Richard S. Brown
BROWN, Richard S., 82, CHAPMAN, at TAMC, March 22, 2011. Arrangements are in care of Duncan-Graves Funeral Home, Presque Isle.
CHAPMAN – Richard S. Brown, 82, beloved husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather, passed away peacefully, surrounded by his family, on March 22, 2011, at TAMC. He was born in Butte, Montana, on December 16, 1928, to Ronda and Katherine Brown, and was one of six children. He attended school at Emerson School and Butte High School.
He joined the Marine Corp at the age of seventeen, and was proud to serve during WWII with the Marine Air Wing in China. He was recalled to the Marines in September 1950 for the Korean War, and married his first love on September 9, 1950, before he reported for duty to the El Toro Air Base in California. After his honorable discharge from the Marines, he and his wife settled in Pocatello, Idaho, where he worked for the Union Pacific Railroad as a Brakeman. During this period of time, he attended Idaho State University and graduated in 1957, with a Bachelors Degree in Business. He worked part time while going to school for the J.R. Simplot Co., and after graduation, he became Personnel and Safety Director for the company and worked with the company for the next twelve years. In 1969, he moved his family to Boise, Idaho after being appointed to the Idaho State Industrial Accident Board by the Governor of Idaho and where he held that position for two years.
In 1970, he and his family moved to Presque Isle, where he became Director of Operations for Potato Service Inc. His position required him and his family to move to Grand Forks, North Dakota, for two years, and then on to Great Neck, N.Y., for two years. In 1976, he and his family returned to Presque Isle where he became Executive Director for Potato Service’s plants, where he continued to work until 1982, when he resigned from that position. At this point, Richard became an independent Consultant and also a Union negotiator for the next two years. In 1984, he joined his wife, Helen Brown, in the operation of the Astrobowl Lanes which became a Family Fun Center for the Presque Isle community. Richard and Helen spent their next twelve years together, 24/7, in this business, before retiring and the closing of the business in 1994.
Richard received his 50 year service pin from the Masonic Lodge last year, and was a past member of the Scottish Rites and the Anah Shrine Temple in Boise, Idaho.
Richard loved the challenge of golf, always took pride in his well groomed lawn and enjoyed challenging the mind through completing cross-word puzzles. What Richard loved most of all was the opportunity to travel. He, his wife and their two children have experienced traveling together throughout the United States and seven Provinces of Canada, always enjoyed the time together, taking in the beauty of nature.
Richard is survived by his wife of sixty years, Helen Brown; his daughter and son-in-law, Nancy and Eric McEachern; son and daughter-in-law, Grady and Germaine Brown; in addition to honorary son and daughter, Stacey and Norma Dawson; as well as adopted grandson, Frank Dawson; eleven loving grandchildren; and ten beloved great-grandchildren, all of which will sorely miss his sage advice and rapier wit.
A memorial service was held 7 p.m., Friday, March 25, at Duncan-Graves Funeral Home, 30 Church St., Presque Isle,, with Pastor Larry Palmer officiating. Friends called 6 p.m. until time of service at the funeral home. Online condolences may be expressed at www.duncan-graves.com
