Robert Lee Brown, Senior OBITUARY

Robert Lee Brown, Sr., 95, of Corte Madera, CA, passed away on March 27, 2024. He was born on October 7, 1928, in Jefferson County, Alabama on the eve of the Great Depression. Bob had a brilliant mind for science and engineering, and the skills and resourcefulness to fix anything. He had a deep love for his family, the sea, gardening, animals of all kinds, adventuring, woodworking, and continuous learning. Bob was civic-minded, patriotic, dedicated, and a beloved and loving son, brother, husband, father, and grandfather.After graduating from West End High School in Birmingham, AL, Bob enrolled at Vanderbilt University and promptly won the Tennessee State Mile but would leave Vanderbilt after his first year due to financial hardship. He enlisted in the United States Navy in 1946, excelling as a radio, radar, and sonar repairman during the final stages of World War II, and then returned to Vanderbilt on the GI Bill in 1948. Following his graduation cum laude with a bachelor’s degree in engineering, Bob worked as an electrical engineer for Memphis Light, Gas & Water Co. Bob soon decided to rejoin the Navy, attending Officer Candidate School and the US Naval Postgraduate School (“where science meets the art of warfare”) in Monterey, CA. Upon receiving a master’s degree in physics, he served as a nuclear research scientist on loan from the US Navy at the Lawrence Livermore National Radiation Laboratory. Bob developed a love for raising Weimaraner dogs who would join him in the Northern California marshes hunting local waterfowl. Transitioning to life aboard ships as a weapons officer led him to San Diego where he met his future wife and the love of his life, Elizabeth Olson. They would marry in 1966 and soon after buy the home of their dreams on Mission Bay while Bob continued serving the Navy. Bob eventually became the first Commanding Officer of the USS O’Callahan (DE/FF 1051), capping an exemplary career of service to our nation with his retirement in 1970.Bob and Liz would embark on second careers together, investing in local residential property where Liz would run the “business side” and Bob would be the plumber, electrician, and carpenter. Bob and Liz raised their two children in San Diego and adventured by land and sea, exploring national parks in their camper and coastal islands in their sailboat. In San Diego Bob became a Principal Race Officer, assisting in managing the sailing events for the 1984 Olympics, and an official for the US Track Association.In 1996 Bob’s Alabama roots called him to Jackson County, where he and Liz homesteaded a stunning property on the bluffs of the Tennessee River. Bob was at his happiest here, acting as architect and general contractor in the design and building of a live-in barn and workshop, primary residence, guest cottage, fishpond, heat pump, solar energy system, and fruit orchards. In Alabama Bob rediscovered his love of flying, purchasing a sister to the Luscombe aircraft he first piloted in the 1950s. When not swinging a hammer or “boring holes in the sky,” Bob was an avid gentleman farmer, with a passion for growing and sharing blueberries.Following a serious fall in late 2020, Bob returned to Northern California to be near family. While his pace of activity slowed, he experienced great joy by being part of the lives of his three grandchildren cheering on their sports events and graduations and kept his mind sharp by voraciously reading novels and personal finance literature. He built a strong new community at his assisted living home, many of whom were present to wish him well during his last days.Bob is survived by his daughter and son-in-law Margaret Szklany Brown and Robert Szklany, his son and daughter-in-law Robert Brown and Kirstin Hoefer, grandchildren Cole, Georgia, and Sarah Brown, brother-in-law Frank Olson, and sister-in-law Mary Grace Brown. He was preceded in death by his wife Elizabeth, his parents, Byron Luther Brown and Ella Lee Avery, his stepmother Betty Pass Brown, and his siblings Byron Thomas Brown, Ella Grace Sleeman, and Kitty Jo Herrin.Celebrations of Bob’s life will be held on Saturday April 27, 2024, at Aegis of Corte Madera at 2:30 PM and in Northeastern Alabama on June 21, 2024. Memorial services and burial will take place at Arlington National Cemetery in Arlington, VA, on a date to be determined.In lieu of flowers, those who wish to may contribute to Juniors in Boating c/o MBYC, 1215 El Carmel Place, San Diego, CA 92109 or an organization meaningful to you.