos, or share a memory, please scroll down the page to the area call “Condolences”.
LIVESTREAM:
Service
FRIDAY, JUNE 21, 2024, at 4:00 pm (PDT)
Location
SPRINGFIELD FUNERAL HOME
Share with Others:
Service Information
Service Details
The service for STOVEL, Brian Earl is scheduled for FRIDAY, JUNE 21, 2024, at 4:00 pm (PDT). Below you will find the map for the service location and the contact information should you have any questions.
Dear Jen & Family:
I’m so sorry to hear of your loss Jen. Thinking of you and wishing you peace at this difficult time.
Lindsay
On behalf of my sister, Holly, and myself, we send our heartfelt condolences to Brian’s family. His step-mom, Stella, was our aunt and thanks to her marriage to Harvey we were blessed with a whole new family to love. We believe Brian is now with his beloved Sue, no doubt tangoing their way across the heavens.
Jen, Cary, Dani and Spencer – I am so sorry for your loss. As you may recall, Brian was the photographer at our wedding. I am so grateful for his willingness to help out with a budget friendly option (I think he did it for a case of Sandhill wine) and delivered a 5 star experience. As a young couple with a strict budget I was very appreciative of his exuberance to capture our special memories. So grateful to have him as part of my journey – 21 years married now. Hugs to you all as you remember the good times of a life well lived and well loved.
To Sue’s and Brian’s children, please accept my sincere sympathies on the loss of your Dad. Love, Rita
Darren, Stephanie, Mark and Jennifer – I am sorry to hear your Dad passed away. He was a good man and a good Uncle. One of my fondest memories was the summer he entered us all in the ‘Great Kelowna Scavenger Hunt”. His enthusiasm got all of us excited; pouring over the map, figuring out clues, talking about Okanagan history, piling in the van and driving place to place…. even the creepy old guy we interrupted down by the creek seemed a part of the adventure. I remember believing (for a moment) he was a real Gold rush panhandler! Probably one of my brothers who told me that one. I can’t remember if we actually found anything …vaguely remember, the scavenger hunt ended with us having vanilla ice cream cones in your yard. I am certain your Dad and your Mom are well and together at peace, watching over all of you with loving pride. – Lisa and Gord