Geelong mayor during Pyramid collapse, Brian Vincent Fowler OAM, mourned after passing

A former mayor at the helm during the Pyramid group collapse is being remembered as an inspirational leader after losing his battle with Parkinson’s disease.

Brian Fowler was the City of Geelong mayor at the time of the Pyramid collapse. Picture: Alison Wynd

A former mayor at the helm during the Pyramid group collapse is being remembered as a true “Geelong legend” and inspirational leader after losing his battle with Parkinson’s disease.

Brian Vincent Fowler, 83, held City Hall’s top job from 1989-1991, helping guide Geelong through the catastrophic demise of the Pyramid Building Society.

The collapse, in June 1990, kickstarted a nationwide financial crisis and brought about the downfall of Victorian Premier John Cain.

Brian Fowler is being remembered as a strong Geelong leader.

Mr Fowler, an Order of Australia Medallist (OAM), was farewelled at a funeral service at the Novotel last month after “a good seven year fight” with the disease.

His son, David Fowler, described him as a “big game fisherman” and “squash guru” before paying homage to an “incredibly inspirational life.”

“We’re so incredibly proud of all of your amazing achievements, your energy and leadership through all sorts of challenges,” he said in a touching online tribute.

“Thank you for all of your love, support, wisdom, opportunities and experiences you’ve given us all along your journey.”

Brian Fowler was the City of Geelong mayor at the time of the Pyramid collapse. Picture: Alison Wynd

Mr Fowler, a pharmacist and respected businessman, was a much-loved figure who always had the city’s best interests at heart.

He received an OAM medal during the Australia Day Awards in 1993 for his outstanding service to local government.

Three years earlier he was Geelong’s mayor during the Farrow Group collapse that left debts exceeding $2 billion.

The bust proved devastating for thousands of mum and dad investors in Geelong who lost life savings, homes and businesses.

In a character trait exuded for much of his life, he showed strong leadership and wisdom during the fallout, creating a mayoral committee of leading local identities to help those hurt.

Mr Fowler with press clippings of the Pyramid affair.

Now, his family is determined to raise money to improve the lives of people living with Parkinson’s or Atypical Parkinson’s in his name, dedicating a website to the Fowler “patriarch”.

He fought “in true Brian-a-boy style”, according to his son, and “battled hard til the end” before passing peacefully on May 16.

A Fight Parkinson’s page in his honour has already raised more than $1500.

Mr Fowler – the son of Helen and Harold and brother of Barry and Noel – is survived by his wife, Liz, children David, Paul and Jen and six grandchildren Liam, Ryan, Neve, Paddy, Alexander and Maggie, who affectionately called him “Grumps”.

To donate to Brian Fowler’s Fight Parkinson’s.

Originally published as Geelong mayor during Pyramid collapse, Brian Vincent Fowler OAM, mourned after passing