BROWN, Dr. Robert Lorne

It is with both profound sadness and deep gratitude for a life so fully and lovingly lived that we share the news of the passing of our father, Dr. Robert Lorne Brown, surrounded by his loving family, on Wednesday, March 27.

Dad began his life as a beloved son born to Dr. Robert Julian and Mrs. May (Mountifield) Brown on June 10, 1937 — the third of their 5 children. His father’s work as a physician for CN Railway took the family across the country from Jasper to Winnipeg to Montreal and to Moncton where they settled for many years. Entering his teenage years not long after WWII, Dad entered the cadets and trained as a sharpshooter. His keen hand-eye coordination and ability to focus on an important task served him very well over the years. He was a dedicated physician, known for his precise and insightful diagnostic skills and devotion to his patients. And he was a loving husband and father of ten children (all born within a 12-year period!) with whom he was always deeply involved.

Following his graduation from Moncton High School, Dad was off to ST.F.X. for pre-med studies where he met the love of his life, Jean Bishop. They married in Halifax in 1959 where Dad went on to graduate from Dalhousie Medical School, class of 1963. He practiced family medicine in Halifax for 52 years. It was a vocation for him marked by skill, compassion and devotion to his patients and his commitment to accessible, excellent healthcare for everyone (before Medicare came into effect in Canada, Dad did a great deal of pro bono work). He was making house-calls and rounding on his patients in hospital well into his late 70s at the end of his practice! We have heard from so many sources how deeply appreciated he was by his patients. In Dad’s own words, “My patients were an extension of my family and I treated them that way.” Many will recall his “Duffus” practice where he worked with wonderful colleagues and staff over the years — two locations on Duffus street for over 40 years and his final 10 years on Bayers Rd in “Duffus Health.” During those years, Dad was also part-time faculty at Dalhousie University mentoring numerous students and family medicine residents over the years. Many of Dad’s former students still recall with a smile the delicious lunches they would enjoy around Dad’s family table where they were welcomed in the middle of their busy day. He was also Chief of Staff at the old Civic Hospital on University Ave., and a member of the Hospital Advisory Boards for the Civic Hospital, the Halifax Infirmary and the Victoria General Hospital. He was the Chair of “Birthright” for many years — an organization devoted to supporting pregnant women in need. Dad was presented by Doctors Nova Scotia, in 2006, with an honourary life-time membership in the Canadian Medical Association.

Dad was a man of deep faith and had a steadfast commitment to the Church. He was a founding member of the Light of Life prayer group at Saint Thomas Aquinas Parish in the 1970s which he led for many years, and he served on Parish Council and as a Eucharistic Minister and Lector as well. He was a trusted advisor and confidante to many over the years, having earned a reputation as a caring, faithful, intelligent and trustworthy person of integrity. He was awarded a Diocesan Medal to acknowledge his many contributions.

“Bob and Jean” raised their big family in Halifax and enjoyed a close and deeply loving marriage of almost 65 years. Up until his last days, they were still to be found cuddling on the sofa. He will be missed beyond words by his adoring and adored wife, Jean. Dad was close to and enormously proud of each of his children who are so grateful for him and deeply mourn his passing, Louise (Pat) Barry, Carol (Rick) Kuzmochka, Stephen (Anna) Brown, Philip (Maxine) Brown, Janet (Greg) Purvis, Peter Brown, Christine (Stephen) Short, Douglas (Wendy) Brown, Claire Brown, Katheleen (Stephen) Dalley. All 32 grandchildren were so loved by “Grandad” and will miss him dearly, Claire, John, Rena, Dennis, Andrew, Thomas, Jeannie, Matthew, Robert, Christopher, Jacob, Nicholas, Katherine, Timothy, Rebecca, Theresa, Maria, Emma, Sam, Carol, Andrea, Aaron, Elizabeth, Michael, Rose, Joseph, Joanna, Keith, Grace, Lydia, Ben. Dad often expressed his delight at having lived long enough to welcome great-grandchildren, Vincent, Rachel, Jude, Eleanor, Olivia, Beatrice, Elijah, Noah, Gemma and Maren.

Dad was so grateful to have had the chance to live close to and spend time with his surviving brother, Michael (Sylvia) Brown who will also mourn his loss. He was a dear uncle to the Moir, Lawson, Brown, Bishop and Macdonell families.

Dad was predeceased by his parents, Robert and May Brown; his sisters, Joanne (Lou) Sincennes, Shirley Brown and Brenda (Ian) Macdonell; his mother and father-in-law, Rena and Gerald Bishop; brothers and sisters-in-law, Keith and Louise Bishop and Mildred and Lou Moir; family members, Donna and Don Currie; his grandson, Vincent Barry; his great-grandson, Matthew Burke; and two nephews, Ian Brown and Paul Lawson.

Our sisters Louise, Janet and Christine took exceptional care of Dad during his final days. In addition, our whole family extends our heart-felt thanks to the many health care professionals who have taken care of Dad over the last few years. Dad appreciated the care he received from his many physicians in the department of medicine with special thanks to Dr. Shetty, Dr. Lees, and his palliative care nurse Mitch Devoe who helped bring great comfort in his last days.

Dad’s “soul friend” of many years, Fr. Owen Connolly, was always a gift and an invaluable support during Dad’s illness, as was dear family friend, Fr. Bernard O’neill, who was always praying for Dad and supporting us all.

Dad, you were the first to express your gratitude for having had a wonderful life. We are so grateful you shared it with us! We confidently entrust you to God’s loving care.

Visitation: Cruikshank’s Funeral Home, 2666 Windsor Street, Halifax on Wednesday, April 3, 2024, from 2-4 p.m. and 6- 8 p.m. Funeral Mass: Thursday, April 4 at 11 a.m., Saint Thomas Aquinas Church, 1725 Oxford St., Halifax. Dad has requested that in lieu of flowers, donations to Chalice: https://chalice.ca/ would be greatly appreciated.