Robert “Russell” Brown

Robert “Russell” Brown
(12/27/47- 8/20/11)
It is with the deepest sense of loss that we announce Russell’s passing. Born in Bryn Mawr, Pa. to Muriel & Russell Brown, the family moved to Los Angeles when Russell was 3. They would travel south to Newport to vacation, finally moving to the area in 1964.
Early on Russell expressed his entrepreneurial skills. He was off collecting tees at the golf course to resell, mowing lawns, and at 15 he made his first surfboard. In 1967, Russell Surfboards was opened and remained a local mainstay. Russell’s life is woven into the history of the Newport surf culture and to own a ‘Russell’ is to have a piece of that history. His passion for the sport, along with his true craftsmanship and the fact that he “did it his way,” inspired so many.
To everyone he met, Russell was respectful, kind, and generous. When it came to family & friends, Russell was our core, our anchor, teacher, and the one who could lift our spirits, help us out, and make us laugh. There were no bounds to his generosity, be it the time he gave us or the nurturing way he brought us together with one of his cooking creations. An unassuming, uncomplicated man, Russell was truly one of a kind, a blend of grizzly & teddy bear, bringing out the best in each of us.
He leaves his loving family: wife Cynthia; brother Richard (Estella); sister Nancy; nephew Russell (Aline); stepdaughters Noelle (Ken) & Melanie (Craig); and granddaughters Olivia, Emma, & Camille, along with his brotherhood of friends.
We will forever miss and remember this dear, special man with a heart as big as the ocean.
Aloha Bobby Brown, we love you!
A memorial paddle out will be held on Sat. Sept. 17th @7:30am at Blackie’s Beach by the Newport Pier. Those not participating in the paddle out will gather onshore.
The family wishes to express their appreciation for the outpouring of kindness and love.

In lieu of flowers, a contribution may be made to the charity of your choice.