Robert "Rab" Brownlee

With deep sadness, we announce the passing of Robert “Rab” Brownlee, who died on August 26, 2026, at Southwood Hospice in Calgary, Alberta, with his children by his side.

Rab was born in Glasgow, Scotland, on July 21, 1942, to James and Elisabeth Brownlee. As a boy, he made butcher deliveries by bicycle and eventually became a skilled butcher. He later joined the Glasgow police force, beginning a career in law enforcement that continued after he immigrated to Canada in 1967.

Always a proud Scot, Rab came to Canada to marry Zoë Sturdy and begin a new chapter of his life. They were married for 23 years and had three children together.

In 2003, Rab married Judy Potter, who he was with until her death in 2017.

After his career in the Calgary Police Service, Rab continued to work in law enforcement and security for the City of Calgary. He believed that a strong community, built on trust and respect, was a safe community.

Rab had a love of sport and adventure. In his youth, he could be found on long bicycle trips, playing rugby, diving into an icy loch, rowing a boat or scrambling up a mountain.

Music was an important part of Rab’s life. He played the tin whistle, guitar, and played bagpipes as a member of the Calgary Police Pipe Band. He also had a beautiful singing voice. His rendition of “Danny Boy” was known to bring a tear to the eye.

In his later years, Rab worked as a security officer at the Glenbow Museum. He enjoyed being surrounded by art, culture and history, while taking pride in keeping the museum’s collections and visitors safe.

Rab will be remembered for his sharp wit, storytelling, big belly laughs, and bear hugs. He is survived by his children, Arran, Corran and Annan; his grandchildren, Oban, Oran and Rogan; and his younger brother, Jim. He will be deeply missed by his family and many friends around the world.

The family extends their deepest gratitude to the medical professionals at Southwood Hospice and Foothills Hospital for the compassionate care they provided to Rab during his final days.

A celebration of Rab’s life will be held Thursday, September 3, 2026 from 3:00 p.m. until 6:00 p.m. his favourite pub, Jameson's Pub, 1230 - 17 Avenue SW, Calgary, Alberta, T2T 0B8.