BROWNE, Robert Courtney (a.k.a. Uncle Bob)

Jun 16, 2004 by Mike Browne in Downers

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.

Comments

Jun 16, 2004, 18:57:07 big_almac wrote:

Mike, my thoughts are with you and your family during such unfortunate time.

Jun 16, 2004, 23:55:25 Wes A. Wiens wrote:

"Even his griefs are a joy long after to one that remembers all that he wrought and endured." - Homer

I never have the right thing to say when it comes to death (probably because I never take it seriously) so I just quoted something. But just know i'm thinking some thoughts for you. Peace, man.

Jun 17, 2004, 00:01:55 Wes A. Wiens wrote:

Here's one of my favorite thoughts on death:

"I don't want to achieve immortality through my work... I want to achieve it through not dying." - Woody Allen

Feel free to delete it if you feel it's out of place right now. I won't blame you or feel burned.

Jun 17, 2004, 00:15:27 Mike Browne wrote:

Not at all ... you're always welcome Wes. I only ever delete comments that are of unfriendly spirit and yours never are. In fact I use humour myself in situations involving death. Laughter is a great healer (not for the dead people, they're dead). Remember I used to work as in a cemetery so I'm used to 'grave humour'. It's people who want to rail at my opinions and say hurtful, personal things (you know who you are) who can flake off.

Thanks to both of you for your condolences. It means a lot that someone took the time just to acknowledge my grief. Much appreciated.

Jun 17, 2004, 09:08:02 Sicarie wrote:

Sorry about your Uncle , Mike. I lost my father 9 and half years ago, funny how it goes tho,,seems so long ago but I can remember it all down to the last detail as if it happened just yesterday. My sympathies to you and your family.
On a lighter note..I think I found the song I want played at my own funeral. Limp Bizkits "Nookie"...I think it fits me perfect... ;)

Jun 17, 2004, 18:58:52 Wes A. Wiens wrote:

Music is going to be a huge part of my funeral. Music is a huge part of my life so the best way to express it is through the songs I like.

Among the may songs feartured would be some deeply philosophical (such as The Refreshments - Sin Nombre, Spirit of the West - Not Just a Train), some whimsical and seemingly unrelated (Beastie Boys - Fight For Your Right To Party), and many songs that I think are just plain awesome (Led Zepplin - Immigrant Song).

Then the whole thing would wrap up with a sing-a-long of the Dead Milkmen's Life is S___ and/or Monty Python's Always Look on the Bright Side of Life.

Jun 18, 2004, 07:07:57 Moselle wrote:

My thoughts are with you and your family Mike. I think it was a very good move going back and offering your father support. Money is important but there are a lot of things which are much more important, too bad the airlines don't offer more of a deal though...

Jun 18, 2004, 19:30:32 schlemiel wrote:

You're a good kid, Mikey Browne, for deciding to go back east. In fact a shining star in that constellation called a family. You're acting like a mench! So sorry for your loss; please pass along my sympathies to Ted, your pop.

Jun 20, 2004, 17:52:40 Mike Browne wrote:

I'm back and glad I went.