Paul Rylott Brown, 82

Paul Brown, the unforgettable one-of-a-kind admirer of sports and fine wine passed away doing what he liked best, working out at the gym on April 5, 2022, in Austin, Texas.

Paul was born on June 6, 1939, in Chicago, Ill., to loving parents, Betty and Paul Brown. He had a marvelous childhood growing up in Deerfield, Ill., Paul attended high school at Lake Forest Academy and was a member of the Kappa Sigma Fraternity at Denver University. After graduating from college, he went to work for American Oil Company. In retirement, he sold commercial real estate for a short time.

Paul was an athlete, a four-letter varsity star in high school, MVP of the 1957 baseball team, played basketball in college, competed in the New York Marathon, participated in a recreational hockey league, but his true passion was golf. When Paul asked Stephanie’s parents for their blessing to be married, he said, “I don’t think you understand, I really love golf, but I LOVE your daughter more.”

Known as the stallion on the golf course, he regularly scored under his age and refused to play from the forward tee boxes. He shot a 71 to win a prized golf tournament and therefore had “Mr. 71” printed on his golf balls. So, if you find one, please revere it.

Paul was legendary for his unconventional super casual golf attire. He had an extraordinary group of golf friends that played three times a week for the past 18 years in Coeur d’Alene, Idaho.

Paul was a grinder and enjoyed a challenge, he completed the 34.3 mile Climb a Mountain run to the top of Mt. Spokane and took up snow skiing at the age of 60.

He was such a hard worker and a list maker, not just tasks to complete, but movies to watch, music to listen to, and stocks to buy. In 2000, he decided to be his own general contractor. He purchased a book on how to accomplish this, then proceeded to build a spectacular home on the Spokane River.

Paul was a collector. In his childhood, he had an extensive baseball card and comic book collection. He would still have those had they not been thrown away when he went to college. Bummer! Later in life, his brother-in-law, Joe introduced him to fine wine. Paul became a collector of fine wine and built one of the most exclusive wine cellars. He was especially fond of the 1982 Bordeaux’s. He met monthly with an amazing wine group in Austin, Texas.

Paul adored his country. He was extremely patriotic and opinionated, especially when it came to politics. If you see a picture of Paul, he is likely wearing an American flag or a Trump hat.

Most of all, Paul loved his family. Getting together with his beloved children, to watch the Seattle Seahawks and the Chicago Cubs was a treasured event. His grandchildren affectionately referred to him as Papa. Paul looked forward to staying with his dear sister Vicki on road trips to and from Austin, Texas. Each morning he would watch Varney and share his smoothie with his dog, Murphy, and now Murphy Too. Paul met his soul mate Stephanie at Starbucks, and for 21 years he respected, loved, honored, and cherished his bride. They were a remarkable team that completed each other.

The world has lost a little bit of luster without Paul in it, but that unique voice, big smile, generous, kindhearted man will never be forgotten.

Paul is survived by his wife Stephanie, his son Paul D. (Marnie) Brown, his daughter Shauna (Shaun) Erdmann, his daughter Lara (Chris) Unger, grandchildren; Tyler, Kaitlyn, Emily, Nicholas, Matthew, and Sasha, his sister Vicki (Joe) Hutchinson, nieces, nephews, and Miker’s daughter Shayla Reck.

Paul is predeceased by his parents Betty and Paul, his spouses Miker Morford Brown, and Marsha Woodall Brown.

Celebration of life services will be held this summer in Coeur d’Alene, Idaho, and in the fall in Austin, Texas.

In lieu of flowers donations can be made to the Kootenai or Spokane Humane Society.