Roy Frank Brown
February 12, 2021
May 17, 1942 – February 5, 2021
It is with great sadness that I announce the passing of Roy Brown at the age of 78. Dad was predeceased by his parents George and Mabel, older brother Edward, sister in law Lorraine and brother in law Don. He is survived by his wife Wendy, son Mark, younger brother Ron (Sue), younger sister Mabel, step sons Phil (Joan), Chris (Debbie), step granddaughter Kate, nieces Wanda (Warren), Nicole (son Aiden), Lesley (Kyle), and nephew Doug (Brigitte).
Dad was born in a modest farmhouse in the Rural Municipality of Westbourne in May of 1942. At around the age of four dad and the family decided to move to the town of Plumas MB. From a very young age dad spent most of his youth avoiding school and causing mischief. He quickly fell in love with three things that would go on to be prominent during the rest of his life. Guns, hunting and dogs. Dad would pack a sandwich in his bag, grab his .22 rifle and his old dog Ceaser, later on his Samoyed Sandy, and spend the entire day across the tracks in the nearby bush.
Dad spent his teenage years working on the farm with his dad and his brothers. He would put in long hours on a dirty old tractor with his dog Sandy right beside him. It was also during this time that dad developed a very close relationship with his grandfather, William. They would end up spending a lot of time together over the years at the farm. His grandfather had patience for him and guidance that dad couldn’t always find from his own father. My dad always spoke very highly of his grandfather and respected him very much.
These years were also where dad developed his legendary temper. Uncle Ron told me one time that as the younger brother, it was his job at the end of the day to go around and pick up all the tools in the field that dad had launched in a fit of rage. Dad always said that you needed the proper tools to get a job done.
At the age of 16 dad was allowed to join his father’s deer hunting gang which started a streak of 61 consecutive years holding a deer license. A feat of which dad was very proud. That even included three years in the 1970’s when Manitoba shut down the season due to the low deer population. That didn’t stop dad. His dad, his good friends Wilbur and Pete and himself all piled into the hunting wagon and drove to Saskatchewan. During those three years they bagged a grand total of three deer but that wasn’t the point. Hunting with his friends and family brought dad so much joy. He developed lifelong friendships and memories he would talk about and cherish to the very end.
Being a farmer didn’t work out for dad so at the age of 22 he left for Winnipeg and landed a job with the CNR. He spent 23 years driving a semi trailer and was very proud of the many accident free awards he received along the way. He eventually finished his career working in the yard and retired in 1999 after 36 years. Dad often spoke of the great friendships he made at work and all the fun he had. I heard some great stories. Racing semi trailers in the yard, guns fired in the warehouse (not the first time dad was involved in accidental gunfire indoors) and a whole lot of beer drank. The workplace was a very different scene in the 60’s and 70’s and dad enjoyed every moment.
In the middle part of his life, dad discovered another passion. Waterskiing and boating. After work during the week and nearly every weekend dad and his close friends and family were off camping and boating. Dogs were always around and the laughs never stopped. During the winter, the same crew could be found on snowmobiles anywhere they could find snow.
Late in the 70’s, dad would discover his most cherished place, George Lake. Eventually, in 1998, dad and I were fortunate enough to buy a quarter section of land together with a dilapidated old cabin on George Lake. He would go on to dedicate the rest of his life to fixing up the cabin and making that place his own. He stayed there every year from July to October before I had to drag him out kicking and screaming before the bay would freeze over. No running water and no electricity. I would bring him supplies on the weekends, which mostly consisted of beer and cigarettes and if I had room, I could throw in some food. Dad spent his days there exploring the land, walking for hours, hunting, fishing and just sitting in his chair on the dock. He was fortunate enough to spend parts of his last summer there and he will eventually find his way back as he wished.
Many thanks to the staff at the Health Sciences Centre for making my dad’s last few days comfortable. I know he could be challenging at times but I also know dad possessed a certain charm that would bring a smile to anyone’s face.
In true Roy Brown fashion, there will be no fuss upon his death. Dad would be disappointed if you stopped your day even for a minute. So wherever you are, at your convenience, have a drink in his honour and cherish any memories you may share with him.
Dad, you taught me the value of common sense, hard work, being respectful and the importance of always having fun. Sometimes you pushed me too hard and sometimes not hard enough. Both for which I am very grateful. You allowed me to make my own mistakes and learn my own lessons but never let me crash and burn. You had an intelligence, charm and wisdom forged through life experiences. Yes, you had faults, as we all do but I know I’m a better man because of them. You were my best friend and you will forever be missed.
Our most sincere sympathies to the family and friends of Roy Frank Brown May 17 1942 – February 5 2021..
Voyage Funeral Homes & Crematorium
Death notice for the town of: Winnipeg, Province: Manitoba