Frank Willard

Brower, III

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IN LOVING MEMORY

Frank Willard Brower, III

Mar 13 1960 - Sep 29 2013

After a lifetime perfecting his scratch golf game, and teaching his boys the importance of “playing hard while having fun,” private equity entrepreneur, husband and father, Tripp Brower completed his final round in this life on Sept. 29, 2013 surrounded by his family, after a courageous battle with multiple myeloma cancer. As Tripp would say, “he fought the good fight, but he ran out of ammunition.”

Tripp’s life both on and off the golf course was an illustration of deep faith, personal integrity, compassion and the driving desire to do the right thing. The impact he leaves on his own family and hundreds of individuals whose lives he touched over more than 53 years will not fade with his passing. Those who were fortunate enough to share time with Tripp will pay forward his example and positively impact generations to come. Tripp truly lived his life’s mantra, “Carpe Diem,” and remains an authentic example of how to “seize the day” and “live life to the fullest.”

Tripp was born March 13, 1960, in Jacksonville, FL to Frank Willard Brower Jr and the late Mason Darby Brower. He was a graduate of Central Bucks East High School in Bucks County, PA and Washington and Lee University in Lexington, VA.

Tripp married his soulmate, Sheri Ryman, on February 17, 1990, in Dallas. They built a happy, full and active life together in McKinney. Together, they endured countless freezing, early morning practices and games, while putting thousands of miles on the family car and on airplanes in their decade-long role as “hockey parents.” Tripp supported and encouraged his boys’ many successes and taught each to be happy in their own life’s pursuits on and off the ice. Favorite times were spent passing the football in the backyard, family trips to the countryside in TX, ski trips with good friends in CA, visiting wine country, and relaxing in coastal Maine.

Sheri and their three boys were the center of Tripp’s life. He was immensely proud of all of his children: Mason, Landon and Pierce. He instilled in them the core values that he embodied: courage, dignity, ambition, perseverance, respect, tolerance and a strong faith.

He also enjoyed spending time with his extended family on vacations, watching any sporting event on television, listening to good music, and persuing his favorite pastimes: skiing, sailing, golfing, reading, gardening, and working out in the gym.

While Tripp’s public identity centered on his family, sports and private equity career, it was his ability to relate to people in all walks of life and make each one of them feel special that made him so unique.

Tripp co-founded Capstone Partners in Dallas, TX in 2001 and over twelve years built one of the leading global private equity funds placement businesses. The firm reflects his ideals of compassion, hard work, and selfless service to others. Tripp’s strong sense of family values formed the basis of Capstone’s culture as he cared deeply for every colleague and they considered him a dear friend.

Prior to Capstone, Tripp touched many lives and established many deep relationships as Executive Vice President of OffRoad Inc., Co-Head of the Private Fund Group at Investment banking firm Stephens, Inc., Founder of Stonebridge Partners and as a Vice President at J.P. Morgan & Company.

Tripp’s philanthropic pursuits included serving as a founding member of the Governing Board for Executives in Action and serving as a prominent member of Crosspoint Church.

While business travels took him to all corners of the world, one place closest to his heart was Pratt’s Island, Maine. His favorite part of this special place was its simplicity. No cell phone service, fun-filled days spent with family sailing, playing golf, exploring tidal pools, creating “abundanza-like” gardens, reading in a favorite Adirondack chair, enjoying great conversation over lobster dinner and around the bonfire, and gathering on Urchin Island to view magical sunsets sipping an exceptional glass (or two) of a favorite Cabernet. Bliss.

In addition to his immediate family, Tripp is survived by his father, Frank (and wife Karen), brothers: Darby (wife Jennifer and children Jennings, Darby II and Kendall), Hamilton, and Christopher (wife Kim and children Grace and Hamilton II).

Tripp’s middle son, Pierce, and his beloved mother, Mason, preceded him in his transition into heaven. He is most surely enjoying his reunion with them, surrounded by oceans of unconditional love in his new spiritual home.

Tripp’s family would like to thank the caring staff at UAMS, in Little Rock, as well as everyone who contributed prayers and positive energy during his cancer journey. Tripp was humbled and truly touched by the outpouring of support.

Friends are invited to celebrate Tripp’s life on Saturday, Oct. 26, from 4-5 p.m. at Crosspoint Church in McKinney, TX located at 2101 S. Stonebridge Drive (corner of Stonebridge and Coronado) (972) 562-2200. The celebration will continue afterwards with a gathering to share warm remembrances, humorous stories and raise a glass to a life well lived from 5:30–7pm to savor one more sunset with our most beloved, Tripp.  

In lieu of flowers, donations to the “Tripp Brower Memorial Fund” to support several of his favorite charities would be gratefully appreciated. Donations may be sent to Capstone Partners, 13355 Noel Road, Suite 1050, Dallas, TX 75240.

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Memorials

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