Adrian "Brownie" L. Brown, 86, USN (Ret.)

Adrian "Brownie" L. Brown, USN (Ret) passed quietly June 6, 2015 at son's home in St. Ignatius, MT, at age 86.  A “Celebration of Life” will be held Saturday, June 20, 2015, 5:00-9:00PM at daughter’s home; 1756 E. Avon Circle, Hayden Lake, ID 83835.  Eldest of 7 children. Born Feb. 23, 1929 on family homestead 8mi S of Jordan, MT, at Sand Creek. Preceded in death by parents Ira & Minnie (Milroy) Brown of Jordan, MT, and brother’s William I. & Fredrick N. Brown.  

In his youth, Adrian worked on the XIT ranch and the family Milroy & McKerlick ranches.  At 17 he joined the Navy, completed his education in the military and rose to rank of Senior Chief Petty Officer.  He shared great memories aboard the USS Thomas E. Fraser, USS Suribachi, and USS Waddell.  In 1950, while on shore leave in Milwaukee, Adrian met and then married wife of 65 years, Faith (McCullough) Brown. It was love at first sight.  The feisty blonde bombshell and strong handsome Navy man were a striking pair. Adrian later joined the US Navy’s Nemesis program.  A secretive brain trust of engineers, scientists & trouble-shooters who keep the Navy's most sophisticated weaponry prepared for war.  Adrian was secretly transported around the globe to ferret computer glitches & malfunctions of shipboard guns, radar, missile-guidance controls or launchers.  One day, Adrian decided he was too old to be dropped in warzones from helicopter baskets onto decks of destroyers during rough seas.  Therefore, he went back into civilian life to open his own automotive shop “Brown’s Automotive & Machine Shop” in Mountain Home Village, CA. There, they threw many memorable & great shindigs w/hayrides, barn dancing, pit cooked burro & pig. Their home & hearts were always open. If you showed up at mealtime they would “throw another bean in the pot” and make you stay.  After retirement from his business they built a home in Calimesa, CA. Adrian kept busy helping his nephew Wayne Simmons with various construction projects in Yucaipa, CA,  restoring classic cars and teaching evening adult automotive classes at Yucaipa High.  In 1995, Adrian & Faith retired to their acreage home in Pinehurst, ID, to be closer to children & grandchildren.  After 10 yrs., Adrian & Faith sold the home and moved to Hayden Lake, ID, where they resided for 9-years. 

Adrian never demanded respect, it was freely given. Respected & loved by all that knew him.   Not only strong and intelligent, he was the kindest of men.  Always there to help anyone in need. Adrian’s generosity, wisdom & warm consolation will forever be treasured and remembered by all.  We are truly fortunate to have had him in our lives.

Survivors include: Wife; Faith (McCullough) Brown. Son; Gaylord E. Brown & wife Pamela S. Daughter; Pamela J. Jank & husband Tim. Five grandchildren; Mathew Brown, Jocelyn Bucholtz, Brandon Jank, Allison (Jank) Williams & Travis Jank. Great-grandchild; Brooklyn Bucholtz. His brothers; Sterling & Harold Brown. Sisters; Margaret Cremer & Delpha Wood. Nieces & Nephews; Amy (Vesley) & Wayne Simmons, Kim, Robert, Michael, Mark, Miles & Monte McCullough,  Shelly Lindsay,  Jacque Gregg, Cathy Cremer, Brenda Armstrong, Brian Armstrong, Linda Lenar, Randolph Paterson.

Condolences, Photos, Anecdotes & Memories for "Celebration of Life" can be sent to family via daughter Pam Jank, 1756 E. Avon Circle, Hayden, ID 83835 or [email protected]