Obituary of Wilbert James Brown

It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of a dear husband, father, grandfather, great grandfather & brother, Wilbert James Brown, age 90. He passed away suddenly at his home on April 20, 2022. Born in Grand Bank, he was predeceased by his parents Suzanne & Onslow. Leaving to mourn with wonderful and lasting memories his loving wife of 68 years, Ethel; daughter Suzanne (Harry) Anderson, sons James (Phyllis) & Douglas (Kimberlea); grand children Shelby (Jamie), Neil (Nissa), Jennifer (Kirk), Brittany (Brendan), & Gillian; great grandchildren Hayden, Amayah, Avery & Audrey; brother Rev. Donovan Brown (Wendy) & brother in law Frank Dolimount. 

At the age of seventeen he moved to Fogo to work at the bank and he was always proud that he owned the 1st motorcycle on Fogo Island, a Royal Enfield.  As he told the story, the old timers in the community reported to the only RCMP officer in Fogo that there was a one eyed devil spitting fire terrorizing the Island at night. Jim worked all day so only got to drive the bike at night. The RCMP officer having found out that Jim did indeed receive his motorcycle, had him bring it to the wharf to show the old timers that the 1 eyed devil spitting fire was in fact, just his motorcycle. He told this story to anyone who would listen! 
Jim later moved to Port aux Basque, still working with the bank and he and a good friend started taxi driving on the side for extra cash. Between them they had four cars and would drive back and forth across the island to St. John’s on the old dirt roads. 
In 1951 he moved back to Grand Bank with one single vehicle & he carried on with this job until he retired in 1998. He covered  many parts of Newfoundland & met so many people during this time, it was a job he thoroughly enjoyed! 

He had an amazing memory and could tell you about a restaurant he visited 50 years ago, where it was located, what he had to eat & who was with him! He remembered details in an unbelievable way! 

Having family and friends around was very special to him and he loved a good party at the shed or a game of cards in L’anse au Loup. He also loved sitting in his big comfy chair with remote in his hand, heat on his feet as he polished off a good book or watched an episode of Coronation Street! 

To honour Jim’s wishes, cremation has taken place & there will be no visitation. A service will be held at a later date.

Donations in his memory can be made to the SPCA. 

 Funeral arrangements are under the dignified and compassionate care of Serenity Funeral Home, Grand Bank, NL

To plant a beautiful memorial tree in memory of Wilbert Brown, please visit our Tree Store