Robert Brownlee

1929 - 2021

Robert Sanford Brownlee
1929-2021
Robert Sanford Brownlee left this earthly life to begin his heavenly one on July 28, 2021. He was born on November 13, 1929 in Cleveland, Ohio to Fred and Margaret Brownlee. He began his study of the pipe organ and the piano at an early age. After graduating from Oberlin Conservatory, he pursued his Masters Degree at Brigham Young University and continued there in his first teaching position. He won the NFMC Young Artists Competition and subsequently joined the piano faculty at the University of Houston in 1959. He loved Houston and remained at UH for forty-eight years, retiring in 2007. He was a consummate pianist whose artistry and sensitivity were an inspiration to all who heard him. He was a dedicated teacher who developed the talent of hundreds of students. Along with teaching, he was in demand as an adjudicator and master teacher for many professional organizations. He concertized in England, Europe and Mexico as well as locally. He was predeceased by his parents and sister, Gloria Helman. He is survived by his wife of 52 years, Elizabeth Brownlee, his daughter Laura Shepley (Richard), son Fred Brownlee (Jan), daughter Anna Beth Choate (Jerry), and daughter Rachel Virrels. He is also survived by eleven grandchildren and one great-grandson.