In Memory
Bob Brown 1931-1999
Bob was my first sign language instructor. I also took several
of his
courses in behaviors as communication with non-verbal individuals.
Bobby
was born in Nebraska on a farm. When the family's farm failed,
they moved
west where Bobby was institutionalized in the Fairview Facility in
Oregon
when his parents divorced. He was diagnosed as Severely Mentally
Retarded
- origin unkwnow. Bob's mother was an alcoholic, who drank throughout
her
pregnancy.
In the early 1980's the state of Oregon downsized the very expensive
Fairview Facility, and residents were moved into grouphomes throughout
the
state of Oregon, where he became my first instructor in American Sign
language. He taught me every word in his limited sign capacity.
Bob was
very expressive, and "much to say." Although he talked as a child,
he lost
his verbal skills while institutionalized.
At the age of 59 Bob was employed for the first time in his life with
the
Living Opportunities program. Bob worked very hard, and he was
proud of
every paycheck he earned, and he paid a portion of his own rent in
the
structured living grouphome.
Bob loved horses. And Bob loved socializing with other people.
He would
walk right up and shake their hands and sign "My name is Bob."
After
introducing himself, he would wave and walk on. On his
passing, there
were many community people who looked at his picture in the paper,
and
said, "Oh, I know him. He was the guy who always waved."
I am truly honored to have shared a portion of his earthwalk, and I
am
thankful for his istruction in non-verbal communication.
Bob passed away last week at home in Ashland, Oregon, of a progressive
form
of leukemia, that was not diagnosed until January of this year.
Feather S. EagleRock, BS,BA
