Obituary of Philip Warren Brown

It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Philip Warren Brown, of Geary, NB, on December 11, 2023, at Hospice House Fredericton, surrounded by his loving family. Born on June 22, 1931, at his grandparent’s home in Lauvina Settlement, NB, he was the son of the late William and Clara (Harper) Brown.

Philip was a schoolteacher for much of his life; he began teaching at age 14 at the one room schoolhouse in Waterville, New Brunswick. After the only other teacher had left, Philip taught himself the curriculum during the evenings, and during the day he instructed the younger students. His passion for education inspired him to complete programs at the New Brunswick Teacher's College (1952), and Fredericton Business College (1955). In later years he earned Degrees from Saint Thomas University (BA/1969) and the University of New Brunswick (BEd/1972).

During his long career he taught at Scotchtown, Gagetown, Geary, Lower Lincoln, and Oromocto. Over a few summers he studied French Second Language in Georgian Bay, Ontario, and in 1987 he finished his career at Hubbard Avenue Elementary School in Oromocto as a French Language Teacher.

As a family man, he spent many summers travelling in an RV with his family around the Maritimes and as far as Ontario. In his later years he and Marjorie enjoyed summers camping at the Mick Mack Trailer Club at Lake George, NB, where they had been members since 2008. Philip also enjoyed spending time with his friends at the Retired Teachers Bridge Club and the Oromocto Hazen Centre Bridge Club.

Philip was innovative and he could repair and build many things; he taught many of his skills to his children. As a young man he enjoyed spending many hours salmon fishing and duck hunting. Philip's hobbies included art, photography, music, and electronics. He was a licensed HAM Radio Operator and participated in many Club activities including providing support during the Maugerville floods. For many years Philip volunteered for the Oromocto area VON. He also helped establish and grow the Oromocto River Valley Snowmobile Club. He enjoyed outdoor activities such as boating and snowmobiling; he had one of the first snow machines in the local area.

He will be greatly missed by his wife of 63 years, Marjorie (Hawkes) Brown; children, Deborah Howe (Terry), Michael Brown (Pamela), Brenda Smith (Elwood), Sean Brown (Charlene); grandchildren, Raina Howe (Matt), Jonathan Howe (Holly), Richard Howe, Tyler (Whitney) Brown, Jared Brown, Kayleigh Kristiansen (Tom), William Kristiansen, Brooklyn Brown (Zach), Clarke Brown, Kathryn Brown (Ethan); sister, Sharon Tanner; sisters-in-law, Charlene Brown, Mary Hawkes, Judy (Ken)Desjardin; brothers-in-law, Borden (Kelly) Hawkes and Ronald Russell, as well as many extended family members.

In addition to his parents, Philip was predeceased by his infant brother, Garnet Brown; brother, Gerald Brown; sisters, Dereta Morehouse, Kathleen Crain, Eleanor Brown, and Yvonne Mugridge; brothers-in-law, Doug Morehouse, Philbrick Crain, Tom Mugridge, Gerald Hawkes, and Parker Tanner; sister-in-law, Wendy Russell, as well as his father and mother-in-law, Arthur and Mayme Hawkes.

The family wishes to thank the staff at the Fredericton Hospice who helped provide comfort during his final days. Donations can be made to the Hospice House Fredericton.

A memorial service will be held at the Geary Baptist Church on Friday, December 15, 2023 at 2 pm, with Rev. Dr. Perry Hanley officiating. For those unable to attend, a live stream will be available to watch at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2OY-crkl7qU . Interment will take place in the Geary, French Lake, Waterville Community Cemetery at a later date. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Hospice House.