Robert Copeland Brown Jr.

Robert (Bob) Copeland Brown Jr. began his journey through life at 17 working summers as a deckhand on the great ore-carrying ships of the Great Lakes. At the same time, he studied hard to secure a presidential appointment to the United States naval academy, following in his father’s footsteps.

As Bob was graduating from the academy, he met Patricia Bower and had a beautiful military wedding. They were married for 45 years. As a new ensign, he attended submarine school where he learned to be a submarine officer. Over the next 10 years, Bob served on several submarines including one that was used in the film “Operation Petticoat” with Gary Grant and Tony Curtis. Afterward he reported for duty on the USS Platte in Long Beach, California. Bob served two 9 month cruises off the coast of Vietnam. Later he secured assignments in Rio de Janeiro, Panama, and Portugal. After retirement, Bob and Patty began a successful real estate career, where they excelled for 20 years.

In 1999 Patty passed away, and Bob started a new career – that of a nearly full-time golfer. He loved the game of golf and throughout his 75 years of playing he was an exceptional golfer. In addition to golf, Bob loved people. He would always ask and remember a waiter’s or nurse’s name/ He was friendly, dependable, generous, disciplined, and organized. He was optimistic about his health issues in his final months, always saying he would recover.

Bob, at 91, passed away peacefully, and his ashes will be spread at sea. His journey completed, he will return to the waters of eternal life.

He is survived by his brother Jack, his sons Don, Bill, and Michael, 5 grandchildren, and one great-grandchild. In lieu of flowers, Bob requested that any donations be sent to the Episcopal Church of the Good Shepherd.