Bob’s journey with Parkinson’s and dementia ended in much the same way that he lived, with silent strength and his loved ones by his side. Adopted by his loving parents Boyd and Ida Brown in 1939 in Vancouver, BC., his first schooling was in a one room schoolhouse in Essondale where his father worked with Health & Welfare. After the family moved to Victoria, Bob attended George Jay Elementary, Central Jr. High, and Vic High, where he met his soulmate, Betty (nee Williamson). The basketball player and the cheerleader were married soon after.
Family was the cornerstone of Bob’s life. Together with Betty, he built a tight-knit family with daughter Debbie (Roger) Pires, and sons Bob (Christine) and Rick (Rhonda) Brown. A beloved ‘Papa,’ Bob remains a hero to his grandchildren Michael (Jessica), Alysa (Adam), Adam, Alana (Dan), and Emma (Peter). In 2021, Bob was promoted to “Great Papa” with the birth of his two great granddaughters, Sawyer and Lucy.
Bob and Betty were married in 1959. Bob’s work as a draftsman for California Standard Oil brought the young couple to Calgary where they soon welcomed their first child, Debbie. Returning to Victoria to raise their family, Bob and Rick were born shortly after. Bob joined the Victoria Fire Department where he proudly served 32 years before retiring as Assistant Chief in 1993.
Bob’s life was spent in service to his community, acting as President of the VFD’s Benevolent Society, and as a dedicated soccer, Little League, and lacrosse coach. Bob was a kind man and a good friend to all. He enjoyed the company of many friends, neighbours, and his brothers at the Fire Hall. He was the President and Co-Founder of the “Charcoal Gang,” providing a place for retired firefighters to stay connected.
Bob and Betty loved to travel, taking many trips with friends and family. Bob especially adored any place where he could swim in the ocean. Whether on one of their many trips to Maui, cruising to Alaska, Panama, and Florida, or driving their motor home to California and across the Island, Bob and Betty shared a sense of adventure and a deep appreciation of nature’s beauty.
A lifelong athlete, Bob passed on his love of sport to his children and grandchildren. He enjoyed swimming, cycling, running, tennis, basketball, and softball, but his truest passion was cheering on his grandchildren. Rain or shine, he never missed a game (or a dance recital). He was a mainstay in the crowd at the Victoria Shamrocks’ games where he could often be found pacing above the seats.
Bob loved holidays and all family gatherings. From annual readings of “The Night Before Christmas” to hiding under the “troll bridge” at Rathtrevor Campground, Papa created magic for his grandchildren through countless traditions and meaningful memories.
Bob is predeceased by his parents, and his sister-in-law Louise McCulloch. He will be greatly missed by his sister Linda (Ken) Armstrong, his nieces and nephews, and his dear friend John Devlin, who was a constant with his caring visits through the end of Bob’s life.
Our deepest thanks to the staff at Saanich Peninsula Hospital, Extended Care Unit 1 for their incredible care and support, not just of Bob but our whole family. Though it is with great sadness that we say goodbye to Bob/Dad/Papa, we are able to move forward with strength and care for each other because he showed us how.
“True love is a many splendored thing”
No service by request, but donations to SPH Foundation (Long Term Care) are greatly appreciated. https://sphf.ca/support-the-saanich-peninsula-hospital/
Condolences may be offered to the family below.
McCall Gardens
www.mccallgardens.com
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Mike & Marg Metcalfe
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Thomas Bourne Betty and family, I was saddened to read about Bob’s passing. He was a first class individual in every way. Lots of Love Tom Bourne
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Blair Gurney I wish the entire Brown family strength and condolences during this challenging time.
Mr. Brown, what a legend and mentor to so many people, young and old. Bob coached me in lacrosse and little did I know at the time how much influence he would have on my life. He taught me sportsmanship,the ability to compete with integrity, respect and fairness. He taught me and all the “Bob Brown, John Devlin and Terry Jay kids” perserverance, pushing through obstacles and never giving up on our goals.
Sharing memories and stories will bring you tears of sadness, joy and laughter as you celebrate and cherish a truly remarkable human.
~Blair and Lisa Gurney
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Terry Jay Betty, Debbie, Bob,and Rick
Just saw Bob’s remembrance today and I was moved.
I truly have missed him, he ment so much to me. He started me on my journey of coaching, which I am eternally grateful, not only for the gift he gave me,but for all the guidance along the way.
He was a great mentor and friend, both him and John welcomed me into their families which I am so blessed by, the memories I have are everlasting, with the lessons learnt along the way.
My thoughts are with you Betty, My Love goes out to All.
Love Always
Terry Jay
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Lyle Garraway I knew Bob and Betty in high school. Even in those early days it was clear that Bob was going to be a community and family leader. I have kept in touch with Bob indirectly over the years through his family and extended family. Having worked with Debbie for a number of years the positive qualities that Bob and Betty passed on to their family were very clear.
Bob’s career success was apparent to those who kept in touch with developments in the local community and his sports leadership was very evident in the involvement of Bob and Rick. Although Bob’s demise was long and difficult, his obituary clearly shows the myriad of positive long term memories you all have for the future.
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Jim Stewart Betty, Debbie, Bob, Rick and family
Though I have not seen Bob for a very long time, I have always held my memories of him amongst the best in my life. He was a great man and I am honoured to have had a small part of him in my life. Thank you Bob, your life made a difference in mine and many others
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Ken Passmore My heartfelt condolences to Betty, Debbie, Bob, Rick and the entire extended family. Bob was a very influential person in my life. He coached and mentored me in basketball, lacrosse and in life. I always felt that when Bob was around I could achieve great things, his presence was enough to make me feel that I could overcome any obstacle. I learned how to set and achieve goals, work with other people all while treating everyone with dignity and respect.
Words seem inadequate – but thank you for sharing Bob with the rest of us. He was a great man and I am richer for having known him.
Ken Passmore
Dear Betty & Family , Marg and I have been recalling all the visits with you and Bob in the Willows Beach walks….always such great memories of sharing stories about our families….we will miss those
Chats…..but so nice to have memories ! Take good care Betty, hope to see you soon at willows!