William Theophlus Brown

William (Bill) Theophlus Brown - It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Dr. William (Bill) Theophlus Brown. He passed away peacefully on Tuesday, March 22, 2016 with loved ones at his side. He is preceded in death by his loving wife Rosemary Brown; and survived by his children, Cleta, Gary, Jonathan; grandchildren; and great grandchild. Born and raised in the American South during the segregation era, Bill's achievements were inspiring to many. After graduating from Washington Park High School, Sebring Florida he attended Tuskegee Institute, a black college in Alabama. There a Canadian professor persuaded him to apply to McGill University. Bill earned a PhD in Biochemistry and during that time he met a vivacious young Jamaican girl - Rosemary Wedderburn. They married and Bill entered medical school at UBC. Bill was elected Class President and organized many amazing class reunions over the decades. Psychiatry was a passion for Bill. He loved research-becoming an expert in psychopharmacology and lithium. He loved teaching, becoming a professor of psychiatry and acting head of the department of psychiatry at UBC medical school. His family was extremely proud of his election as President of the Canadian Psychiatric Association. He especially loved his patients and clinical therapy. He helped hundreds of patients heal, overcome challenges, gain confidence and freedom from pain or fear. Because of Parkinson's disease he finally retired at age 80. Besides spending quality time with his family Bill loved trains, travelling, football (both CFL and NFL), classical and jazz music. He worked as a porter in summers travelling across Canada at the time when the Brotherhood of Sleeping Car Porters were working CN and CP passenger trains and service was first rate. At the age of 40 he decided to live a healthier life and just like that he took up jogging, switched from meat to fish (with a reasonable steak exception) and stopped daily dessert. But one passion he never gave up was his daily Cuban cigar. When it was suggested he quit he said, "I might as well quit breathing." The Brown family would like to thank the staff at South Granville Park Lodge for their kind and gentle care. Bill will be deeply missed by his family and all those who had the pleasure of knowing him. There will be a memorial service on April 11th at 12:30pm. Celebration Hall, Mountain View Cemetery at 5455 Fraser St.