DVOA's long time Member Jim Browne
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Topic created by Orienteer7 on Sun May 1, 2022 at 7:49 amSorry to let everyone know that long-time DVOA member Jim Browne passed-away in February of this year. We were notified by Natalie this past week. For many years Jim Browne was involved with many aspects of the club including hosting events, setting courses, making maps and competing ...but we think he was best known for being the first overall organizer/director of DVOA's annual Hickory Run Training weekend. He ran this weekend like clockwork for many years with a score of club volunteers. The day of training on Saturday, the night orienteering Saturday night and the ability to try what you learned on Sunday were only surpassed by the chance for club members, other club's members and new people to the sport to break bread at each served meal by discussing what they learned and by making new friends. This event has become a tradition.Jim also use to make fun of the club's mascot as we remember him stating many times that he couldn't stand that "d**n bunny"! Jim was "generally" a quiet spoken person and a lot of fun to be around at events. You could always count on him and you were fortunate to have him as a friend.If you have special memories of Jim please post them here as we will then pass them on to Natalie and the family.Mary & Mark Frank
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Reply by Orienteer7 on Mon May 2, 2022 at 6:02 amI orienteered against Jim many times, and his skills were far better than mine, but I did have the advantage of "youth". The last meet I remember seeing him at, I had passed him going up the steep hill at French Creek Central. (the one with the waste treatment on top). I was pleased to see I had a better line on the control. I was sitting near download when he arrived at the finish. Apparently he had hit his head on something and his face was covered in blood. People rushed around to find the first aid kit and water. He stood there ignoring all the fuss while looking at his results. He commented that he thought he had a pretty good time.I tell this story to my students as an example of how I want to be when I get "older"-Mitch Zimmer
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Reply by Sandy on Tue May 3, 2022 at 10:11 amSuch sad news. I remember Jim as the person who really encouraged me as I was just beginning to orienteer. He saw something in me that I didn't see in myself and he kept pushing me to keep at it. The first time I thought about going to West Point I was chatting with him about it and when I said I wasn't sure I belonged at such an event he pooh-poohed me and told me to go for it. When I said I was thinking about volunteering to course set but wasn't sure I'd be able to do it he told me to give it a try and get help if I needed it. He was always there telling me I could do it and I will be forever grateful for that encouragement.Many years later he moved near where I was living at the time and we would occasionally go for runs in the Wissahickon together. I have lovely memories of those outings chatting away about orienteering the whole time.Sandy Fillebrown
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Reply by twalsh on Thu May 5, 2022 at 3:09 pmI have many fond memories of Jim Browne as well. I was fascinated by his stories about hiking in Nepal after he retired. I especially remember his smile. In particularly the day he told me he had met Natalie. You made him very happy Natalie. Thank you.Tim Walsh
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Reply by johncampbell on Sun May 15, 2022 at 3:04 pmFor those that have been a member of DVOA for more years than we care to remember, Jim Browne was one of those members we will never forget. One of my first recollections of spending time with Jim was when we drove together for an A meet in New England in the late 80's. Our conversations covered such a diverse and fascinating range of topics including the cabin he had built on Martha's Vineyard and of course the pleasure orienteering gave him. He was always there to volunteer in what ever way needed to help grow the club. His spirit of volunteering extended beyond DVOA, Jim was long time volunteer helping people learn to read.DVOA has lost a special friend and member who loved the sport and understood the importance participation in the organization is to the sports growth and success.
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Reply by johncampbell on Sun May 15, 2022 at 3:04 pmFor those that have been a member of DVOA for more years than we care to remember, Jim Browne was one of those members we will never forget. One of my first recollections of spending time with Jim was when we drove together for an A meet in New England in the late 80's. Our conversations covered such a diverse and fascinating range of topics including the cabin he had built on Martha's Vineyard and of course the pleasure orienteering gave him. He was always there to volunteer in what ever way needed to help grow the club. His spirit of volunteering extended beyond DVOA, Jim was long time volunteer helping people learn to read.DVOA has lost a special friend and member who loved the sport and understood the importance participation in the organization is to the sports growth and success.
