There have been few bigger gatherings of Scout and Guide folk in Edinburgh than on Friday 13 May when we gathered with Bobby Brown’s family and friends to give thanks for and to celebrate his life.  Bobby died on Monday 9 May with his beloved Jean and their family by his side.  As death approached Bobby showed bravery, courage, humour and an interest in others while sustained by a faith and an unfailing belief in his Lord and the promises that faith brings.

St Stephen’s, Comely Bank was full to overflowing and Anne’s very fitting tribute to her Dad was memorable, intuitive and reflected the Bobby we all recognised.  Jean’s words of thanks and Jacqueline leading us in a prayer that Bobby had written some years ago left the congregation recognising that the inspiration and leadership we had all benefited from over many Scouting years was in equal measure instilled in the Brown family.   Scouting played a huge part in Bobby’s life and Bobby in Scouting both at home and nationwide.

His first leadership role was as an Assistant Cub Master in 32nd Inverleith  (Bristo Baptist Church) in 1952 where his sister was Cub Master.  In 1957 he became Scout Master and was one of the generation of Scouters who used their experience of National Service to further the Scouting they offered their young people.  He inspired and devised Operation Paper Chase.  A local trail for Bobby meant all over Scotland meeting personalities of the time,trying new things and facing challenges with a capital ‘C’.

In 1966 a new appointment was created, that of leader training and Bobby took on the role in Inverleith.  That was to be the most inspired move ever.   Leaders of that  time recall meetings that were not to be missed, they were useful, inspiring and great fun.  You never left without a great idea for next week’s meeting, one said.
 
Bobby’s association with Leader Training continued throughout the rest of his Scouting and today even without Bobby’s direct involvement his legacy of training is alive and operating today across South East Region.   He pioneered informal training session known as ‘Its’ and along with Andy McAlpine created the first formal Group Scout Leader and Commissioner Training in the mid 1970s.   His calm easy approach with people made him much in demand for Training courses in and around Edinburgh, across Scotland and at the International Centre at Gilwell Park.  His team in Edinburgh were the envy of Scotland.  He moulded and welding a group of leaders whom he inspired and enthused to drive leader training in Scouting to a professional standard but without loosing the magic and fun of Scouting. His practical sense of what was needed to make an organisation worked inspired the creation of the ‘Cupboard’ within the training hut.  Never one to miss a bit of fun there was the official opening by Hamish Gillon accompanied by Sandra in ‘that hat’.  The training manual he wrote for the occasion stands ready to this day in case of an upgraded new cupboard.   Bobby’s sociable nature was to the fore when he introduced ‘Thank You’ evenings.  This had volunteers coming forward to help with training courses just to ensure their invitation to the celebration evening.

He wrote for The Scouter, The Scout and Scouting magazine for over 30 years sometimes in his own name ‘ It Occurred to me’ and sometimes as part of a consortium.  Bobby’s thought provoking text partnered with the cartoon skills of the late David Easton was a winning product and to this day some of Bobby’s tales of the adventures of the Brown family live on.  There was always a concern for folk that encountering Bobby might result in them featuring in the next magazine.  However, no one need fear embarrassment; he was the soul of sensitivity and discretion.   You could be forgiven for thinking that within Bobby was a frustrated journalist.

The written word was not enough for Bobby!  He led the way in video interviewing and recordings.  He famously interviewed Tom Collier and Leonard Small to great effect.  All three have passed on and you cannot but wonder if the interviews and reminiscences continue.

Such were the talents of Bobby Brown that he was in demand for a range of activities.  He led and supported ‘big’ events wide games, swop shops, giant section meetings, challenge events, open days - the list goes on.  Many of these activities reflected his interest in the outdoors.  Campfire leading was a special talent of Bobby’s.  Many will remember’ one elephant went out to play’ a repertoire of other songs, wood smoke and stories and the never to be forgotten campfire blanket which told the story of Bobby’s life in pictures. 

However, in a less official capacity the Brown family created a culture of co-operation between Edinburgh Scouting and Guides which continues to this day.  Jean and Bobby met while building canoes, we have never heard whether the canoes were completed! But the partnership which was built between them then lasted nearly fifty years as did the partnership between our two organisations.   For two organisations from the same genesis they could not be more different in so many ways.  The Brown partnership of Bobby and Jean built, sealed and cemented a camaraderie which continues.  Bobby understood how Girlguiding worked and was able to promote the areas where working together was better than going alone while Jean was able to help Girlguiding understand the traditions, language and practices of Scouting.

Bobby was a man of many talents and interests.  We all know him as a brother Scout but he was a high respected surveyor, a keen rugby fan and a leading figure in his local community.  A keen worker for his Church he led the bible class and young people’s groups over many years.  Jean and their family were his greatest pride and joy and with them shared his love of the outdoors with holidays like few others with friends.  You can be forgiven of thinking of the Brown family as a ‘patrol’ well holiday time must have been like a scout camp when friends joining them.

The list of Bobby’s Scouting appointments is very long.  Bobby was awarded the Silver Acorn 1978 for exceptional services to Scouting and in 1990 was awarded the Silver Wolf, Scouting’s highest award.   Bobby lived his Scouting to the full, his commitment to the Scout Promise and Law were exemplary.   There are few people who are so loved, admired and respected by so many.