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In memory of those who have Crossed the Bar
BROWN, Robert Campbell - It is with a heavy heart that we announce that Robert "Bob" Campbell Brown (Brownie), retired Commander RCN, has set sail on his final voyage to the port where his wife Anne has been faithfully waiting for the past 21 years.
Born in Montreal on June 8, 1927, Bob "crossed the bar" on September 14, 2025 at the age of 98. Growing up in Montreal he was an avid sportsman throughout his life, playing hockey, squash, curling, sailing, golf and tennis, the latter which he played well into his 90's.
In 1944 Bob went to Royal Roads Military College (Navy) and upon graduating had a 27-year career in the Royal Canadian Navy/Canadian Armed Forces across Canada, in the UK and Washington DC. He served on many ships, including commanding HMCS New Waterford and HMCS Nipigon. Bob was also awarded his wings and flew a variety of aircraft and Sea King helicopters. He served at HMCS Stadacona as a TAS (Torpedo Anti Submarine) Instructor, at CFB Cornwallis as Officer-in-Charge Leadership School, in Ottawa at CFHQ as Secretary to Comptroller General and in Washington in the Canadian Defence Liaison Staff office. Providing submarine tracking support during the Cuban Missile Crisis and representing Canada as part of the NATO fleet were a few of his interesting naval career experiences.
Following retirement from the Armed Forces, Bob joined External Affairs Canada as a Trade Commissioner where he had postings in Washington, Philadelphia, Ankara Turkey and Ottawa. He then completed his working career with Litton Industries and as founder of the Canadian Industrial Benefits Association.
Bob was fiercely proud of the Royal Canadian Navy/Canadian Forces and his service to Canada. A staunch Canadian. With a strong sense of responsibility and being accountable for your own actions. He was strongly independent but, also, the consummate organizer and leader, as evident by extensive volunteering for the Red Cross, over 20 years of being the President of condo associations in Brockville and Florida, and running annual car rallies, golf and tennis events.
Bob was predeceased by his wife Anne (Sutcliffe) in May 2004. They had been married for 52 years. He is survived by his sons: Ross (Erica), Robert (Connie) and Sandy (Barbara), his grand children Patrick, Sandra, Anne, Kayla, Jonathan and great grand children Ethan, Connor, Mael, Corbin, Hannah, Josh, step great grand children Alexis, Bretten, Thomas.
At his wish, there will be a small, private family only event to celebrate his life. (The Ottawa Citizen 20 Sep 2025)
Ships served in: HMCS ROYAL ROADS - 1944 HMS OCEAN (Aircraft Carrier) - Served in OCEAN for training in 1946 ROYAL NAVAL COLLEGE GREENWICH - 1947 HMCS SWANSEA - Served in SWANSEA for training in 1948 HMS EXCELLENT - Served in EXCELLENT for Sub-Lieutenant-s Course in 1948 HMCS MAGNIFICENT - Served in MAGNIFICENT in 1949 HMCS NEW LISKEARD - Served in NEW LISKEARD in 1950 HMCS LA HULLOISE - Served in LA HULLOISE in 1952 as Sea Training Officer HMCS SCOTIAN - Served in SCOTIAN in 1951 as Staff Officer UNTD St. F.X. University HMCS CRESCENT - Served in CRESCENT in 1952 HMCS STADACONA - Served in STADACONA (for TAS School) in 1952 for Course HMS VERNON - Served in VERNON in 1953 for Long TAS Course HMS OSPREY - Served in OSPREY in 1954 as TAS Instructor RCAF PENHOLD - Served in PENHOLD in 1955 for Flying Training HMCS SHEARWATER - Served in SHEARWATER (for HU-21 Squadron) in 1956 for Helicopter Conversion * Award wings 01 Apr 1956 HMCS SHEARWATER - Served in SHEARWATER (for HS-50 Squadron) in 1956 HMCS STADACONA - Served in STADACONA (for TAS School Instructor) in 1957 HMCS RESOLUTE - Served in RESOLUTE in 1958 as Executive Officer, Squadron Operations Torpedo and Anti-Submarine Officer HMCS RESOLUTE - Served in RESOLUTE in 1960 as Temporary Commanding Officer HMCS STADACONA - Served in STADACONA (for Joint Maritime Warfare School on RCN Tactical Trainer Staff in 1960 HMCS NEW WATERFORD - Served in NEW WATERFORD in 1960 as Commanding Officer HMCS CORNWALLIS - Served in CORNWALLIS in 1964 as OIC Leadership School CFHQ OTTAWA - Served in CFHQ in 1966 as Secretary to Comptroller-General HMCS NIPIGON - Served in NIPIGON in 1969 as Commanding Officer CDLS WASHINGTON - Served in CDLS in 1970 as Senior Staff Officer Naval Weapons * Resigned 02 Oct 1972
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