Tomahawk Golf Course Dedicated in Memory of Bob Browne

by Paul Basham

After a September 6 early morning memorial service for Robert Cobb Browne at the Riverside Congregational Church in Vassalboro, with additional chairs on the church lawn to accommodate the overflow crowd, the Tomahawk course at Natanis Golf Course in Vassalboro was dedicated to Bob Browne later in the day. Golf-course designer Dan Maples was the keynote speaker.
The memorial service was conducted by the Reverend Lawrence (Bud) Merckens, pastor of the church, with various family members sharing their remembrances of Bob Browne. Bob died unexpectedly on the afternoon of August 27, 2003, while he was on the golf course, one day after his 60th birthday. During the service, special music was provided by the Mount View Chamber Singers.
Browne, the longtime majority owner and general manager of the Natanis Golf Course, had just completed the $2 million Tomahawk Course designed by Maples, making it a 36-hole course. The dedication of the new course had been planned in advance of Bob's death, but his widow, Julie, decided to continue with the dedication ceremony, making it in memory of her husband.
Prior to the dedication ceremony, a chicken barbeque was held on the golf course grounds, and golfing instructions were given by Abby Spector, who has been the State Women's Amateur Golf Champion seven times. Also, there was competition in putting, which provided entertainment for the many guests who had gathered for the event. Roland Lagasse of Sidney won the first place award in the 75-foot putt.
Maples, introduced by Jim Browne, said, "Of all the clients I have worked with across the country, Bob was one of the best. He was a master with details." Maples then assisted Julie Browne in cutting the ribbon of the new golf course.
In thanking all who helped make the Tomahawk Course a success, Jim Browne said, "I may have forgotten someone; but be assured, Bob would not have forgotten."
As I listened to Maples describe the positive attributes of Bob Browne, I recalled Reverend Merckens remarking earlier, "May we ever feel challenged by Bob's decency and honesty, which always made every encounter with him so spiritually refreshing.... He never feared allowing himself to become involved in ways which helped enrich others and lighten their load.... He walked the extra mile to make things better and easier for others."

Article appeared in  "The Town Line" newspaper, republished by permission.