Respected physician, Order of NL recipient and a pioneer for the sport of rugby, Dr. Noel Browne has passed away at 83
Newfoundland and Labrador is mourning the loss of one of its most respected physicians and one of the pioneers of rugby in the province.
Dr. Noel Browne has died at the age of 83. A proud Irishman, he came to Newfoundland as a medical intern intending to stay for just one year. Instead, he met the love of his life, Christina, built a family, and devoted more than five decades to caring for patients, retiring after a 52-year career in medicine at the age of 74. In fact, he cared for several generations of many families, had a large obstetrical practice early in his career and was the Medical Director of St. Lukes homes in the latter part. He actually delivered the children of babies that he originally ushered into this world, while at the same time managing the medical needs of their parents and grandparents. “He will be remembered for his black bag and overshoes doing house calls until the day he closed his practice,” his obituary reads.
Away from the clinic, Dr. Browne helped shape the sport of rugby in Newfoundland and Labrador. He was a founding member of the Newfoundland Rugby Union, the founding captain and later president of the Swilers Rugby Club, and was recognized as a player, coach, and builder.
His remarkable contributions earned him induction into the Newfoundland and Labrador Sports Hall of Fame, the Rugby Canada Hall of Fame, and the Newfoundland Rugby Union Hall of Fame. He was also named to the Order of Newfoundland and Labrador and received an honorary Doctor of Laws degree from Memorial University.
Leaving with many fond memories is the love of his life, Christina (Rae) Browne (nee Lowe), sons Dr. Greg Browne (Libby Carew), Noel Browne Jr (Meg Gillies) and daughter Dr. Nancy Browne (Dr. Rob Cochran), grandchildren, Liam, Evan and Finbar Browne, Emmett and Thea Cochran, and sister Mary and family. He also leaves a legacy of generations of young athletes upon whose lives he had massive impact as a mentor, coach and role model.
Dr. Noel Browne leaves behind a legacy of service, leadership, and community. He was 83
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