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Dennis Allen Brown, 73

Dennis Allen Brown died peacefully on May 7, 2019, at his home in Apache Junction, Ariz. He was 73. Born in 1946 in Coeur d’Alene, Idaho, he was the fifth child born in a family of nine children.

Dennis grew up in Rathdrum, Idaho, graduated from Lakeland High School and then North Idaho College. He then worked for Boeing Aircraft Company in Seattle until he was drafted into the military and served two years in Germany. Dennis worked for several decades in the telecommunications industry, traveling all over the country and globe, ending up in Show Low, Ariz. He worked for Stromberg Carlson, Contel and GTE.

While in Show Low, Dennis worked for Frontier Communications, supervising the install crews in the four-state region. He was active in the Show Low Lions Club and Elks Lodge. In 1993, he acquired the White Mountain Purified Water & Ice business, which he ran as a family business with his daughter, Suzanne Brown, for more than a decade.

In his retirement, Dennis moved south to the San Tan Valley and Apache Junction area where there was plenty to keep him busy since he loved being outdoors. He was an avid golfer, fisherman and he loved boating, hiking, four-wheel driving, motorcycle rides, bird watching and archery.

He is survived by his daughter, Suzanne J. Brown and her husband, Brian in Phoenix, Ariz.; his grandson, Chekori R. Brown, in Apache Junction and great-grandchildren, Jared and Crystal Brown. He is also survived by his brothers, Larry and Kenneth, and sisters, Kathy, Patsy and Betty. Dennis is also survived by his beloved partner of the last several years of his life, Merry M. Botz and his additional “family of the heart,” her children, Tim, Michael and Loni and their families.

Dennis was preceded in death by his son, Christopher Brown; sisters Bonnie and Nancy and brother, Darrel.

A celebration of Dennis’ life and that of his brother, Darrel Brown, who had also passed earlier this year, is planned for June 30, 2019, for family and friends in Idaho. For family and friends in Arizona, a celebration of life will take place in early June.