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BROWNING (obituary for Dewey Browning)
| Source: |
Rocky Mountain Mountaineer |
| Date: |
November 25, 2008 |
On November 20th, 2008, Dewey Browning passed away at the age of 86.
He was first diagnosed with cancer in 1992, then 2003 and 2007. He had
planned to be a three-time cancer survivor but it proved too strong
for him to wrangle this time.
He was predeceased by his parents, wife Neva and brother Dick.
He is forever remembered by his companion, Karen Caiati; his children
Wade (Cindy) of Calgary, Dena Miller (Dan) of Rocky and Kurt (Sonia)
of Toronto, Ontario; grandchildren Jeremy Browning, Kaylei Whitman,
Jesslyn and Joelle Miller, Gabriel and Dillon Browning Rodriguez; his
sister Thelma Montgomery and Aunt Elsie Stewart of Ricinus, numerous
cousins, nieces, nephews, neighbours and friends.
Arnold John Browning was born near the Clearwater River November 3,
1922, to Jack and Gladys, moving five miles upriver at the age of
seven where he made his home for his entire life. He attended Ricinus
School but was much more interested in following in his family’s
footsteps - trapping and guiding in the west country. Growing up,
Dewey was naturally involved as horse jingler, water packer, wood
gatherer and gofer. He graduated to guide at the age of 15 and earned
his license in 1940. Dewey married Neva Hart in 1947. With the sudden
death of his father in 1960, Dewey took over the outfitting business
and carried on the solid reputation. His proudest accomplishment was
when Joe Sellitti of Pennsylvania bagged an award winning 41-inch Big
Horn ram in Dewey’s 41st year as a guide. In 1987 he retired from
outfitting but continued to trap beaver that were causing road damage
in the county. Dewey taught horse packing courses at Olds College to
those interested in learning the back country ways.
Wade and Dena were born into the family and Kurt came along at the
right time to take figure skating lessons in the newly upgraded
arena. This was only the beginning of Kurt’s career, taking the
Brownings to competitions in ever distant destinations. They were well
known in the world of figure skating as down to earth folks all over
Canada and the U.S., in Paris, Prague, Budapest, Lillehammer,
Albertville and London. The family reveled in Kurt’s accomplishments
as four-time Canadian and World Champion and many family members
attended his shows and competitions.
Dewey always felt it was important for people to come together in
celebration, for fun and entertainment or in remembrance. His father
spearheaded the first Big Horn Rodeo in 1933 where as a young child,
Dewey ran the riggings back to the chutes. Later he became a rodeo
pick-up man. He contributed to the community as a Caroline Elks
member, President of the Caroline Curling Club, Charter member and
President of the Caroline Lions Club, Member of the Wheels of Time
Museum and was instrumental in the evolution of the Caroline ice rink
to a covered arena. He was a tireless worker in organizing the Guide
and Outfitter Dances, Trapper’s Balls and laying trails for the
snowmobile poker runs. He invited the whole clan of Browning
descendents to convene at the ranch in 1988 for what became the
inaugural family reunion.
When Neva passed away in 2000, Dewey found new life for his story
telling in the pages of the Western Star newspaper and then published
in books. He toured with Kurt and there met Karen Caiati. They spent
winters in warmer climates and traveled together.
A celebration of Dewey’s life will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Friday,
November 28, 2008, in the Dovercourt Community Hall.
In his last days he was cared for in the Rocky Mountain House General
Hospital Palliative Care Unit and any donations in his name would be
appreciated.
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