Leslie Les Charles Brown, 49, a lifelong Skagit County resident, passed away Thursday, October 30, 2008, in a fatal single car collision just outside of Clear Lake.
Les was born on September 30, 1959 in Anacortes, Washington, the son of George & Mary Jacobs Brown. He was raised and attended school in Anacortes, graduating from Anacortes High School in 1978. Les was a great cook beginning at a young age and during high school worked as a cook at the Skyline & Charlie’s restaurants in Anacortes. After high school he joined the crew of the Nancy Rose, a commercial fishing vessel in Southeast Alaska.
In 1981 he joined the Pipe Fitter’s Union, Local 265 in Everett, working as a Pipe Fitter for several years. In 1990, while on a brief layoff from pipefitting, he relocated the family to Kodiak, Alaska where he worked as a commercial long line fisherman for one season. Upon returning to Skagit County, Les went back to work for both the Pipe Fitters and Laborers Unions until the day of his death. Les was also a highly skilled, artistic welder. On several occasions he worked as a professional welder for the Dakota Creek Shipyard.
In his spare time he enjoyed hunting, fishing, picking morel and chanterelle mushrooms. His favorite person to be outdoors with was Charles Charlo Lederle, of Sedro-Woolley. During his down-time at home he always enjoyed a good western novel, Louis Lamour being his favorite author.
Les was a simple man, being one of the funniest and quick witted people you could ever meet. He always put others before himself, not thinking twice about giving the shirt off his back or the food off his plate. Les always had a smile on his face, and his humor could brighten anyone’s day. You could say he marched to the beat of his own drum, never worrying about what others would think of him. He was loved by many.
Les is survived by his sons, Brandon Lewis 28 of Sedro-Woolley, Carson Brown 21 of Sedro-Woolley, and his daughter, Jordan Brown 15 of Sedro- Woolley. His father and step-mother, George & Linda Brown of Stanwood and his mother and step-father, Mary & Joe Goodman of Anacortes. Two sisters, Theresa Denhartog of Bellingham and Elizabeth Haeck of Kelso. Two brothers, Douglas Brown of Sedro-Woolley, Jessie Brown of Anacortes, along with numerous step brothers and sisters, nieces, nephews and a ton of friends.
A Life Celebration will be held on Saturday, November 8, 2008 at 1:00 PM at the Bethel Assembly of God Church in Sedro-Woolley with Pastor Jim Cannon officiating. Please bring your favorite dish to a potluck fellowship that will follow services at the Pipe Fitters Training Center, 780 Chrysler Drive west end of George Hopper Road Burlington, WA.
In lieu of flowers please make a donation to your favorite charity in Les’s name
Cremation and services are under the direction of Lemley Chapel, Sedro-Woolley.
A Great Guy , and Union Brother. You are missed by all !
Mike Rigacci
Sgt @ Arms
Laborers Local 901