Robert M. Brown

Robert M. Brown, known affectionately to many as "Bob," passed away peacefully at his home on Sunday, February 8, 2026, just as he had wished.

Born in Wilkinsburg, Pennsylvania, on November 28, 1938, to Myron Joseph "Joe" and Helen Gertrude "Gertie" Brown, Bob spent his childhood in Pittsburgh. Throughout his life, he loved recounting stories of his youth and playing on the city's signature rolling hills. He attended Penn State University and later graduated from Carnegie Mellon with a degree in Engineering. Bob moved to Michigan to pursue a career with the Ford Motor Company, where he met his second wife, Carolyn. Together, they eventually left Ford to own and operate their own dry-cleaning businesses from 1983 to 1997.

Bob truly loved life. He spent much of his adulthood living on the lake, where he enjoyed boating and water skiing; in the winters, he was an avid downhill skier. His passion for the slopes never faded; even in the months prior to his passing, he was still trying to convince his doctors to let him go skiing one last time. While he had a deep love for cars, the lake, and his dogs, the greatest pleasure of his life was raising his children and being with his family.

Bob was smart, witty, a bit goofy, and very determined. He did things his own way until the very end. He appreciated good conversation, a great meal, walking his dog, and watching the birds at his many feeders. For the last five years, he greatly enjoyed the companionship of his partner, Dianne.

Bob is survived by his children: Carlenne (Eric) Jarvis, Darren Brown, Katie Brown, Emily (Tyler) Alden, and Lindsay (John) Salvador and daughter-in-law Peggy Gustafson. He is also survived by his many grandchildren: Courtney Jarvis, Becca Jarvis, Alex Miller, Morgan Miller, Sonya Collins, Kiera Brown, Alyssa Brown, Chris Brown, Rylee Alden, Zoey Alden, Jaxson Alden, Estella Salvador, Anthony Salvador, Maisie Salvador, and Theodore Salvador; and his sister, Dorothy (Tom) Ruppanner.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Carolyn Brown; his daughter, Lisa Brown-Miller; his sister, Jean Merola; and his parents.

A Memorial Service will be held at Shepherd of the Lakes Lutheran Church, 2905 S. Commerce Road, in Commerce Township on Friday, March 6, at 11:00 AM with visitation beginning at 10 AM. A luncheon will follow.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be sent to:

West Michigan Wildlife Conservancy (started by his daughter, Lisa, and grandson, Alex): wmwildlife.org

Breast Cancer Research Foundation www.bcrf.org

Share Winter Foundation https://sharewinterfoundation.org/