Robert Michael Browne November 22, 1948 - February 4, 2017.

To our dear family and friends, it is with great sadness that we share this news with you. Our beloved Rob, devoted husband, father and friend passed away after nearly a 3 year, valiantly fought battle with cancer, at the UWMC.

Rob was born in Seattle, to mother Inez and father Jim. He is survived by brothers, Jim and Terry, sons Ryan and Justin, wife Claudia, nieces Penny Dunn, Debbie Rishel and Candi Fryer.

Rob grew up in Friday Harbor, graduated high school in 1966. He played tennis and basketball. After high school he attended Washington State University.

He was number 7 in the draft for the Vietnam war. He served from 1969 - 1971. He was an honored, decorated vet, receiving many commendations, including the Army Commendation Medal for Heroism, the Bronze Star, and the one he was most proud of, the Combat Infantry Badge.

Upon returning home, he attended Shoreline Community College where he studied business. He then returned to Friday Harbor working for his mom and dad at the lumberyard.

Rob was an active, adventurous guy, always willing to try new things. He never did anything half way, it was all or nothing. He had many accomplishments in his life. He earned his pilots license, summitted Mt. Rainier June of 1979, tried his hand at skydiving. He loved to bike ride, sail his boat, "The Vulcan" and often taking his parents boating out on their beloved "Gemini".

Rob married his beautiful wife Claudia in Friday Harbor May 14, 1983, and they had many adventures travelling together. Nothing gave him greater joy than spending time with his beloved sons, Ryan, 29, Justin 27.  Their was no prouder father, his sons gave him so much love and joy.

He accomplished many things in his life, including building their dream home in Hawaii, where he enjoyed the sand and surf, hiking, walking, snorkeling and kayaking.  There will always be a part of him there.

We invite our friends and family to a celebration of life/wake, on Saturday, April 1st at 2:30 pm - 5:00 pm at Downriggers in Friday Harbor. Please bring your favorite photos and stories of Rob to share with everyone.

For additional information, and to make a ferry reservation, visit washingtonstateferries.com.  For accommodations visit eartbboxinn.com
Note the ferry schedule does change on Sunday April 2nd.