Menu
Search by Name
Search by Name
FUNERAL HOME
Robert Brownlee Obituary
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Robert Brownlee
Cousin Jeff & Cousin Karen Brown
October 13, 2009
Dear Nancy & Family,
What a blessing to be able to with you all at Bob's memorial. Such a tribute to such a wonderful person. We will treasure our times together at your camp in Naples. Please stay in touch.
Susan Haynes
October 13, 2009
"If you want the ca to go step on the gas" As a scared driver, Mr. Brownlee often stepped on my gas petal to get up to speed on the highway. To this day, I step on the gas entering the highway just the way he taught me. Mr. Brownlee was an amazing teacher and had a love for politics.
Susan Hunt-Haynes LHS 1988
Merrilee Waltman (Leach)
October 13, 2009
Mr. Brownlee was a great teacher. I have fond memories of him as a great government and economics teacher as well as teaching many of us drivers training and his amazing Northeastern accent. He will be greatly missed as he touched the lives of many of us students and staff @ ol Lakeview High School. My sympathies and prayers are with his family.
LHS Class 1985
Jeanne Case
October 12, 2009
Mr Brownlee was an amazing teacher. He taught me that the commercialization of the media and made me really think about politics. His insight and passion were amazing. He used to tell us people who would be big in politics and then I would see their name on the ballot years later.
I also enjoyed his accent. From driver's ed, "put the ca in paak". Definately a teacher who made a difference in my life. Jeanne Ellis-Case LHS 1988
Martha (Penn) Camp
October 11, 2009
Mr. brother, Jeff Penn (class of 70), had Mr. Brownlee as a teacher and really enjoyed debating philosophy with him. Anyone who knew Jeff knew it was difficult to keep up with him. Jeff is also gone now, but Mr. Brownlee helped form his keen intellect as he went on to get his PhD in Philosophy . . . much of the credit for this he gave to Mr. Brownlee. God bless you all.
Ellen Crabtree
October 11, 2009
Mr. Brownlee and I ran into one another just two years ago. During our conversation I was able to let him know the inspiration he gave me to become a Social Studies Teacher. In addition, just two weeks ago I wrote an essay for my coursework where I discussed the fond memories I have of Mr. Brownlee. He challenged me in ways that were not the norms of other teachers. The foundations of my political views were formed in his class. It is a pleasure for me to reflect back on, and share with others, the interesting teaching methods and techniques of Mr. Robert Brownlee. Lakeview High School Class of 1991. Ms. Ellen Crabtree, M.Ed. Higher Education Leadership.
October 10, 2009
On behalf of the people of the City of Battle Creek, I would like to say thanks to Bob for making our community better; by getting hundreds of students interested in what he taught on a daily basis. He made all students work hard and have fun in class. Bob also loved Battle Creek and worked hard to get good people into public office. I enjoyed having coffee with him and will miss that opportunity. Bob you're one of Battle Creek's finest. My MOM and one of the best Lakeview school teachers departed Battle Creek on the same day.
Love you both, Mark A. Behnke, Mayor of Battle Creek
Katie Broholm
October 8, 2009
I have fond memories and his teachings have followed me throughout my life. A wonderful teacher in every sense of the word. My sympathies to his family...
Bruce McFee
October 8, 2009
I remember Mr. Brownlee very well. He was my Economics teacher at Lakeview High School during my senior year, 1974-75.
He taught a very interesting class and was well liked by the students. He always stressed the importance of conservation, particularly for natural resources.
Katy Cross
October 8, 2009
My sympathies to the Brownlee Family. He was one of those rare teachers who made his students "think"---such a gift to so many. If asked, he would likely not remember me...but I sure do remember him. Truly a gifted teacher and clearly, beloved by many. Katy Cross Ressler, class of '79
October 8, 2009
Dear Nancy and family,
I am terribly sorry to hear this news. I so loved "debating" over all things government with Mr. Brownlee. What a wonderful memory. I understand he took the time to feed my father while visiting him at Borgess Nursing Home just recently. What a treasure. My heart and prayers are with you all at this time. Bless you.
~ Margie (Jennings) Morris
Bill Walters
October 8, 2009
Mr. Brownlee, was a great teacher and man. He taught me and my best friend how to drive. When I went into Military Intelligence, the FBI went to his home and interviewed him. I stopped and saw him a few times when I was a police officer, I wish I had stopped more often. Iam now CEO of some companies and literally this morning, I was telling some people a story about myself and Mr. Brownlee and the man stopped me and said.."Did you know he died?" No, I did not. Iam so very sorry. Mr. Brownlee was an intelligent, honest, great teacher, man and friend. I was so proud to be one of his many students. God bless him and you always. Class of 1965
Ron Jozwiak
October 8, 2009
Mark, Ann, and the whole Brownlee family, I am so sorry for your loss. I had your father as a teacher in 1974. Believe me, I was not the best of students. But I so enjoyed your fathers class. He will be remembered by many.
Dennis & Linda Jackson
October 7, 2009
Dear Nancy and your entire family,
We were so shocked to hear the news of Bob. Bob was a "great" friend and will be missed. We enjoyed spending time with you both at your summer home in Maine. We had so many great laughs and great conversations. We are so sorry we couldn't make it to Maine this past summer. We feel so helpless not being there with you at this time. Our prayers
and love to you and your family.
Chris Simmons
October 7, 2009
Mr. Brownlee was by far the best teacher I ever had...in high school or college. He taught his students how to think, rather than lecture at them. He inspired in me a love of law and the political process, which ultimately led me to a degree in Political Science in college. My deepest condolences to his family. He will be missed, but I'm sure the students he inspired will continue to make a positve impact in our world for many years to come.
Beth Barnes
October 7, 2009
OMG! I am so sorry to hear that Mr. Brownlee has passed away! I had him at Lakeview... and he was funny!!! I loved his movies... he was sooo detailed in them too! We had to pay attention to what people were wearing because they would be quiz questions! He was a great teacher and will be missed!!!! Beth Barnes, Class of 1990
wesley Sebring
October 7, 2009
I remember Bob most from the poker games he played with my dad and the other LHS teachers and also the two summers with his family building the cabin in Maine. He was a good family friend and will be misses.
Tom Class of 1970
October 7, 2009
" Mr. Brownlee" He taught his students to think, not follow. He taught us how to survive in the world, to ask questions. He made us argue with him and usually we made his point. A true teacher. May God bless him.
John Ritter
October 7, 2009
Mr Brownlee was a truly great educator and I have many great memories from his classes, after school golf and drivers training. May he rest in piece!
October 6, 2009
Nancy and all other family members, may God comfort you at this time of great loss. As a retired educator, it was heart warming to read the many positive comments from former students and the Supt. Bob will be greatly missed.
Cousin Jerry Sinclair & Spouse Shirley
Rus Smith
October 6, 2009
Nancy and family, Bob will be missed here at Lakeview. We enjoyed seeing him during his retirement years in the pressbox at the Friday night football games.
Rus
Deborah Gerhardy
October 6, 2009
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
Michelle BarlondSmith
October 6, 2009
My deepest sympathies to the family. I had him both in HS and college - There are people who touch your lives and Mr. Brownlee was one who touched many lives... A fabulous teacher who taught his students to think for themselves and not to be sheep. Rest in Peace Mr. Brownlee and thank you from the bottem of my little independent heart.
Scott Berry
October 6, 2009
One of the best teachers that I ever had!
Layla Al-Khater
October 6, 2009
Thanks, Mr. B for teaching us how to be students--to really question the world around us, expecting us to raise our own standards, and remaining in our hearts and minds after all these years.
--LHS '92
Cheryl Southern
October 6, 2009
John, Tina and family,
There is nothing more to say that hasn't been said, he must have been a wonderful person, I know John always talked that way about him, wish I could have known him.
Our prayers go out to you all, I'm just so very sorry, our hearts are with you. God Bless,
Cheryl and Larry Southern
Tara Brower-Reniger
October 6, 2009
As a former student, I know Lakeview has lost one of their true iconic educators. I remember cramming in an article out of Newsweek every morning because I just knew he was going to call on me...then driving to some far away diner on an early summer morning in Drivers Ed so he could have his cup of coffee. Thanks "Boston Bob" you will be missed.
October 5, 2009
Mr.Brownlee was one of my favorite teachers. His lessons still come to mind today, 22 years later. I wish that my kids could have had the opportunity to have him as a teacher. My prayers go out to his family.Jane-Ellen (Decius)Anderson, Hobart, IN
Tara Anderson Lulich
October 5, 2009
I've never forgotten Mr. Brownlee's lessons about thinking for yourself instead of just regurgitating what the newspapers print. He was an amazing teacher whom I've often thought of over the past 19 years. His light will continue to shine in all of us.
Annette and Bryan Cornwell
October 5, 2009
John,Tina and family
Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
In peace and strength Annette and Bryan Cornwell.
Heather Turner Jude
October 5, 2009
Sorry to hear of your families loss. Mr. Brownlee was a great teacher at LHS. He touched so many students.
Joe Lussier
October 5, 2009
Lakeview Hall of Fame teacher to be sure! One of the most memorable and enjoyable classes I had. He taught us how to think about issues rather than just memorize some text.
He had a great, dry sense of humor as well and treated students *almost* as equals...I doubt he would throw chalkboard erasers at other teachers when they were asleep or not paying attention!
Gone too soon, remembered fondly and with appreciation.
Becky (Ellis)Leffler
October 5, 2009
Mr. Brownlee was one of my favorite teachers. He challenged me to keep up on current events. My sympathy goes out to his loved ones.
Paul Sherlin
October 5, 2009
Deepest sympathies to the Brownlee family. Like people said before me, funniest teacher I ever had. Still laugh everytime I tell stories about him. Loved him because of his honesty. A teacher that really did care about his students. "Boston Bob" you truly will be missed.
James Quinlan
October 5, 2009
One of my favorite teachers at Lakeview (1981-85) and one of the reasons I got a degree in Finance and Economics. He really made you think. RIP Mr. Brownlee and God bless your family.
Kimberly Webber
October 5, 2009
Brownlee Family;
I was saddened to hear of your loss. "Boston Bob" (as he was known), taught my Government class at LHS. He was a good man and a pleasure to have as a teacher.
My sympathy and prayers go out to you during this difficult time.
Michelle Redman
October 5, 2009
May the love of friends and family carry you through your grief.
October 5, 2009
To the Brownlee family, our thoughts and prayers are with you now and always. David & Etta Schram.
Nina Stravers
October 5, 2009
Nancy and family: I am so sorry to hear of your loss. You are all in my prayers. May God bless and keep you.
Nina Stravers
Formally of Omni Family Credit Union
October 5, 2009
The Lakeview School District staff wants to send our sympathy. Bob is and will always be regarded as part of the Lakeview family as he touched many lives - both students and staff.
Cindy S. Ruble
Superintendent of the Lakeview School District
October 5, 2009
I'm so sorry for your loss. My mom had the deepest respect for you,and your family. Gail Tucker (Connie Rheynard's daughter)
Mary Burlingame
October 5, 2009
My heartfelt sympathy to the family. I was a student @ LHS and honestly enjoyed econ class. I can still hear his voice, " park the car " in his northeastern dialect. My thoughts are with you. Mary Quinn- Burlingame
Renee (Thompson) Heide
October 5, 2009
Whenever I vote, I hear his words like it was yesterday "Vote for the Party".
I'm from the Class of '71!
Tony Hubbard
October 5, 2009
Thank you for your leadership in the classroom, Mr. Brownlee. I learned from you every day. Godspeed.
Christopher Sherman
October 5, 2009
Truely one of the all time greats of the LHS teaching staff. He stressed the importance of keeping up on current events and thinking critically about issues involving social studies and political science. I will always remember him.
Darci Greco
October 5, 2009
My deepest sympathy goes out to the Brownlee family.
Elizabeth Gehrman
October 5, 2009
He was a good neighbor. I always remember the blue lights in the windows and on the trees at Christmas. God bless you all in your time of sorrow.
Mary Wiggins-Place
October 5, 2009
Funniest teacher I ever had...I still talk about him and it was 22 yrs ago. He definitely left his mark on this world.
The class of '87 was lucky enough to get him to speak at our graduation because he "had something to say". He will be missed.
Showing 1 - 48 of 48 results
Make a Donation
in Robert Brownlee's name
Memorial Events
for Robert Brownlee
How to support Robert's loved ones
Honor a beloved veteran with a special tribute of ‘Taps’ at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.
The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.
Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?
What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?
We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read moreResources to help you cope with loss
Estate Settlement Guide
If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast
Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read more
The Five Stages of Grief
They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.
Read moreWays to honor Robert Brownlee's life and legacy
Obituary Examples
You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.
Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples
These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.
Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?
Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.
Read more
