Robert Lyndell Brown
With heavy hearts and sorrow we share with you the passing of our dad, Robert “Lyn” Brown on Monday, February 26, 2024 at the age of 80 years. Dad was diagnosed with cancer just over two years ago. During that time, he continued to live with his usual zest. There came a time when his energy levels would no longer allow full mobility but his sense of humour never faltered nor did his desire to spend time with us as well as friends.
Left to miss him terribly: wife Carol (Lions Prairie Manor), daughter Terry-Lyn, son Rob (Nina) and step-grandchildren Tristan, Braedan and Nolan, son Rick (Stephanie) and grandchildren Chaz, Drew and Jalen, daughter Bobbi-Jo (Perry) and grandchildren Cody and Ali, sister Vikki and nieces/nephews Joshua, Bekkie-Sue, Jenna and Brittany, along with many relatives and friends.
Dad is predeceased by our beautiful sister Tracy Marlayne and our beloved grandparents Bob and Marg Brown.
Dad's fastball career began before we were born but continued for several years while we were very young. First with the Portage Dodgers who won the CMFL league title in 1961 then went on to win the Provincial A title. A highlight during his career was playing on the same Dodger team as our Grandpa Bob. In 1965 and 1966 he was picked up by another team to play in the Canadian Nationals in Calgary. He was MVP at 1st in CMFL. Dad next played for the Portage Broncos when they won the league championship. Dad was a player and coach when they went on to win Provincial D title in late 70's. We attended many tournaments as children but had no idea he was a superstar! (Thanks Moe for the info). When it came to football, all green for decades. Yes, the Saskatchewan Roughriders.
Dad was an avid hunter. Our childhood meals quite often consisted of venison, duck and goose. He was a founding member of Grand Haven Hunting Lodge. It was a beautiful facility where as a family we gathered frequently at Christmas. Bar-b-ques at minus 30, fireplace, gifts, drinks and plenty of laughter.
Dad and our stepmom Carol spent well over 40 summers at a campground outside of Portage. More gatherings and good times ensued. He and Carol travelled to Mexico for many years and of course the staff at the resort remembered him year after year. Dad was funny, friendly and charming and never failed to make a friend, no matter the location.
Dad also golfed. After he sold his A&W franchise, he enjoyed grooming the Portage Golf Course grounds. He enjoyed photography and always had the newest equipment. We have a lifetime captured on film and digital.
Dad's grandchildren, Chaz, Drew and Jalen meant the world. He was always on the sideline cheering them on at so very many sporting events. A very proud Grampa indeed.
Rob, Rick and Terry-Lyn have many people to thank. As a family, we all pitched in to move Dad from his apartment on 3rd to Rotary Housing. Two years later Dad was moved to The Foyer in Notre Dame. No one contributed more than our mom Sue. Mom ensured his new apartment at The Rotary Housing was decorated with his favourite mementos and family photos. She then further sorted and packed up again. While at the Rotary, she provided dad with her baked goods and dinners for the freezer. When it became necessary, she shopped and ran errands for dad. Truly above and beyond. Thank you mom. During that two year period, my brothers and I appreciated being reunited as a family again. It was cathartic, memorable and very precious.
Thank you to his friends at Rotary Housing for providing friendship, good company and weekly Friday happy hour gatherings. We all had fun! We would also like to thank his friends and the incredible staff (including Nina that stopped in every day) who spent time with dad at The Foyer in Notre Dame. You all were so very kind and caring and your visits lifted his spirit. Very much appreciated.
We were all pleased when dad was panelled to Notre Dame where Rob and Nina live. The two of them provided for dad in a way that neither Rick or Terry-Lyn were able to, living out of town. There, we continued to gather as a family in their backyard. Pool, tunes, bar-b-ques, bonfires, bevy's and sunshine. Each moment became more cherished than the one before. The end was inevitable but no less heart wrenching as we gathered.
We now face the difficult task of moving forward without our fun-loving and somewhat goofy dad. We have our memories, we have the strength of each other. We know you weren't ready dad, but we take comfort in knowing you are at peace.
Rest well our dad. Downtown Lyn Brown. Foof. "Have a happy". You are very much loved and missed, Terry-Lyn, Rob and Rick.
A private interment will take place at Hillside Cemetery at a later date.
If friends so desire, we hope you would consider contributing to The Foyer through Canadahelps.org/en/dn/29804. From the drop-down menu choose: Centre De Sante - Foyer Notre Dame. There is an option to "write a private message to us" advise donation to the recreation department in Lyn's memory. Thank you.
A tree will be planted in memory and cared for by McKenzies Portage Funeral Chapel. http://www.mckenziesportagefuneralchapel.com