WOODROW WILSON HIGH SCHOOL Alumni
PORTLAND, OREGON
MILITARY SPOTLIGHT
ROBERT E. BROWN (WILSON TEACHER) DECEASED
WWII US ARMY
Robert E. Brown passed away at his own home on March 17, 2012 at the age of 86. He was born in Michigan on September 7, 1925, the second son of Clair and Gwendoline Brown. At Cassopolis High School, Robert was salutatorian. He played quarterback on the football team and still wearing his football uniform, he played trombone and marched with the band at half-time. He was awarded a football scholarship to Michigan State and graduated in Physical Education with a minor in Mathematics. In 1944 he married Lovene E. Shoecraft; they had three sons in the next ten years. Robert served in the U.S. Army during WWII. When he returned he earned a Master's degree in Administration from the University of Michigan, thus beginning his life-long career as a high school math teacher and football coach. Soon after the Brown family had moved to Glenview, Ill. for Robert's new job at Niles High, he was offered the Head Coaching job at Moorhead State College in Minnesota, an opportunity to move up to the ranks of college football. He thoughtfully declined the offer, unwilling to uproot his family again so soon. During a summer Math teachers' seminar at Reed College, he and Lovene liked Portland and subsequently moved here with their three sons. Bob continued teaching. Lincoln High School won the 1966 PIL football championship while he was head coach there. He completed his teaching career at Wilson High School as the Work Experience Coordinator; his very successful program found jobs in the community for students having difficulty staying in school. A memorial service for him was held at Christ United Methodist Church in Portland, on Saturday, April 14, 2012. Memorial donations may be made to Loaves & Fishes Centers, 5550 S.W. Hall Blvd., Beaverton, OR 97005.