Celebrating the life of Bob Brower

Bob Brower

April 5, 1927 - December 11, 2022

Interment - Private

Memorial Contributions

American Camp Association - Illinois Section
5 South Wabash, Suite 1406
Chicago, Illinois 60603
Specify: Marcy and Bob Brower Campership Fund on the memo line

OBITUARY

Bob Brower, age 95, died on December 11, 2022. Loving husband of the late Marcy Brower for 71 years; cherished father of Todd (Steve MacIsaac) Brower, Aaron (Nancy) Brower, and Adam Brower; beloved grandfather of Jake (Katz Tepper) Brower and Nat Brower; dear brother of the late Les Brower and Jeanne Winnick; fond uncle of many nieces and nephews.

Bob’s family meant the world to him. His marriage to Marcy was a true love story that spanned seven decades. Their dedication to shared professional, political, and artistic goals was a bedrock in their marriage. But above all, Bob adored being a father to his three sons and their spouses, whose lives he enriched in innumerable ways. Bob was a loving and dedicated grandfather to Jake and Nat and he was thrilled to watch them grow into wonderful young men.

Bob is a proud alum of Chicago’s Sullivan high school, where he met Marcy, made lifelong friends, played football, and ran track. Bob and Marcy graduated from Roosevelt University, and both began their teaching careers soon after. Bob was a teacher, principal, and administrator for the Elk Grove School district, but the focus of his professional life was when he and Marcy founded Circle M Day Camp in Wheeling, IL, where thousands of children spent happy summers over the span of forty-five years. The model of camping they introduced through Circle M has had a profound influence on the world of private camping, benefiting countless children, staff members, and organizations.

Bob was committed to pursuing his creative and artistic interests, taking many sculpture classes and teaching sculpture into his nineties. His guitar playing was enthusiastic if not stellar, and his music and singing brought great joy to the campers and staff at Circle M, to his grandchildren, and to the participants at his family Passover Seders.

Bob lived 95 years and, more importantly, he lived them well: with grace, wisdom, humor, honesty, perseverance, and love. He meant so much to so many, and he will be deeply missed.

A private family burial took place on Tuesday, December 13 at Memorial Park in Skokie IL. In lieu of flowers, memorials in his honor can be made to the American Camp Association - Illinois Section, 5 S. Wabash, Suite 1406, Chicago, IL 60603. Specify: Marcy and Bob Brower Campership Fund on the memo line. Arrangements by Chicago Jewish Funerals - Skokie Chapel, 847.229.8822, www.cjfinfo.com

GUEST BOOK

We encourage you to share your personal condolences and stories of Bob Brower below and we will share them with the family.

I was one of the many students whose lives were graced by Bob. In my case it was stone sculpture when he was in his 90’s. He was always an inspiration. He had a good long life. And Marcy was there for most of it.

He was one of the best.

Thanks Bob.

Barbara Nicholson

December 13, 2022

Bob Brower, and his wonderful wife, Marcy Brower, were both very special, magical people. They had a positive impact on virtually everyone they met. They influenced and encouraged both kids and adults during the decades that they ran their day camp, Circle M. They continued to maintain strong relationships with many of those campers and counselors long after their involvement with Camp. They were some of the most talented, sincere, and loving people I've ever met. I met them at the age of six and knew them longer than I knew my own parents. I still remember some of the important lessons I learned from them at the age of 18. They were optimistic and knew how to give you their full attention. They were comfortable in their own shoes, so they were able to help others be more comfortable with themselves. They both made the world a better place, and they will be deeply missed.

Susan Spero