Robert "Bob" Elliott Brown

April 23, 1934 – June 20, 2016

Bob departed this world very peacefully with a most beautiful smile with his loving wife at his bedside as she was talking to him. Bob was born in Ann Arbor, Michigan to Carl R. and Ruth A. Brown. He attended the University of Michigan where he attained a BA, an MBA, and his law degree.

Bob moved to San Francisco and was a litigation attorney with the State of California, Department of Transportation until his retirement on January 30, 1998 after 38 years of service. Before moving to San Francisco he served his country in the Army.

Bob met Agnes in 1968 and they became immediate soulmates. They shared their love for the opera, theatre, ballet, symphony, old black and white classic movies, travels abroad, the United States, Canada and much more! Bob and Agnes also experienced summer courses at Oxford University.

Bob's love of life involved his many interests like back pack trips and hiking in Yosemite for many years. He was an avid downhill skier enjoying annual ski vacations to Aspen, other U.S. ski areas and Europe. He loved the Great Outdoors! He played football in high school in Michigan, and played basketball at the Olympic Club in San Francisco where he enjoyed a 53 years' membership.

Bob held several museum memberships in San Francisco. There was never a dull moment in his life. He was an omnivorous reader and an academic and was like a walking encyclopedia. He loved sports and was a loyal Giants and 49er fan, but he never relinquished his loyalty to the University of Michigan Wolverines, and the Detroit Tigers. Baseball was his favorite and he was excellent at baseball trivia.

Bob will be greatly missed as he was so humble, witty, humorous, well-mannered, gregarious, kind, romantic, compassionate, generous and so grateful for everything. He always had a smile, and his beautiful blue eyes would twinkle, even to the very end of his life! A sophisticated gentleman!

He leaves behind his soulmate, and love of his life, Agnes Chen Brown, and a step-son, Mark Adam Chung.

If you wish, you may donate in Bob's memory to the San Francisco Opera, 301 Van Ness Avenue, SF CA 94102, ATTN: Mr. Andrew Maguire, The Merola Opera Program, 601 Van Ness Avenue, SF CA 94102, ATTN: Ms. Jean Kellogg, or the Olympic Club Foundation, 524 Post Street, SF CA 94102, ATTN: Ms. Rebecca Figone.

Thank you for visiting Bob's Memorial Page. I will enlighten you on Bob's life from the period of December 9, 2015 to June 20, 2016. (Bob died 3 days after his mother's birthday.) We went via ambulance to the CPMC Emergency at 7:30 AM on December 9 and he never returned home. He had an aortic valve repair surgery which was successful on December 15, 2015, and was to be discharged on December 20, 2015. But some negligence occurred which created many health issues. Many unnecessary procedures without my knowledge were performed, and I was unable to question the risks. Getting information from doctors was difficult. He spent 6 months, 11 days between CPMC Pacific and Davies Campuses , and the San Francisco Towers Skilled Nursing Facility. It was unbearable to observe Bob's pain and suffering. Bob put up a great fight, but with the neglect, his weakened body could endure no more and he lost the battle at approximately 2:20 PM on Monday, June 20, 2016. My only consolation at this time is he is no longer suffering. He should never have suffered so long and his life should not have ended if he had received proper care.

Bob lived a good life, and he had a zest for the Joie de Vivre! He attended University High in Michigan. Affectionately called "Laughing Boy, " Bob was known for his humor and love of sports. One of the finest ends in Football, and a worthy member of the Basketball Team, he won several letters. He was the co-captain of the Track Team, and Assistant Editor of Pegasus, in addition to being President of the Chair in 1951. Very few in his class of 1951 had this written under their photo. "He has so popular and well-liked in High School! What a Guy!" He worked in Central City, Colorado a few summers as a Jeep Tour Guide during the opera season. When he moved to San Francisco he supported the San Francisco Opera as a loyal subscriber for at least 50 seasons, including 2016-2017 season. A loyal subscriber of the American Conservatory Theatre for at least 45 seasons, and a 50-year supporter of the Merola Opera Program.

Bob and I travelled abroad to Germany, Spain, Scandinavia, Russia, British Isles, France, Austria, Switzerland, Hungary, Italy, Czech Republic, Yugoslavia, etc. Bob was the best tour guide, while I organized the trips. We were a great team! We enjoyed the theatre, many operas and museums on our travels. Bob sang with the University of Michigan Glee Club which travelled and performed in Europe in the '50s – He was a member of Delta Upsilon. We shared so many memorable moments and enjoyed many good laughs. He was the greatest! Bob always celebrated my June birthday with a trip each weekend like Yosemite, Mendocino, (Same time next year at the Heritage House,) Carmel and Napa. I'll never forget my first hike in Yosemite. Bob "made" me hike Vernal and Nevada Falls. I was almost on all fours to summit Nevada Falls. Descending was a piece of cake on the switchbacks. He was shocked! Another funny incident was when Bob took me skiing in Squaw Valley – when I thought he had skiied down the mountain I was so apprehensive, as I gingerly snow-ploughed my way down the hill only to encounter Bob peeking at me from behind a tree. Our Annual U.S. ski trips for many years took us to Aspen, Sun Valley, and Snowbird. Another annual trip was to Maui every September Labor Day week.

Bob was certainly a very unique person, and there will never be another like him for me. Even on December 8, 2015 when he was so sick, he wrote 20 checks for charitable causes and donations.

I will miss my dearly-beloved Bob. Your memories will live in my heart forever. I will always cherish the happy and wonderful times we shared. May you rest in peace and keep smiling! – "So Long Kid!"

A private memorial in celebration of Bob's life will take place by invitation only.