Tributes to vicar of Rodmell: ‘He had so much more to give’

Mr Brown died peacefully at his home in Rodmell, with his wife and children by his side, on October 3.

The 69-year-old had been diagnosed with pancreatic cancer just two months before.

On Tuesday, October 20, scores of people lined the streets of Rodmell for his funeral, which was held at St Peter’s Church.

His wife, Jennifer, 71, said: “We were all stunned by the number of people who came.

“Everybody came out to see his cortege go by.

“When we came out of the church and churchyard it was full of people.

“I felt very proud and amazed – but sad at the same time.”

Mr Brown was born in Bray, Maidenhead, in 1951. He moved to Lewes when he was three years old.

He attended Eastbourne College until he was 18, before going to law school in Guildford.

His father, Lionel Clement Brown, was a partner at Mayo Wynne Baxter Solicitors in Lewes, before moving into the insurance sector.

Mr Brown worked at Bain Dawes insurance broker in Haywards Heath, now known as Bain Hogg, before being headhunted by a company in London, where he worked as an insurance broker.

He had a very successful career. He insured The Twin Towers, Golden Gate Bridge, Bowing Airlines and medical teaching universities throughout the United States.

As he retired, he realised his calling and after much study became the vicar of Rodmell. He threw himself into his position, helping the rector, Reverend Geoff Daw, with all the other churches.

Jennifer, said: “He found this amazing new career which he absolutely loved. And he adored the South Downs.

“He was completely embedded in parish life. He was a very important part of this community.

“Unfortunately he was taken from us too soon. He had so much more to give and so much more to do. He leaves a huge hole in our hearts.”

Mr Brown also served as trustee at Raystede Animal Centre for 13 years, over five years at St Peter & St James Hospice as their chaplain, was a governor at Northease School and joined Coastwatch and served them for 13 years.

He was a dedicated Rotarian, helping both them and Riding for the Disabled as Father Christmas.

He loved sport – his greatest joy was riding his horse over the South Downs and walking his dogs. Skiing was also a great love.

Jennifer said: “Rugby golf, squash, swimming and he enjoyed the most amazing holidays with his family, Claire and Henry and later in life with friends.

“Trips to The Maldives, Galapagos Islands, Borneo, Sailing the Med, India and Thailand to name a few...but he always loved coming home to Sussex.”

Mr Brown was still giving services in Rodmell up to two weeks before he died.

He also leaves behind his son, Henry, 43, daughter, Claire, 47, and three grandchildren, Sam, 25, Jake, 22, and Heidi, nine.

Donations if desired may be made to either St Peter & St James Hospice or Raystede Animal Centre and should be sent by post to Grace - Independent Funeral Directors, 74 Springett Avenue, Ringmer, BN8 5QX, tel: 01273 813333.

Alternatively, they can be made online at www.gracefuneraldirectors.co.uk.