Robert ‘Bob’ Wayne Brown

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(June 29, 1949 - Aug. 28, 2014)

Robert “Bob” Wayne Brown died suddenly on Aug. 28, 2014, in the beautiful Sunlight Basin with his beloved wife at his side. He was 65.

Robert was born on June 29, 1949, in Anchorage, Alaska, to William Cecil and Doris Brown while his father was serving for the United States Air Force. 

Robert, his parents, and younger brother, Richard “Dick” Brown later lived in Ohio and England before finally settling at Castle Air Force Base in Atwater, Calif. He attended elementary school and junior high in Atwater and graduated from Atwater High School in 1967. 

Robert continued his education at Merced Junior College and Cal State-Stanislaus, where he earned his bachelor’s degree. In 1969, Robert went to work in Yosemite National Park as a park ranger and later transferred to Yellowstone National Park in 1974.

While working at the East Gate of Yellowstone, Robert met the love of his life, Nancy Oehrtman, during a volleyball game at Pahaska Tepee. Robert and Nancy were married on July 29, 1976, at the Wapiti Ranger Station. 

He and Nancy had two children, Katherine and William “Bill” Brown. Robert served as a first responder for the North Fork area for several years and was an active member of the Park County Search and Rescue from 1978 through 1988.

Although he worked at several different jobs after leaving the National Park Service, Robert found his true calling when he began working for the Park County Sheriff’s Department as a detention officer in September 1982.

Through his vast knowledge of local history and research, Robert was able to assist the department in all areas. He was also fondly known for his compassion toward inmates. Robert always had kind words of encouragement, a relatable story or advice and zany jokes for those in need. 

He retired from the Park County Sheriff’s Department in 2011 after almost 29 years of service. Robert was an active member of the Shoshone Masonic Lodge, was a lifetime member of the National Rifle Association, a HAM radio operator, and loved to camp and ride ATVs with his wife, family, and friends.

He is survived by his wife, Nancy J. Brown; daughter Katherine Volmer, son-in-law Tyson Volmer, and their daughter, Taylan Volmer; son Bill Brown and daughter-in-law Kelsey Brown and their newborn daughter Kelby Brown; brother Dick Brown and sister-in-law Debbie Brown and their children, Jennifer, Billy and Matthew. 

He was preceded in death by his father, William Cecil Brown and mother, Doris (Dearborn) Brown.

Funeral services were held on Sept. 3 at Trinity Lutheran Church in Cody and a burial service followed at Riverside Cemetery. Memorial donations can be made to the Park County Search and Rescue, c/o Wells Fargo, 1401 Sheridan Avenue, Cody, WY or Trinity Lutheran Church, 3401 Sheridan Avenue, Cody, WY.

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