Celebration of the Life of Bobby Brown

It is with sincere sympathy and regret that I inform you of the sudden passing of Robert Andrew Brown. Known to most on the Railway as Bobby or Bonzo, he quietly left this existence in the early morning hours of February 9, 2010 at the age of 54 years. Bob was 18 working days and 8 weeks of vacation away from his retirement date of May 1, 2010 after over 30 years at CPR. I am still struggling with that fact.

I am proud to tell you that I officiated at the Celebration of the Life of my dear friend, held at the General Stewart Branch # 4 of the Royal Canadian Legion in Lethbridge, Alberta at 4:00 PM on February 19, 2010. It was truly an honour to have been asked to do so, given the long list of family, friends and co-workers whom Bob had known and loved. Many of them attended, but thankfully not all of them could.

The room was set for 160. To accommodate the growing crowd, an additional three dozen chairs were assembled from throughout the building. That left only about 30 to 40 standing for the program. Luckily, many could not make it to the celebration until after the program ended around 5:00 PM. I was both astonished and pleased by the turnout and the diversity of it. Bob befriended a lot of different people.

I began the program by welcoming all and sharing some personal remembrances of Bob, as well as the eulogy. I was pleased to mention that Bob had been married four times. His sister Marj had told me that, “Bob liked being married!” I noted that it seemed that was true. I went on to say that although only the last one to Donna met the “till death do us part requirement”, that there was no doubt that there was love in each of the marriages. I stated as testament to that fact, both of Bobs’ biological daughters, Tanyia and Karlee were in attendance with their mothers Tina and Gwen and Tinas’ daughter Michelle.  

Bobs` Mother and Father in Law Al and Gerta West were next up with their remembrances. Al also shared some inspirational thoughts and a prayer. Bobs’ sister Marj followed them with her stories and a thank you to those in attendance, being the sole remaining member of his immediate family.

Owen Berringer, a long time friend kept the crowd in stitches with his recollections of his younger days with Bob. Owens` wife Deb then shared her tearful memories. Last up for the formal program was Gina Fowlie, who had me both laughing and crying with her heartfelt recollections. Following the program, there was a light lunch and cash bar and with the help of many late arrivals, hundreds of Bobby Brown stories were shared.

Once the event at the Legion concluded nearly an hour late around 8:00 PM, many of the group retired to 829 12 Street B North, to partake in the final episode of the Bob Brown Real Man Fishin’ Show.

The show had originated as a way to blow off steam after a hard or frustrating day at the Railway for Bob, Van Figenshau and myself. It had since evolved to include several other Railroaders, friends, relatives and neighbours, including the 12 Street B Boys and Three Stooges Construction. When the show originated, what has now become Bobs’ Sports Bar looked and felt like a garage in his backyard.

The evening was spent by the nearly a hundred family members, friends, neighbours and co-workers celebrating the life and times of Robert Andrew Brown. Much food and drink was consumed and many, many Bobby Brown stories, true and otherwise, were shared along with many laughs and tears.

It was said many ways over the course of that day, but I would just like to reiterate. Bobby Brown is gone, but he will not soon be forgotten. To him, a stranger was just someone he hadn’t introduced himself to yet. He was likely the most charming, polite, friendly and down to earth man I ever met, but he was no angel, until now. Rest in Peace Bob. Get the Fishin’ Show going wherever you are, Brother.
 
In Solidarity,

Ross Terry
Vice President
TCRCMWED