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Ruskin BROWN Obituary
Ruskin W. Brown, 63, passed away from pancreatic cancer on January 2, 2014. He wanted all to know that he didn't die peacefully; he wasn't quite done with his ever-expanding list of projects, and he left for his trip to heaven kicking and screaming. Ruskin was born April 29, 1950 in West Palm Beach to Edwin W. Brown and Doris Montgomery Brown. He is survived by his wife, Julia Bower Brown, two daughters, Jeanette and Wellsley Brown, two sisters, Deedra Cook and Holly (David) Hastings, his brother, Victor Brown, and a large extended family of in-laws and nieces and nephews. Ruskin attended Mercer University where he majored in partying with his Sigma Alpha Epsilon fraternity brothers. Then God called him to minister to the sick as a devoted servant physician. Ruskin transferred to Vanderbilt University and went on to graduate from the Vanderbilt School of Medicine. He moved back to West Palm Beach and joined his father's urology practice where he served for 30-plus years. He was blessed with great partners, staff, colleagues and patients and enjoyed all parts of his medical practice with the exception of the electronic medical record. He had numerous hobbies and interests including: remodeling, rewiring, relandscaping (especially relocating sprinklers) and running to Home Depot. Before his shoulders and knees went out on him, he enjoyed water skiing, windsurfing, and snow skiing, and in later years switched to kayaking, paddleboarding, and crawling around the attic. He was an avid collector of friends and unquestionably had one of the largest and most exquisite collections known to man. In fact, in addition to his faith and his family, his collection of friends was one of his most treasured possessions. He had an uncanny ability of finding friends to add to his collection, and once he found one, he never let him or her go. He found paradise here on earth when he took up residence on Dolphin Drive in 1988. There he built the home of his dreams on the Loxahatchee, was blessed with a wife and two daughters who loved him like crazy, and enjoyed the greatest neighbors one could ever hope to have. Ruskin's life will be celebrated with a memorial service on January 11, 2014, at 2:00 p.m. at the Episcopal Church of the Good Shepherd, 400 Seabrook Road, Tequesta, FL. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the Episcopal Church of the Good Shepherd's Outreach Ministries or a donation to a charity of your choice. Ruskin's parting advice would be to either start or continue to build your own friend collection because in times of trouble, there is no greater support than that of a devoted friend. Ruskin would remind you of the following poem: 'Friendship is a priceless gift that cannot be bought or sold; but to have an understanding friend is worth far more than gold.' Go find your gold today. Ruskin is shining in heaven. Rest in peace, dear friend. For online condolences please visit www.taylorandmodeen.com
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Memories and Condolences
for Ruskin BROWN
Sponsored by His Loving Family.
Roger Rose
March 28, 2014
Ruskin Brown was the finest doctor that my wife, Uci, and I have ever known. I have known many since my prostate cancer.
I first met him following advice of my father, in 2008, and instantly bonded with him for life. I lament that God chose to take him so soon but know that he will live in our hearts for as long as we live. Were it not for his gentle enquiring way, we might not have our twins, Serena Alma and Radja Alan. I had voiced that I had always wanted children and yet believed we could not have our own following cancer.
He smiled in that marvelous way of Ruskin and told me simply that it was possible. God took the lead from Ruskin and they will be eighteen months old in another week.
To Ruskin's family, no words can console but know that your husband and father was without equal, loved, respected and honored by all who knew him.
Bob Pope
January 24, 2014
I was a patient of Dr. Brown several years ago and he was a great Dr. and also my wife Maureen used to work with him as a nurse at Good Sam. She thought he was a great Dr. too. They are both in heaven now and may God bless Dr. Ruskin!
Gretchen Everman
January 21, 2014
We were saddened to hear of Rusty's passing. My husband, Steve and Rusty were in Key club together and graduated from Palm Beach high school the same year.
Our condolence to Rusty's family and friends.
With Regards,
Gretchen & Steve Everman
Carolyn Lavelle
January 14, 2014
Julie,
What a beautiful obituary for your husband and what a beautiful man. We are so sorry to hear the sad news at All Saints as your family was a such an integral part of our community for so many years. Our sympathies go out to you in this most difficult time.
Joe and Marilyn Hall
January 12, 2014
Dear Julie, Wellesley, and Jeanette,
Joe and I send our love and prayers to your family on the loss of your wonderful beloved husband and father. We love you dearly and if there is anything we can do for you please let us know. Julie, we will miss the four of us going to the altar rail for our mutual anniversary blessing date. We know you will miss Ruskin so very, very much. you have such precious memories to cherish. A donation to our wonderful Church of the Good Shepherd Outreach Mission is being made in Ruskin's memory from Joe and I. You are such a blessed and loved family.
In God's love and prayers
Joe and Marilyn Hall
Lorraine Eddy
January 10, 2014
I had the privilege of working with Dr Brown at St Mary's as a RN in the cysto rooms and the OR until 1995. It was always a pleasure to work with him. He was a big guy with a big smile and a bigger heart. My sympathy and prayers go out to his family.
January 9, 2014
Dear Julie, I was deeply saddened to learn of Ruskin's passing. I know Nick had the highest regard for him both as a physician and friend. No words can help ease your pain, but may you be consoled by your memories and Ruskin's legacy. I pray that you find peace and comfort and may God carry you always. Pat Rojo
David Rondon
January 9, 2014
Dear Julie: It was incredibly touching to hear of the news of Ruskin's passing. He was truly a great, and compassionate man, he knew when to take the extra time to express words of kindness for all of those in need,rest in peace.
January 8, 2014
Dear Julia and family, I was deeply saddened to learn of Dr. Brown's passing. He was always upbeat and had a huge smile when I passed him in the corridors of St. Mary's. He will be missed. You are in my prayers. Pat Keeler
Beth Long
January 8, 2014
Words cannot express how sorry I am to hear about this news of Ruskin. I really got to know him when we both sat on the vestry board at Good Shepherd, he was conversational, a good listener and funny! I loved his sense of humor and the obituary was a PERFECT recap of a great and loving man. You will be missed by many and in so many ways.
January 8, 2014
To Julie, Jeanette and Wellsley,
We are heartbroken with sadness for all of you. May God comfort each one of you and help you during this difficult time.
The Goodwin Family (Maureen, Bridget and Darby)
susi untracht
January 7, 2014
Our deepest sympathy and heart felt wishes to Julie and the kids.... What a kind caring man who left a legacy love to his family...we pray for you.
Beverly and Arthur Corte
January 7, 2014
Dede, Walter , Win and Emerson , how sadden we were to learn of the death of your dear loved one. To read about him it is quite obvious that it would be an honor and a privilege to be called "his friend". What a tremendous loss in so many lives. He will always remain in your hearts and soul. Our condolences to room mate Walter and the entire Brown family.
David Dodge
January 7, 2014
One of the greatest people I've known in my life. A huge loss.
Beverly Hudson
January 7, 2014
I am so sad to learn of Dr. Brown's passing. Such a gentle and kind hearted man. The obituary had me laughing and smiling but with tears in my eyes. My thoughts and prayers are with his family and friends.
Eran Hastings
January 7, 2014
He was a wonderful person with an amazing heart. I was blessed to have such an amazing uncle. He will always hold a special place in all of my family's hearts. I love you and miss you uncle Ruskin!
Carol and Herb Sherman
January 6, 2014
We were patients for over 20 years. He was so proud of his family. What a loss.
Kim Clark-Zambotti
January 6, 2014
I had the pleasure of working with Dr. Brown when I was a nurse at Good Samaritan, he always treated the nurses with respect and was an excellent surgeon! He will be truly missed by many. My thoughts and prayers are with his family.
Valarie Costanzo
January 6, 2014
What a wonderful man. Worked with him in the ER at Good Sam and my father was a patient. He was a fantastic doctor and a wonderful human being. He will be greatly missed.. RIP
Andrea Giordani
January 6, 2014
I had the privilege of knowing and working Dr. Brown. He would always come into the OR with such enthusiasm and a contagious smile on his face! The staff and patients loved him. God gained a special person. We will miss you!
Art Pumpian
January 6, 2014
Wonderful doctor, better person.
January 6, 2014
We didn't know Dr. Ruskin, but after reading this, we surely wish we had! We're very sorry that such a terrific person is no longer with us. My husband is also an SAE, and we both think this is the most wonderful obituary of the decade. Congratulations to whomever composed it. It made this person come alive for us. We send condolences to his family...I know they are wonderful too! Sincerely, the Carey's.
4 south staff- Good Samaritan Medical Center
January 6, 2014
Our thoughts and prayers are with the Brown family.He was a joy to work with,always a smile on his face and so kind to the nursing staff.He will be greatly missed but never forgotten.
ed mcclusky
January 6, 2014
Moved upstate fl kept in touch with rusty via E-MAIL info & jokes he never said a word about his illness,a great guy condolences to the family
Carol Lombardo
January 6, 2014
I was extremely shocked to hear of Dr Brown's untimely death. I was not only privileged to know and work with him for almost 20 years in Good Sam's OR, but also to be under his care from time to time. I will always remember him as a soothing, peaceful friend with that smile that always brought one to your face. God give you peace and rest and keep those other angels laughing with your jokes.
Louise Cusa
January 6, 2014
I also had the great honor of working with Dr.Brown at Good Sam for twenty plus years as a nurse on various floors . He was always one of my favorite docs to work with..always a smile on his face and a respectful and kind way with his patients.
Henry Prettyman
January 6, 2014
I was very saddened to hear of Rusty's passing. I met Rusty shortly after moving to WPBeach. We attended Central Jr HS & Palm Beach HS together, class of '68. I have fond memories of us making skimboards together in his parents garage one summer,& then enjoying them at the beach.Rusty had a great sense of humor & a laugh you couldn't forget. My deepest sympathies to Rusty's family.
James Greene
January 6, 2014
To the family and collection of friends I wanted to share that I only had the honor of seeing Dr. Brown twice but he made such an empression on me, he was the most kind hearted person I have ever met along with an outstanding Doctor. My thoughts and prayers are with his wife and family now.
Kathy Fahey
January 5, 2014
I had the honor of working with Dr. Brown at Good Sam and Jupiter Medical Center. Not only was he a gifted physician, surgeon and healer, he was a soulful being. An angel on earth, and now once again in heaven. Watch over us Dr. Brown!
Nadine Adley
January 5, 2014
WHAT A GREAT SURGEON AND OH SO LOVING AND KIND TO HIS PATIENTS. HE WILL BE MISSED
Dan Dortch
January 5, 2014
My Dear Friend Rusty, one of the finest, most selfless human beings I've ever had the privilege of knowing. We grew up together and it always amazed me that when things did not go well he never blamed, he never said an unkind word about anyone, he just did his best and moved on. Rusty, you will be missed.
My deepest condolences and sympathies to all,
Dan Dortch
Debbie Finnel
January 5, 2014
Very sorry of hearing of this untimely passing. He was a great comfort to my family as a surgeon to my baby brother who was able to live a normal life due to his skill and dedication. God bless and Rest easy.
Mary Walters
January 5, 2014
I had the pleasure of working with Dr. Brown as a nurse in the Recovery Room. What a wonderful, compassionate, humble man. Loved by all. I then went on to see him at the JHS swim meets. My thoughts and prayers are with his wife and family now. I know how he is missed in the Medical Community and can't imagine how he will be missed by his family and collection of friends. Heaven gained another angel on January 2nd.
January 5, 2014
I was sadden to learn of Ruskin's passing and I send my sympathy to his entire family. He was a good doctor, good person, and good friend.
Abe Szmukler
Phyllis Thompson Lucas
January 5, 2014
Dee, I am so very sorry for your loss. I lost my brother, Charles some years ago to a sudden heart attack. I know the pain you and your family are going through. I will always remember Rusty for his kindness in taking me to the prom on just a moment's notice. He was so s sweet to me on that evening so long ago. Rest in peace.
Andrea Perry
January 5, 2014
He will be missed in so many ways, but his Spirit will live in the many, many lives he touched, and friends he "collected" We could all learn from him and live our lives with the same zest for life and love for others. I pray that you find peace and comfort in the days to come
Eugenia Solorzano Daly
January 5, 2014
Deirdra, may God give you and your family strength during this very difficult time. So sorry for your loss.
Eugenia Solorzano
Paulette Lewis
January 5, 2014
Ruskin taught me how to water ski in High School, patience of a Saint!...showed his quick humor at my dad', Phil Lewis, wake,
His friendship is a Gift!
Blessings and Gratitude faithful "Gold" friend, Godspeed ,
Paulette and The Phil Lewis and. Cashman Family
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