John Brownlee
Obituary
John Brennan Brownlee was born April 18, 1961 in Tulsa to James Whitfield Brownlee and Margaret Rose "Peggy" (Brennan) Brownlee. He passed from this life peacefully Monday, July 16, 2012 at the age of 51.
John was a 1979 graduate of Cascia Hall Preparatory School. He attended Knox College in Galesburg, Illinois where he was a member of Phi Delta Theta fraternity. He also attended the University of Oklahoma and the University of Tulsa. John enjoyed all sports, political banter, mountaineering and had a great love for sailing. Over the years, he held positions with Commonwealth Mortgage, McGraw realtors, and was an associate with Ninde. John was a voracious reader, rarely without a book by his side, and always a recommendation of a good read to others. John was an active member of Christ The King Parish and a longtime volunteer at Catholic Charities.
John was preceded in death by his mother, Peggy in 1991. He is survived by his father, Jim Brownlee; his sisters, Mary Brownlee Morrell, Anne Brownlee Bendel, Patty Brownlee Heckenkemper, and their families. John had many cousins, nieces and nephews who will miss him.
A memorial service will be held 10:00 am Friday, July 20, 2012 at Christ The King Parish in Tulsa. In lieu of flowers, friends may contribute to The Cascia Hall Foundation, John Brownlee Memorial Fund, c/o The Advancement Office, 2520 S. Yorktown Ave., Tulsa, OK 74114.
Events
Tributes & Memories
I've only just now learned of John's death, and I'm in shock. We'd lost touch in our 40's. I met John in college - me at OSU and John at OU. He was so bright and funny, and a joy to be around. His sense of humor was incredible. I recall during our college years, John, my brother and I rambling around Tulsa one late afternoon and stumbling upon a party. Naturally, we had to check it out. My brother and I lost John in the crowd for quite a while when suddenly he springs up beside us and says - "There are only three people here who speak the King's English, and I'm talking to two of them." I still laugh at that. I left for Colorado after college, but John and I kept in good touch, and occasionally saw each other, for a good 20 years. I am so very sorry to hear about his death. I met his parents, but I don't think I ever met his sisters. If anyone in his family sees this, please get in touch with me. I'm so sad to think I will never have the opportunity to speak with him again. He was such a love.
Laurie Howell
I hope that you can hear how much Troy & I talk about you, John... I wish I would have baked that apple pie you always asked for :) We love & miss you!
Troy & Angie Kuske
I loved his writing, his ualibeevnbly witty comments in Making Light, and his obvious intelligence on so many things. "The Dragon Waiting" blew my mind utterly when I was a teenager, and changed the way that I looked at fantasy, history, and writing. I compulsively share "Winter Solstice, Camelot Station" with friends, saying "You Must Read This."My own words fail in the face of this, but please believe that I am so very sorry that he is gone, and that I will continue to treasure his writings, share them with others, and remember him with the best and fondest of thoughts. My thoughts are also with you.
Hasmukh
Dear friend - I will see you again on the other side.
Jamee Suarez-Howard
Although we lost touch over the years, I have many happy memories of John from childhood through high school. His super-quick wit still makes me laugh when I think back to those days. It's an honor and a privilege to have known him. My condolences to his family and current-day friends, and may you always remember the best in John and the light he brought into your lives.
John Tate
We want you to know how much we cherish feeling as if we are a part of the Morrell family. Although we didn't know John personally it is without any doubts in our hearts that he is comforted by Angels now. May all the souls that loved John and his friends and family be eternally comforted and protected. May everlasting light always shine upon us all~
Glen E. Rice, Jr. and Family
I last saw John while visiting Tulsa about a year ago and he had a big smile on his face as he passed by and said hello outside BBD on Peoria. The Cascia Class of '79 has lost a good friend. My thoughts and prayers are with the entire Brownlee family as you honor your son and brother this week at CTK.
Hugh Daly
I am so sorry to hear the news. I remember happier times with John and his sisters and cousins and I, when we were small and happy and carefree. Godspeed, sweet John, you have earned your heavenly rewards and now I believe you are finding out what it's all about, firsthand. I shall miss you, please pray for us as we pray for you.
Janie Scott
Goodbye for now, my friend. I won't say good bye forever because I don't believe in that. As Einstein said upon the death of a friend, "Now he has departed from this strange world a little ahead of me. That means nothing. People like us, who believe in physics, know that the distinction between past, present, and future is only a stubbornly persistent illusion."
Michael Rogers
John was loved by everyone I knew that knew him. He was so kind. Hadn't talked to him much in the last few years, missed him, and will always miss him. Outstanding sense of humor. Just last night I quoted one of his sayings he coined, which was, when someone was leaving early, "get the sissies outa here:)" Too funny. Best wishes, and love the to family. RIP John
marcus makar
To the family, My heart is heavy. Though my grief for you is tremendous, I find comfort in knowing that John is safely home and no longer tormented by the cruelty of life which his kind soul was unable to handle. He never knew how much he was loved. You continue to be in my prayers. Julie Lipe Duke
Julie Lipe Duke
So glad God has welcomed you home John. Blessings and peace to your family.
The Pettus\'