Family, neighbors and co-workers are remembering the life of retired Virgin Islands National Park Chief Ranger Schuler Brown. Brown, 74, died New Year’s Day on St. Thomas. Born on Nevis on Christmas Day, 1951, Brown is remembered as a quiet and ambitious man who worked his way up from truck driver to the top federal law enforcer on St. John.
He is also remembered as a father figure to his children, grandchildren and staffers at the park. “He was my favorite boss,” said retired interpreter Laurel Brannick, “he hired me.”
Several days after his passing, son Kurt Brown told how his dad began as a beverage distributor for St. Thomas business owner Al Cohen, supplementing his income as a truck driver. At night, he said, Schuler Brown went to night school. When an opportunity to join the national park came along, he became a maintenance worker.
Still, Kurt said, night school remained a factor. “He always wanted more; he always had a desire to learn more about history and culture,” Kurt said. The park service did not offer the kind of salary available in the private sector, but for Brown, it was a chance to enrich his life in a culture-rich environment. “At that time there were very few opportunities for locals Virgin Islanders to work in the federal service, but he decided to take the chance,” Kurt said.
The turn toward law enforcement came with a trip to Pennsylvania to join a workshop on wildlife. Along the way, Schuler Brown encouraged other Virgin Islanders and V.I. locals to join the park as well.
After 27 years with the park and serving as chief protection specialist, he retired in 2009, the same year he was honored as grand marshal of the St. John Festival Parade and his years of work volunteering with the festival committee.
Since then, his son said his father remained active in retirement, returning to his first pursuit as a truck driver. He also spent time enjoying radio talk shows, podcasts and political discussions.
In many ways, Kurt said, his dad remained the same — a quiet presence who reached out to those around him with help and encouragement so they, too, could make the most of the world around them.
Funeral services are scheduled for Feb. 21 at Blyden Memorial Chapel on St. Thomas.
