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Robert R Brownlee of Loveland, CO died Wednesday, May 2, 2018. The eldest of three children born to Clarence W and Francis C Brownlee in Zenith Kansas, Robert was born on March 4, 1924. He was preceded in death by his beloved wife Addie Leah Brownlee, sisters Donice Buller, Kay Brownlee and grandson Michael Groseclose. Robert came of age during the Great Depression, living on the family farm in rural Kansas. He said he came alive at age 5 when he started questioning the world around him. Then he started analyzing. That never stopped for his entire life. During WWII he served as a navigator of B-29's in the Army Air Corps, flying over the great expanses of the Pacific Ocean. He was on the island of Tinian at the end of the war. After the war, he completed his college education, taught high school science and math before earning a doctorate in astrophysics and astronomy. Armed with his Ph.D., Robert took a job at the Los Alamos Scientific Laboratory where he remained for 37 years, forging an exceptional career executing and analyzing nuclear tests at Bikini and Eniwetok Atolls and at the Nevada Test Site. Once retired, he wrote a book about his life, providing a rare glimpse into the life of a nuclear weapons scientist. His technical knowledge was so vast that he continued to advise, mentor and teach new generations of scientists, keeping his clearances right up until the time of his death. Colleagues, friends and family knew him as a great resource of knowledge, wisdom, humor and his strong Christian faith. Robert had degrees from Sterling College, the University of Kansas and Indiana University. His honors and awards include being a National Foundation Fellow, a University Fellow, and an Honorary Doctor of Science degree from Sterling College. He was given the Distinguished Associate Award of the Department of Energy in 1993. At Los Alamos, he was an Alternate Division Leader of the Nuclear Test Division, and the Division Leader of the Geosciences Division. He had many duties associated with the Joint Task Forces responsible for nuclear atmospheric testing in the Pacific, and was the Scientific Deputy Commander of Joint Task Force Eight at the time of its inactivation in 1975. Recognized by many as the Father of Underground Testing, he was tasked with designing and overseeing the first containment tests at the Nevada Test Site. A bi-product was the successful launching of a "manhole cover" into space. LOL. He was present for more than 300 underground nuclear tests. He was also a member of the US delegation to the United Nations for the Geothermal Energy Program and a visiting Assistant Professor of Astronomy at UCLA. He participated in solar eclipse expeditions to Mexico, Canada, South America and Africa. He was a participant and sometimes a test director of research rocket launches in Kauai and Poker Flat, Alaska. He was a member of the American Astronomical Society, the Astronomical Society of the Pacific, the International Astronomical Union, and the Royal Astronomical Society. He was listed in American Men of Science, Dictionary of International Biography, Leaders in American Science and in MARQUIS Who's Who in the West. Robert is survived by daughter Jeanne Berndsen and husband Johnny, daughter Nancy Bonnema and husband John, son Wayne Brownlee and wife Sharon, daughter Wenda Brownlee-Josh and husband Jerry, son Chipper Brownlee all living in Loveland, CO. Surviving also is foster son Elimelek John of Ebeye, Marshall Islands. Robert leaves 18 grandchildren, 21 great grandchildren, honorary children and numerous nieces and nephews, all who played a big part in his life. We thank the Lord for Robert. A celebration of his life memorial service will be held at 10:30 am on Thursday, May 10, 2018 at Mountain View Presbyterian Church, 2500 N. Garfield in Loveland, Colorado. Inurnment service will be held May 12, 2018, at 10:30 am at Stafford Cemetery, Stafford, Kansas. Memorial contributions may be made to Sterling College designating Sterling Now Robert Brownlee Memorial in care of by Kibbey-Fishburn Funeral Home and Crematory, 1102 N. Lincoln Avenue, Loveland, Colorado 80537
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Bob impacted my career more than any other, he was my mentor and was the most entertaining story teller I have ever known. Rest in peace Bob.
Fred App
May 24, 2018
My mentor and friend. I'm writing this under the stained-glass lamp you gave us so many years ago, delighted to have it as a constant reminder. hope you've had a chance to visit asteroid 15970 Robertbrownlee.
Eric & Di Jones
May 9, 2018
Profoundly grateful for having known and having had the privilege of working with such a great scientific mind and a such a wonderful person.
Bruce Trent
May 8, 2018
The New England Air Museum, home of the 58th Bomb Wing Memorial, sends it sincere condolences to the family and friends of this true American patriot and hero.
May he rest in peace.
Al Schutte
May 8, 2018
Outstanding supporter of National Atomic Testing Museum
Michael Hall
Friend
May 7, 2018
Michael Hall
May 7, 2018
may your soul be at peace, you have accompliced much on your time on earth , and was greatly loved. Great job Bob!
Angela Schmidt
May 6, 2018
We will miss you Bob! You have taught us a lot and for that we are forever grateful. RIP
May 6, 2018
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Kibbey-Fishburn Funeral Home & Crematory1102 N. Lincoln Ave., Loveland, CO 80537
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