Studebaker family remembers Phil Brown

SOUTH BEND — At the Studebaker National Museum, those who knew Phil Brown are saddened after a weekend accident killed their longtime trustee, volunteer and friend. Brown died following a rollover crash on Dragoon Trail Sunday. "For me and, I think for all of us, it's like losing a brother, an uncle, it's truly a family member that we've lost from the museum. All of us around here are truly sad today," said Andrew Beckman, archivist for the museum. Brown dedicated much of his time at the museum, as trustee and as a volunteer for 25 years. "You can say this of Phil Brown, he's a guy that truly gave more than he promised when it came to the Studebaker legacy," Beckman said. Brown was also the chairman of the Collections Committee, deciding which vehicles would be added to the museum's collection, among other tasks. Brown worked on many projects while at the museum, including restoration of a 1966 Cruiser, the last Studebaker ever made. "He's just been very important to the museum for a long, long time," museum executive director Rebecca Bonham said. Bonham knew Brown for 27 years. She says it will be impossible to find another person like him. "He really won't be replaceable, other people will move into his slot, but he will be sorely missed," she said. "(I) could call him up needing a bit of Studebaker information or maybe some advice on working on a particular car, and Phil would always be there, always willing to help out," Beckman said. "We can never replace him, we will certainly miss him and all that he represented to us." Visitations will be Wednesday from 3 to 8 p.m. at the Kaniewski Funeral Home. The funeral is scheduled for 10 a.m. Thursday.