THE WIFE of a major Leamington employer has paid tribute to her husband who was described as an ‘inspirational genius’.
Gordon Brown passed away of dementia on June 6 age 78.
In 1973 he founded market research company Millward Brown in Leamington with Maurice Millward.
It has since gone on to employ thousands of people with offices in nearly every country in the world and is now known as Kantar Millward Brown.
Widow Jackie Brown said: “Gordon was a very focussed person whether it was starting a company, writing a novel, renovating our home or learning to sail. He was never afraid of adventure and has been described to me as an ‘inspirational genius’ for his contribution to the understanding of market research.”
He loved the outdoor life and when he retired the pair sailed the world in five years.
Jackie said: “Fair winds and foul, we had to take what was thrown at us and had many adventures, including meeting up with Komodo dragons in Indonesia. Fortunately piracy in the Indian Ocean was not as bad then as it is now but we had the odd scare.
“Throughout his life, Gordon, a Methodist, enjoyed church music – having learned to play a traditional pipe organ, including mastering the pedals, at the age of 15. Wherever he lived he would find an organ to play for church services, create ad hoc choirs for special events, and generally play a full part in various aspects of church life.
“Behind all this was a man who hugely loved and was loved by myself, daughter Ruth, and son Pete, and in more recent years their spouses James and Miriam. Then came five wonderful grandchildren – Sam, Jacob, Bella, Jemima, and Eleanor. He was deeply proud of his family and it’s fitting that he was able to spend the last days of his life in their company.
“Rest in peace. You have left your mark in so many places and so many ways. You will not be forgotten.”
