William D Brownlie

WESTFORD- Brownlie, William D. of Westford, MA; formerly a Chelmsford resident of 33 years and East Sandwich; died April 29, 2010 at home with his family at his side after a courageous 15 month battle with a very rare form of T-Cell Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma. He was the cherished husband of Mary Clare Bradford Brownlie, R.N. for 56 years.
Born in Everett, MA on November 13, 1932 to the late Ethel (Bell) Brownlie and William D. Brownlie, he graduated from the Everett, Massachusetts school system and was active in high school sports. He proudly served in the US Marine Corps during the Korean War. After an honorable discharge, he graduated from Boston University - School of Public Relations & Communications in 1958.
He then began his long, distinguished, and very successful career in the Life Insurance Business with the New England Mutual Life Insurance Co in Boston and became an agent with the Gene Hayes Agency in Boston. He was a Charted Life Underwriter, a Chartered Financial Consultant. He received his Certificate in Financial Planning from the BU Program for Financial Planners and was a registered Massachusetts Licensed Advisor. Bill specialized in the medical market and his expertise was in the areas of whole life, disability, annuities and selective investments. Some of his clients were amongst the most renowned physicians in the United States.
He authored two insurance books which were published by McGraw Hill and National Underwriter. He was a Life Member of the Million Dollar Round Table, a Vanguard recipient - one of the most prestigious awards the company bestowed on their top producing agents. He served on numerous financial committees and belonged to several professional organizations. His contribution as a frequent guest lecturer and media commentator established him as an expert in the industry. One of his proudest achievements came in March 17th 1976 when he was invited to speak before the House Ways & Means Committee of the US House of Representatives in Washington, D.C. on Federal Estate and Gift Taxes. His suggested amendments were in the 1976 Tax Reform Act only to be overturned by incoming President Carter.
Passionate for most sports - especially football; he was a long time Patriot's season ticket holder, and loved working out at the local health club with his buddies. He supported Boston University sports and the E-Club of Everett. He enjoyed summers with his family and friends in Chatham.
Besides his beloved wife, Mary Clare, he was a loving and devoted father to five children and a son-in-law - William D. Brownlie III of Jacksonville, Vermont, Deborah L. Brownlie of Alexandria, VA, Elizabeth J. Rogers and Mark W. Rogers of Dover, New Hampshire, Katherine A. Brownlie of Westford, Massachusetts and Edward B. Brownlie of Seminole, Florida. Also surviving him is a sister-in-law Diane McKay of St. Louis, Mo and various cousins. He leaves behind his most loved and faithful companion - Seamus; his beautiful golden retriever. Private Services were already held. Gifts in memory of William D. Brownlie may be made to: MGH Cancer Center, Dr. Jeremy Abramson, Lymphoma Research Fund, 165 Cambridge St, Suite 600, Boston, MA, 02114.