Victor Brown: 100 YEARS YOUNG

Today, 29 May 2023, marks the hundredth birthday of Victor Brown, a resident of Evenwood Gate for 99 years.  Victor was born in Staindrop but when his father, John, got a job at Randolph Colliery, the family moved to Evenwood Gate when Victor was 1 years old.  In 1944, Victor married Gwen Pugh when on leave from war service.  He was aboard HMS Sussex from 1942 to 1946 seeing action in the NW Approaches, D Day and the Far East.  We believe Victor is the only remaining serviceman to have witnessed action in WW2 living in our local area of Evenwood, Ramshaw and Evenwood Gate. 

Victor worked as a bricklayer spending many an hour with Johnny Weir on the Seagrave bungalow along Copeland.  Asked what is his secret to long life, he answered, “A carrier bag of tablets from the doctor!”  What was his treasured memory?  “Meeting Gwen.”  Victor and Gwen have 1 son Michael who married Susanne, 2 grandchildren Amanda and Kimberley, 5 great grandchildren Willow, Maddy, Andrew, twins Luke and James and 2 great, great grandchildren Lucas and Ava-Rose.

Family gathered over the weekend to celebrate the momentous occasion and the photos show:

• A portrait of Victor in his navy days and his medals

• Victor with members of the Sun Inn darts & dominoes team

• Victor with his birthday card from King Charles and Queen Camila

• Victor with his great grandson James; great, great granddaughter Ava-Rose and great, great grandson Lucas (96½ years between Victor and Lucas).

• Victor with Maddy: Mike (Amanda’s husband): Neil (Kimberley’s husband): Amanda & Kimberley.

• A selection of birthday cards

• Victor and his birthday cake from Evenwood Gate neighbours.

Happy birthday Victor

This article first appeared on the I Come From Evenwood and Ramshaw Facebook page.