It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Ron Brown, 87, beloved husband of his high school sweetheart, Carol Annesley. He passed away peacefully on Saturday October 18, 2025 in Vancouver, BC. surrounded by his loving family.
Ron was born and raised in Kimberley, BC. The son of Bertha and Allan Brown, the brother of Ed and stepbrother to Merle and Lester.
Ron’s nickname Slicker came from the way his mother “slicked” back his hair with Brylcream when he was younger. Slicker Brown pitched and played third base for the legendary Kimberley Hobos, winning the Kootenay Championship in 1957. He also played saxophone and drums in the local dance band the Swing Kings. Ron was a talented athlete and excelled at curling, golf, downhill and cross-country skiing, horseshoes and bocce. He was a member of the Red Mountain Ski Club and the Birchbank Golf Club. He loved the outdoors, fishing, hunting and especially enjoyed his annual duck hunting trips for many years.
Born into a mining family, Ron worked for Teck Cominco for 45 years. His first job at Cominco in Kimberley was loading 80 pound fertilizer bags by hand on railcars and then he moved into environmental control, monitoring air quality in the Sullivan mine and other Cominco facilities. In 1974 he was promoted and transferred to the Trail smelter as a leader in Environmental Control, and in the last few years of his career, in Human Resources.
He realized his dream of a family lake front property, thanks to the invitation of his long-time friend Stu McKay. “If you build it, they will come”, resulted in he and Carol designing and building a family cabin on the Lower Arrow Lake, hosting for 36 years their family and many of their friends each summer.
Ron was a community builder. He was a School Board Trustee and Chairman during the Selkirk High school fire in January 1971, (the largest blaze in Kimberley’s history up to that time) and a member of the Kimberley Jaycees. When he and Carol moved to Trail, he joined the Rotary Club and served for many years until his retirement.
Ron and Carol moved from Trail to North Vancouver in October 2019 to be closer to more family members.
Ron and Carol were married for 68 years and have 4 children; Lori (Dave), James (Wendy), Gordon and Ronald (Lisa). Ten grandchildren; Matt (Shavonne), Lauren, Chris, Nicholas, Natalie (Sean), Mark, James (Jordan), Joel (Samantha), Cole and Noah. And six great grandchildren Isabelle, Kesler, Finn, Brooklyn, Brody and Rory.
He was a good natured, kind, loving husband, father, grandfather, great grandfather and loyal friend. He will be greatly missed by his family and friends.
A Memorial Gathering will be held at the Lynn Valley United Church, 3201 Mountain Highway, North Vancouver, BC on Friday, November 28 at 1:30pm.
6 Comments
JEREMY HAINSWORTH
YOU ARE ALL IN MY THOUGHTS. RON WAS SUCH A GOOD MAN WITH A WONDERFUL SENSE OF HUMOUR.
Shona Hardwick
I’ll always remember Ron as my adopted second dad. Ron, Carol and family moved next door to our family in Trail in 1974. Ron and Carol welcomed my family like it was their own and he will be very much missed. Always had a smile and a laugh. Condolences to all the Brown clan.
Grace Hardwick
Forever grateful that Ron counted me as one of his grandkids! Lucky to have known him, sending so much love to Carol & all the Brown’s xoxo
Mike Martin
I not only worked with Ron at Teck Trail Operations but we also curled together on a team where we had so much fun. Ron was a great neighbour in Tadanac and was always the driver after our curling games which were typically followed by a little social time. So much fun to be with him and a true gentleman both on and off the ice. So many memories and he will be missed.
Geri-Lyn McLean
There’s not enough words to describe Uncle Slicker. He gave the greatest hugs, his eyes twinkled and he was always happy.
The memories of our biannual Brown/McLean camping trips are some of my favourite moments.
I’m saddened at his loss and grateful for his place in my life.
My condolences to the entire Brown family. I pray the memories and love he left behind will comfort you.
Adriana Carreiro
Dear Carol
I was truly saddened to hear about the loss of your husband. My deepest condolences to you and your family. I remember how much joy and love you shared when we worked together. Sending you strength and comfort during this time of tremendous loss. Please know I’m thinking of you.”