A popular charter captain, former fashion model and the 2008 King of Fantasy Fest died Thursday in his Key West home.

Capt. Timothy Brown, 50, had undergone surgery for cancer of the tongue earlier in the week, and his shocked friends said he had been recovering well.

But Brown took an unexpected turn, and his death has sent sad shock waves through the community.

"He lit up a room," said Kate Miano, a close friend who also served with Brown as last year's queen of Fantasy Fest. "He had such a good heart and amazing smile."

She described Brown's cooking skills and weekly dinner parties with him and Bob Liebe, Brown's best friend and business partner in the Skinny Dipper charter business.

"He was so proud of getting his captain's license," Miano said, and also recalled Brown's accomplishments in the fashion world before moving to Key West permanently in 1992.

The Texas native was a high-fashion model whose work appeared in GQ, the Italian Vogue and Ralph Lauren. He worked in Paris, Milan and Tokyo, Miano said.

But upon arriving in Key West, Brown cultivated his love of the water and, with Liebe as a business partner, started the local charter business that specializes in sunset cruises, harbor tours, dive trips and other custom charters.

"Key West has lost one of its royal family," said Gregg McGrady, another former Fantasy Fest king and a friend of "Capt. Tim." "His giving nature was as big as his contagious smile and he will be greatly missed."

Friends and family are planning a memorial service for early next week, and details will be forthcoming.

mbolen@keysnews.com