Notice Board

The University of Lethbridge offers its sincere condolences to the family and friends of pioneering energy sector entrepreneur Dr. Robert Brawn (LLD ’16), who passed away June 29, 2026, at the age of 89.

Brawn was an influential supporter of ULethbridge, honorary degree recipient, and well-known philanthropist through the Brawn Family Foundation. Noted for his entrepreneurial spirit, Brawn was a major driving force behind Calgary’s energy sector. As President and CEO of Turbo Resources, Brawn grew his company’s portfolio from $1 million in sales to over $500 million in 12 years. He would go on to lead several other successful business ventures, all the while seeking ways to give back to his community through initiatives such as The Brawn Family Foundation.

Established in 1976, the Brawn Family Foundation quickly gained recognition as a key contributor to worthwhile community causes throughout southern Alberta. In 2007, the Association of Fundraising Professionals awarded the Brawn Family Foundation the Generosity of Spirit Philanthropic Family Award, a testament to the foundation’s ongoing dedication to serving the interests of the Calgary community.

His enterprises employed multiple ULethbridge graduates and in 2017, the Brawn Family Foundation began sponsoring ULethbridge students to participate annually in the world renowned Semester at Sea program.

“The whole goal of our foundation is to give back and create a bigger, better community,” said Kelley Buckley (BA ’84), one of Brawn’s daughters and director of the Brawn Family Foundation, when the gift was announced. “My father realized what a powerful program Semester at Sea was. Both of my kids, my sister’s kids, my sister and I have all sailed and he just felt it made a dramatic difference in our lives. As well, since four of our family are U of L alums, this was a great way to combine two programs that have impacted our lives.”

To learn more about Brawn, see this memorial notice. A celebration of life event will be held Sunday, July 19, 5 p.m., at Heritage Park’s Gasoline Alley (Calgary). The University will lower its flag in recognition of Brawn for the weekend of his service.