Roy Brown passed away unexpectedly of natural causes at home in Pullman on June 15, 2012, with his caregiver, Leah, by his side. He was born July 11, 1924, near Pullman, Wash,. to Lester and Maude Brown. He was the second of four children.
Roy spent his early years on the family farm where he recalled using 33 head of horses to pull a combine. He attended school in Johnson. He often noted that he was more educated than the rest of us because it took him seven years to graduate from high school (he joined the Navy before graduating and earned his diploma after he returned).
Roy served in the U.S. Navy from 1944-1946, primarily in the Pacific aboard the USS General Omar Bundy. Throughout his life, he worked in many areas, including farming, breeding saddle horses, operating a service station in Pullman, running a septic service, carrying mail in rural Pullman (24 years) and serving as fire chief of Whitman County Fire District 12 from its inception in 1957 until his retirement in 1997.
In 1955, Roy and Joanne (Clarke) were married and made their home in Pullman. In the following years, they had four children, Sam, Andy, Ken and Guy. Roy was a lifetime member of the Moose and served in numerous offices at the Pullman Lodge. He also was a member of the local American Legion and the NRA. Roy was an avid fisherman and could often be seen in one of his boats out on the region's lakes. He loved the Palouse and enjoyed driving around the area to admire the scenery and farms.
Roy had a huge heart and gave of himself without expecting anything in return. He diligently cared for his wife for many years during an extended illness, and visited her at least once every day for the nine years she spent in a nursing home. Following her passing, he cared for his brother-in-law, Don Clarke, in the same way. In recent years, as Roy encountered many of his own health issues, he was constantly touched and awed by the overwhelming support and care he received from family, friends and health care providers.
Roy was an amazing, adventurous, multitalented person. He was very mechanically inclined and would rather repair something than buy a new one. At gatherings of family and friends, he could always recount all the details of local and family history and enjoyed telling stories. He inspired everyone around him by overcoming tremendous odds and his determination to not let anything stop him.
Roy will always be remembered for his quick wit, hearty laugh, genuine smile, sarcastic humor and love for life.
Roy was preceded in death by his wife of nearly 50 years, Joanne; two sisters, Zadie Parvin and Guynethia Buckley; brother-in-law, Don Clarke; and his parents. He is survived by brother Ken (Barbara) Brown, of Spokane; brother-in-law Stan Buckley of Pullman; sons Sam Brown of Pullman, Andy Brown of Pullman, Ken (Kathy) Brown of Ruston, Wash., and Guy (Shelly) Brown of Moscow, Idaho; three grandchildren, Clarke, Mike and Allie; three adopted grandchildren, Robin (Chris) Hevly, Dan (Morgan) Keifer and Leah Jordan; three adopted great-grandchildren, Peyton Hevly, Gavin Keifer and Brody Hevly; and numerous nieces and nephews who adored their "Uncle Moon."
The family suggests memorial donations be made to the Friends of Hospice, Washington State Firefighters Spouse and Orphan's fund, Whitman County Fire District 12, the American Diabetes Association and the American Cancer Society. Kramer Funeral Home in Palouse is caring for the family.
Pastor Forrest Miller will officiate the services to be conducted at 10:30 a.m. Saturday, June 23, at the Presbyterian Church in Pullman, Wash., followed by interment with full military honors at the Pullman City Cemetery
