Robert Arthur Brown Jr. | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Born | 20 March 1914 |
| Died | 4 January 1972 (aged 57) |
| Resting place | Burnsland Cemetery |
| Education | University School ('32) University of Alberta (BCom 1936) |
| Spouse |
Genevieve Mary Sulpher
(m. 1950) |
| Military career | |
| Allegiance | .svg){kind=small} Canada |
| Service |  Royal Canadian Navy Volunteer Reserve |
| Years of service | 1943–1946 |
| Rank | Lieutenant Commander |
| Unit | Naval Staff |
| Battles / wars | World War II |
Robert Arthur Brown Jr. (20 March 1914 – 4 January 1972) was a Canadian oilman who was active from the late 1930s to the early 1970s. In June 1936, his father discovered oil in Turner Valley and ushered in a new era in Alberta's petroleum industry. After the discovery, Brown worked alongside his father until the latter's death in 1948. In 1950, he acquired control of the Home Oil Company and in 1955 became the company's president. Through the 1950s and 1960s, Brown turned Home into one of Canada's most successful exploration and production companies. In 1969, Brown attempted to acquire control of Atlantic Richfield, and in the process amassed a personal debt of $26 million. The debt forced him to sell his share of Home, which prompted the intervention of the federal government prevent a foreign takeover. After he found a buyer in the Consumers' Gas Company, Brown stayed on as president of Home, but died shortly thereafter at age 57.