BROWNE, Robert Courtney - Dartmouth, passed away Tuesday, June 15, 2004, in Dartmouth General Hospital. Born in Halifax, he was a son of the late Dr. Courtney T. Browne and Robina J. Browne. He attended Mount Allison and Dalhousie University. He worked with Air Canada for 33 years. He was a member of the executive of the Air Canada Pioneers upon retirement. He enjoyed many outdoor activities and took great pleasure in his garden. He was well-known for his witticisms and stories, which will be missed by all who knew him. Besides his parents, he was predeceased by his sister, Anita (Arthur). He is survived by his wife, the former Constance Dillman; brothers, Dr. Edward (Marion), Bridgewater; Donald, Vancouver, B.C.; sons, Dr. Robin (Beverley), Dartmouth; David, Dartmouth; daughter, Heather (Tom) McEachern, Dartmouth; grandchildren, Jessica, Liam, Courtney, Harris, and Cameron. Visitation will be Thursday, June 17, in A.L. Mattatall Funeral Home, 217 Portland St., Dartmouth, from 2-4, 7-9 p.m. Funeral will be held on Friday, June 18, at 2 p.m. in First Baptist Church, 100 Ochterloney St., Dartmouth, Rev. Martin Zwicker officiating. Burial at a later date. Family flowers only. Donations may be made to the Canadian Cancer Society or First Baptist Church, Dartmouth.
from the Halifax Herald.

Your dry as bone sense of humour was a bright spot at family get togethers. I spoke with Dad yesterday and he's very sad about his brother. So am I. It hit me like a tidal wave this afternoon when I saw the above obituary. I wish I could get back to Nova Scotia for the funeral, but it's not looking feasible. I checked into flights and with bereavement benefits it will cost me $1114.91 for a return flight on short notice. Without the bereavement it will cost $1214.40. Not much of a deal. Also, with the Creative Director on vacation I'm steering the ship until he gets back on Friday (the day of the funeral and too late to fly to Nova Scotia in time). I guess I'll send a card and some flowers, but it's not quite the same. I feel pretty crummy. We'll miss you Uncle Bob. You were a darn good egg.

UPDATE: I'm going to Nova Scotia tomorrow. We'll swallow the cost of the ticket. I just feel the need to be there. Family is far more important than a few bucks. Plus it's Father's Day on Sunday and it would be nice to see my dad.

R.I.P. Ray Charles

Ronald Reagan dead at 93. I know, I know... a Republican President. Just pointing it out as it's the end of an era to me. I remember a lot about Reagan. He's probably the first President I paid some attention to. I was only 12 when he was elected the first time. When he was shot even we here in Canada held our breath. So much went on during that time...

Nancy, his wife, suffered with him in his long fight with Alzheimer's disease. She used to walk with him every morning through their Hollywood neighbourhood even though he basically didn't even know where he was.

Interestingly enough the press, who could have taken photos of the President in his infirmed state kept their distance. Perhaps not all reporters are sensationlistic lookie loos.

Anyway, although not liked by everyone he was the President of the United States for two terms and will be (has been)missed. Our condolences to the family.