Brian 'Sandy' Dowie Passes

Published: July 10, 2019 01:11 pm EDT

It has been announced that Standardbred racehorse owner Brian ‘Sandy’ Dowie, 60, passed away on Sunday, July 7 at the Cape Breton Regional Hospital Palliative Care Unit with his loving wife and sons by his side.

Born in Sydney on November 23, 1958, Dowie was a well-known businessman for the past 30 years. His love for sports included the Toronto Maple Leafs and he was also an owner of Standardbred racehorses for 35 years. He was a skilled hockey and baseball player while growing up, sports that he continued playing into adulthood. Dowie coached his sons and many of the area’s youth in hockey and baseball for several years, something he took great pride in. Sandy was a generous man, always giving and expecting nothing in return. He was blessed with many friends whom he looked forward to seeing each day, cherishing every minute. He leaves a void behind that can never be replaced. He will be greatly missed by all.

Sandy leaves behind his wife of 34 years, Paula, his three loving sons, Brian, Matthew (Leisha Crane) and his youngest, Gabriel; his mother Theresa; brother Danny (Thelma); sisters Janice Hollohan, Rita (Cyril) MacQueen, Annette (Michael) Erickson, Cathy Dowie (Carl); loving niece Aimee Crowe (Chris Conahan); brother-in-law Lowell Crowe; sisters-in-law Sylvia Burns, Linda Bryden, Carolyn Burns; special uncle Fr. Dan MacInnis and by several nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles and cousins.

He was predeceased by his father Alex, his sister Marie Crowe, father-in-law Frank Burns, mother-in-law Sheila Burns and brother-in-law Jimmy Hollohan.

Sandy’s family would like to send a special ‘thank you’ to Units 4D, CCU and 3B and the Palliative Care Unit and Dr. Ryan Kelly who provided excellent care, compassion and respect for Sandy during this difficult time. The family would also like to thank Dr. Kate MacInnis, who gave him hope, and to Dr. Saneea Abboud, who, with kindness and compassion, helped him finish his journey in peace and comfort. Additionally, to the nurses who treated Sandy like family, you will never be forgotten – thank you! Big thanks also go out to vending partner, Dave Lockerbie, who took a burden off Sandy’s shoulders, and to Dr. Reggie Sebastian, who was always there for him.

Visitation for Sandy will take place on Wednesday, July 10 from 2-4 and 7-9 p.m. at T.W. Curry Parkview Chapel. Funeral mass will be celebrated on Thursday, July 11 at 11 a.m. at St. Theresa’s Church with Fr. Dennis Lamey officiating.

Please join Standardbred Canada in offering condolences to the family and friends of Sandy Dowie.

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