Deceased February 6, 2012
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In Memory
Charles H. Brown membership in our Class of ‘58 began as it ended—of us, and yet, somehow, away from us. He died in Hong Kong Jan. 31, 2012, after a brief illness.
Dick Burton ’58 roomed in Morrow across the hall from him freshman year. Charles was quiet, kept to himself, loved listening to classical organ music about which he was very knowledgeable. He was an excellent student with a dry, witty sense of humor he would apply with a gentle smile to himself, others, or just situations. Ridley Brown ’58 and Lynn Truesdell ’58 remember not seeing much of him at AD, since he was constantly off to Smith taking courses in art and architecture. And the car he drive to get there? A Citroen DS. Ridley called it the batmobile. Lynn marveled at the suspension system which at the touch of a button could raise or lower front, back or both. Said Lynn, a thoroughly idiosyncratic vehicle for a wonderfully idiosyncratic guy.
From Amherst Charles went to Harvard for his degree in architecture. He met Rosamond while there, and they set off on a round the world trip before settling down to his business career. About the time the two reached Hong Kong their “financing” ran out. Thirty years later when Charles told this story to Frank Leftwich ’58, it was a case of finding a job—pronto! He tried architecture; no one would hire him fresh out of school, not even as a draftsman. Finally he landed a post at the South China News. He did everything, including delivery. Charles learned the city, every street, alley and building, made lots of connections and eventually landed a position in his chosen field working for others until he set up his own firm. Along the way he purchased property on “The Peak,” Hong Kong’s choice residential area, eventually building a splendid house with extraordinary views. Charles rode the wave as Hong Kong and real estate grew. He did very well. He and Rosamond had a home on the French Riviera and a flat in London. They had two children and five grandchildren. Charles’ impact on Hong Kong will continue through a 10-year acquisition program to be administered by the West Kowloon Cultural District Authority through a donation by Rosamond Brown.
Frank’s memories of Charles are good ones. He recalls a quiet presence, an appreciation of the artful side of life. In his two years in Hong Kong in the ’90s when Frank saw Charles several times, it was the warmth and candor that came through. They didn’t talk of Amherst but rather more of their lives in Hong Kong and that part of the world. It was, after all, where Charles chose to be.
Hendrik D. Gideonse ’58