Robert Leonard Brown

Robert L. Brown, 91, died peacefully at his home in Bigfork on July 27, 2018.

He was born in Birmingham, Alabama, on Oct. 3, 1926, and lived with his family in Harriman, Tennessee, Valdosta, Georgia, and Birmingham before serving with the U.S. Navy in the Pacific Theater during World War II.

After graduating from Auburn University with a degree in electrical engineering, he had a successful career with the Fusion Energy Division of Oak Ridge National Laboratory where he was awarded numerous patents for his innovative work.

A longtime resident of Kingston, Tennessee, Bob retired to Northwestern Montana in 2000 following the death of his beloved wife Betty. He enjoyed a long second act as a published author whose works included novels and collections of short stories. “Buffalo Bob” as he was known to his loving family and many friends, was a beloved husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, and a cherished friend of quiet loyalty and gentle humor to all that had the pleasure of knowing him.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Betty Lou Sloan Brown.

His family includes a son, David L. Brown of San Jose, California, and a daughter, Sandra Waldrip, of Kingston, Tennessee. Grandchildren include Jason Brown, Stephanie Boone, Graham Waldrip- and Sarah Waldrip, and great-grandchildren Amanda Brown and Hayden Boone.