Robert A. Brown (Bobbie) of Highgate Center, Vermont died on Saturday, August 24, 2024.
Robert was born April 8, 1944, in Hartford, Conn. He is predeceased by the love of his life and soul mate, Marcia Angell Brown, his wife of 43 years, his parents, Robert S. Brown and Ruby L. Brown and his sister Loretta Unwin.
Robert is survived by two siblings: Barbara Hubis and Patricia Jocelyn; three children, Lisa-Lynn Arnold and her husband Howard, Julianne Gray and her husband John and Michele Magoon and her husband Tim; 10 grandchildren: Daniel, Elizabeth, Adam, Joshua, Leila, Heather, Tresca, Andy, Elizabeth and Francesca; 11 great-grandchildren and Robert’s best friend of more than 70 years, Larry LeBeau and his wife Debbie.
Robert graduated from Swanton High School in 1962 and worked in construction as a large equipment operator and later as a warehouse manager. He was a U.S. Navy Veteran who was assigned to the Construction Battalion (SEABEES) during the Vietnam War era serving in Cuba and other various locations.
Robert loved hunting, fishing, camping, playing the guitar, riding his Gold Wing motorcycle, refinishing furniture and buying and selling antiques with his wife Marcia. Robert always enjoyed playing practical jokes on his unsuspecting family and friends. Until his death, nothing was more important to him than the love he had for his wife, children, sisters and friends. Robert loved his three daughters with everything he had in him. If you were lucky enough to receive and understand that love, then God has given you the best blessing in life. Robert’s friend Larry was his best, life-long friend, he was his fishing buddy, a brother to him and his morning coffee buddy. They spent years together laughing, cracking jokes and making fun of each other. His friends, neighbors and family to both Bobbie and Marcia, Kevin and Melissa Price were endlessly devoted. They took him to doctor appointments, shopping, shared meals, mowed his lawn and the list goes on. Bobbie’s granddaughter, Heather (or as he called her) “his princess” was a huge blessing to him. Her sense of humor, loving presence and infinite wisdom brought added peace & joy to him. Bob was also blessed to have as he called her “his angel” who took care of him tirelessly for years. His daughter Julianne loved Bobbie beyond measure and did everything in her power to keep him healthy and comfortable until the end.
Bobbie talked every day about his undying love for his wife, children and grandchildren. He reminisced about the good old days and all the years he spent with his daughters, the love and joy he had for them was unconditional and usually unspoken, but he loved all three of them right up until his last breath.
Bobbie was a master of enjoying and appreciating what some might say were the little things in life; but to Bob, spending time with his family and friends was at the top of his bucket list. It wasn’t what, as much as it was the “who” that mattered most.
The family and friends of Robert want to thank the following agencies that have provided unwavering love and support during his illness: The Veterans Administration, Burlington, VT and White River Junction. A special thank you to Christine and Dawn, they were exceptionally kind and went above and beyond to help Bobbie. The Northwestern Medical Center, Franklin County Home Health, University of Vermont Medical Center Dialysis St. Albans Hospital team, Meals on Wheels, USPS of Highgate, UPS (Highgate driver) and all of the other people that went out of their way to help and assist. His medical support team embraced Robert’s quirky humor, laughter and his jokes. They understood his physical and spiritual needs and worked with him to provide an environment of love, life and compassion.
His children, his grandchildren, his sisters and friends and his lifelong friend whom for years visited Bob every morning. His medical team: all add to the constant kaleidoscope of love and admiration that touched Bobbie’s life daily.
Those that knew Bobbie were blessed and honored to experience his love, his sense of humor and his willingness to help those that were in his world. We all need more Robert Brown’s in our world. You will forever be missed and loved beyond measure!
A graveside service to be at Riverside Cemetery, Swanton, VT on September 10, 2024 at 1:00 P.M. with U.S. Navy Military honors accorded.
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