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BORN
1937
DIED
2015
Robert Brown Obituary
October 9, 1937 – October 20, 2015
With profound sadness, we, the family of RJ, (Bob, Bobby) Brown tearfully announce his passing on the morning of Tuesday October 20, 2015, with us at his side, after a very brief illness. He was courageous, kind, caring, full of humour and welcoming to all, until his final breath.
Born in Shoal Lake, Manitoba to Morley and Ethel Brown, he was proud to be a big brother to Florence and Warren. He couldn't wait to get out of school and join the working world. His keen sense of humour started young, he was full of mischief and tricks and he loved playing! He played hockey, baseball, bowling, curling, and he liked going out to dance! Through his sister Florence's friendship, he met his wife Merlyne and they wed in 1958, raised two children, Warren and Lisa, were married for 36 years, and remained friends to this day.
There isn't a person involved in the airline business, doubtfully anywhere in North America, who didn't know who Bob Brown was. He was affable, he was knowledgeable and he was a dutiful employee in an industry he loved which started in 1958 with Trans Air in Waboden, Manitoba. After numerous postings, the family landed in Thunder Bay in 1979, and stayed! He loved the airline business so much, he retired twice from it! He often said, “Why would I retire when I get to travel somewhere warm and still work?”- two things that he adored! But in 2012 he finally decided, time to relax and he retired from Bearskin Airlines.
He loved to socialize, spending time with co-workers and friends, be it around the horseshoe at the Neebing Roadhouse or at the West Fort Prosvita, and probably a few more watering holes in between!
He was an avid sports fan; all sports! He even watched golf! He liked to have a few side bets now and again to make the games interesting; but never more than a couple of loonies! He was a loyal Montreal Canadians fan, Green Bay Packers fan, Cleveland Indians and of course the Cleveland Browns. He had weekly picks in NASCAR and the football pools.
This remarkable man, loved to travel somewhere warm but he also loved to come home; which he built with his family and friends, he loved his garden; his impeccable lawn, his beautiful flowers, his giant tomatoes! And he loved his cats – Ozzy and Harry.
He was a proud father to Warren and Lisa; adored being grandpa to Matthew and father-in-law to Debbie. He couldn't wait to give Matthew his Mixed Fish Club prize of a fishing rod!
How do we put into words his selfless nature; putting the needs of others ahead his own; believing that when you help others; good things will come back your way.
In proper Scotch/Irish fashion, we welcome you to join us at his wake, to be held at his beloved West Fort Prosvita, this Saturday, October 24, 2015, in the hall, from 1pm to 3pm. Bring your stories, your memories and visit with friends and family and Celebrate Bobby Brown's wonderful, wonderful life! We know his Irish Eyes will be shining down upon us, smiling, laughing and making sure we tell those stories right! In lieu of flowers, please make donations in his memory to the Thunder Bay and District Humane Society.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Robert Brown
25 Entries
Gayleen Haw
August 1, 2016
Bob was the best boss I ever had. I truly loved him. I hadn't seen him I years but thought of him often. I have so many memories of him when I worked for Nordair. I was a Bob's Angel! He was the best, the funniest, kindest of human being. Condolences to his family. Heaven has an angel who will light it up. RIP my friend and mentor. Gayleen Haw
Susan Zirnsak
October 27, 2015
Lisa my friend I am so sorry to hear of your Dads passing.
Love Sue Zirnsak
Dan + Patty Sawchuk
October 26, 2015
Warren and Lisa, sorry to hear about Bobs passing, Always enjoyed our conversations and his smile. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your families
Bob Bileski
October 25, 2015
we go way back to 1963 when he showed up in Red Lake to work to take my place and we trudged thru 3 feet of snow to find his accomodations... aviation has lost one of the *good guys* and most knowledgable aviation men you could find..RIP my old friend it was a very sad day when I heard of your passing..
Rodney Weimer
October 24, 2015
Condolences to Bob's family. It was a pleasure to work for a great guy. We enjoyed many days of who was going to get one up on the other first. I enjoyed a memorable visit with him and some of the YQT
gang a few years ago.
Cristine Voogd
October 24, 2015
Warren, I am so sorry to hear of your Dad passing. I remember him well at Bearskin while I was at Austin. My deepest condolences. Cris Sarvas Voogd
Irene Kacerik
October 24, 2015
I'm saddened to hear Bob, a soft spoken, talented man has left this world. An inside standing joke at the Nordair -YQT counter was a group of girls on his staff were called "Bob's Angels" a spin-off of Charlie's Angels due to their hype in the good ole '80's. I'm happy to be one of the Angels. He was my best boss, hands down. We worked hard, laughed often, I was part of his rookie pranks, partied at the Thunder Bay Flying Club and I walked away happy to have known this man, Bob Brown. I can hear him now, does she every stop talking earning my nickname Pac-man. He will be missed.
Ron & Jo-Anne Whitehead
October 23, 2015
Lisa & Warren. Our deepest sympathy to you and your family. Bob was a great boss but a better friend.
Ron & Jo-Anne Whitehead
October 23, 2015
Lisa & Warren. Our deepest sympathy to you and your family. BOB was a great boss but a better friend.
Roger Stupack
October 23, 2015
I am saddened to hear of Bob's passing and I know that he will be missed by many. A group of us old TransAir employees got together with Bob in Thunder Bay a few years ago to reminisce about the good old days at TransAir YQT. Needless to say we had a few laughs as we shared many stories about our adventures and capers while working for Bob. Sincere condolences to Bob's family.
Roger Stupack (Winnipeg)
Jim, Joan & Bill Ellam
October 23, 2015
Lisa...so sorry for your loss.
Hellen Girard
October 23, 2015
Lisa & warren, so sorry for your loss, he was a great man and I loved working for and with him, it was not the same when he retired and he was and will be missed by a lot of people
Hellen
Terry Francis
October 23, 2015
A man of many talents,who decided what he wanted and went for it. His family and a life in Thunder Bay were high on his list. Bob was a man who created laughter, fun and lasting bonds. A person always content and at peace. Even though many years have gone by since we got together he will be missed.
My sincere condolences to his family. Rest well dear friend.
Gayle Dawson
October 23, 2015
No words...it was an honour to be your friend.
Vi Eddy
October 22, 2015
Best boss in the airline industry ever just amazing
October 22, 2015
Dear Warren & Lisa,
Your Dad was a gem to me,espeeially being a new immigrant.He was quick to recognize my long airline background overseas 7 took full advantage of the knowledge I came with.
He turned out to be a good friend who worked hard &loved to laugh & yes...play pranks on the rookies.
Please accept my wife Gemma & my condolences.May he rest in peace.
With kindest regards,
Lionel & Gemma D'Souza
TZ Toronto & all its airlines that followed.
wolfgang walter
October 22, 2015
Tuesday, was a particularly difficult day, because one of the "good guys" left us and when that happens, we all have to reflect on how precious our health and time is on this earth. I first met back in the mid '60 and later reported to him at TZ when i was a relief agent and covered most of the bases we operated....there are too many stories and situations, but i will sum up by saying that he was a compassionate manger and was extremely fair, never making a hasty decision without input from his group...he always had a smile and kind word and asked about your personal world...he loved a good joke and could play a good prank! My heart and sincere condolences go out to the family.
Brenda Lamoureux
October 22, 2015
Warren; our sincere condolences on the passing of your father. He was a helluva a guy and made me laugh too many times to count. He will be missed
Susan lLachance nee Woods
October 22, 2015
I am so sorry to hear about Bob. Bob hired me in 1970 in Flin Flon Manitoba. I always remember my interview at the Royal Hotel. I have never forgotten Bob. May he rest in Peace.During this time of sorrow may you find peace. My thoughts and prayers are with you.
October 22, 2015
So sorry to hear about Bob, a great friend. So many great memories from Ywg to yet. We had many laughs.
Al Hanna TZ buddy
Gaye Manson
October 22, 2015
Lisa & Warren, your father as you know was so wonderful to me, and my daughters - Ivy and Chloe. Bob took us under his wing even though it was Lisa whom I met first. He was a great mentor to me and the kids. He kept all of us in his sights, and didn't miss a thing. Bob, you treated us like family and you will be missed so much. Thank you for your friendship of over 20 years. We were truly blessed.
Bob Brown at Warren and Debbie's Wedding in 2006, Bob you will be missed
Joe and Erna Daze
October 22, 2015
Len Steg
October 22, 2015
So sorry to hear of Bob's passing. I met Bob back in 1968 when I started with TZ and worked with him later on in Thunder Bay when he was station manager until the merger with PWA. All that was said in his obit is so true. He will be so missed without a doubt.
Mike Favel
October 22, 2015
Many happy TransAir memories while in Winnipeg.
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