ROBERT BROWN

1944 - 2025

ROBERT A. BROWN

Mar. 17, 1944 – Feb. 26, 2025

Robert "Bob" A. Brown, 80, of El Centro, California, passed away peacefully on February 26, 2025. A beloved member of the Imperial Valley community, he will be deeply missed by all who knew him.

Born on St. Patrick's Day, March 17, 1944, in Uniontown, Pennsylvania, Robert was the son of Mary L. Hovanec. Mary and her parents later moved to Riverside, California, where she met and married Virgil Brown. Virgil lovingly adopted Robert as his own before the couple went on to have five more children: David, Ronnie, Dennis, Yvonne, and Becky. Robert is survived by his three youngest siblings, Dennis, Yvonne, and Becky.

Robert had an adventurous spirit and a deep love for the ocean. Growing up in Riverside, he was known to ride his bike all the way to the beach just to be near the water. Whether bodysurfing and surfing in his younger years or sailing, windsurfing, and kayaking as an adult, his passion for the sea never wavereduntil he discovered his love for Harleys!

Robert served in the U.S. Army for two years before earning an associate's degree in Mortuary Science. He dedicated nearly 40 years to his career as a mortician and funeral director before spending his final 12 years of work as an administrative assistant for the Imperial County District Attorney's Office. Beyond his professional life, Robert was a devoted community member, always finding ways to give back. Whether raising funds for the Betty Jo McNeese Receiving Home, delivering food to the Humane Society, or riding with ABATE and the Fire Group, he was always ready to lend a helping hand.

But above all else, Robert lived for his children. Raising them was his greatest joy and proudest achievement. He loved taking them on outdoor adventureswindsurfing, sailing, camping, and road-tripping to new places. He never missed a moment of their passions, whether it was watching his daughter dance and cheer or cheering on his son as he raced BMX. Robert was happiest when his kids were shining, pushing their limits, and doing what they loved. Through every wave caught, every road traveled, and every triumph, big or small, he was there, their biggest fan.

In 1984, Robert married the love of his life, Alicia. Over the past 40 years, they worked hard and played even harder, exploring the country together on countless adventures. Some of his favorite destinations included Hawaii, Wyoming, and, of course, Sturgis. They also enjoyed the simple pleasures of a long Harley ride, watching a movie with popcorn, or sitting out on the patio waving to neighbors.

Robert is survived by his wife, Alicia Brown, his children, Kevin (Christine) Brown and Jamie (Harvey) Salazar, and his five grandchildren, Samantha (David) Craig, Tanner (Lia) Brown, Jessica Brown, Sebastian Salazar, and Phoenix Salazar. He also leaves behind three great-grandchildren, Mattie, Olivia, and Jordan Craig.

A man of few words, Robert's dry sense of humor, warm smile, and enormous heart left a lasting impression on his family, friends, colleagues, and neighbors.

A Celebration of Life will be held in Robert's honor on April 12, 2025, at 10 a.m. at Valley Christian Church of Imperial County. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to one of Robert's favorite nonprofits, the Make-A-Wish Foundation (www.wish.org), in his memory.