George Marvin Brown, 80, a resident of Stanwood, passed away at his home on April 10, 2014.
He was born on August 4, 1933 in Bellingham, Washington to George and Anna (Corcoran) Brown. He had one brother, Cecil, who was thirteen years older.
George grew up in Whatcom and Skagit County. He quit school in the tenth grade because he was making more money logging that his teachers made. What could they teach him, right?
George married Mary Jacobs in 1954 and they had five children together. In 1983, he and Linda were married in Mount Vernon and made their home on their rural Stanwood property. They have enjoyed many years of horseback riding and trail construction/maintenance with Backcountry Horsemen. He volunteered hundreds of hours on his tractor and with a chainsaw or weed eater for which he received a ‘Lifetime Achievement Award’. He was also a tremendous support to competitive trail rides.
He was drafted into the U.S. Navy, where he spent just under two years.
George was a construction pipefitter with Local #26 for 48 years, working at refineries, pulp mills, Boeing and many other projects.
George was a member of the Fidalgo Lodge #77, F. & A. M. in Anacortes where he served as Master in 2013. His project for the year was the ‘Bikes for Books’ program that the lodge supports. He was also a member of the Skagit Shrine Club and the NRA. He was an avid fan of the Seattle Seahawks, preferring to watch the games on TV from the comfort of his recliner. He was so excited that they won the Super Bowl even though he had to watch it on a tiny TV at the hospital. He enjoyed hunting and made several special trips with his son and grandson over the last few years. He also loved to watch grandson, Mack, race at Skagit Speedway and was in the grandstands for most of his races. He will continue to support Mack from his place of honor on the race car.
George is survived by his wife, Linda; children, Doug (Tena) Brown of Sedro-Woolley, Theresa (Tony) DenHartog of Bellingham, Elizabeth (Gary) Haeck of Longview and Jessie (Christal) Brown of Anacortes. He is also survived by Linda’s children, Cindy Grenier of Lyman, Michael (LaVonna) Neumiller of Illinois, Gary (Tammy) Hale of Mt. Vernon, and Eric Hale of Everett. He is also survived by numerous beloved grandchildren (we stopped counting at 20) and great grandchildren (four more to be born this year). He is also survived by his dog, Chance. George was greatly loved by a large family and an even larger body of friends from life, Backcountry Horsemen, Masonic Lodge, his construction brothers and sisters (in his union and others). He will be greatly missed.
George was preceded in death by his parents, his brother, and his son, Les Brown.
The memorial service will be at 11:00AM on Saturday, April 26, 2014 at the Plumber’s and Pipefitter’s Union Hall, 780 Chrysler Dr., Burlington, WA (West end of George Hopper Rd.) with the Fidalgo Lodge #77 presiding and Military Honors. A potluck meal and fellowship will follow. Memorials can be made to ‘Bikes for Books’, Fidalgo Lodge #77, 1019 8th Street, Anacortes, WA 98221; or to Shriner’s Children’s Hospital-Spokane, 911 W. Fifth Ave., Spokane, WA 99204; or Shriner’s Children’s Hospital-Portland, 3101 S.W. Sam Jackson Park Rd., Portland, OR 97239-3009.
Had the pleasure to have worked with George 4 many years. Since he came from logging “Roots” we had a lot in common.
Family-Man,Master Craftsman, Equipment operator,welder-Fab expert-Pipefiter,Grand Master,Cowboy at Heart-Backcountry Horseman…. the list continues on & on 4 all who knew him…
He lived a Full life and I can say if in my lifetime, if I’m to Accomplish 2 % of all the
Legacy & Love George Did !! Only then
Can U assume the Grand Title of being a
“LEGEND”
R.I.P. love U George
My husband and I knew George from the years we spent in Competitive Trail Riding when our own kids were growing up. I happen to be talking about him to my parents one time back in those days, and come to find out my Dad knew him fairly well, too, as a pipe fitter! Small world. Our family always loved being around George and Linda at the CTR events we attended – always lots of humor and a big heart and lots of smiles to share with anyone who was around him. George was a good man to know :o)
Our prayers go out for Linda and the rest of George’s family, as I know he is a man that will be greatly missed. May God keep you sheltered in His hands of comfort in this difficult time.
Long ago, the righteous man Job raised this question: “If an able-bodied man dies can he live again?” In answer to that question he said:”You will call, and I will answer you. You will long for the work of your hands.” (Job 14:14,15) I am very sorry for your loss. May God’s Word seek to comfort you and your family. Sincerely, Meryl
Sorry to hear about Marvin. ( I knew him as Marv in earlier years) he always had a great smile, and was a wonderful listener. A big loss.
What a great man George Brown was! Anything needed? You could count on George to “get ‘er done”. With Linda at his side they accomplished many great projects. What a blessing he was to Trailduster’s with a willing heart and really big rigs. George even came with the right tool on the freeway when I had a flat last summer. Thank you friend! 🙂 He will be missed by many and will be remembered by all. <3 We send our love and condolences to Linda and his family.
Doug and Jesse,
I have many fond memories of working with George and he always brought common sense to whatever project he undertook. I will miss his wisdom, smile and hearty laugh. Know he loved all of you very much, he told me so. From all your “refinery family” please accept our sincere condolences to you and your family for the loss of your father and my friend.
George was my Masonic Brother and a great and true friend. He always wanted to do for others, rarely ever complained, always compassionate about others, and if he had a complaint or issue with someone he addressed it face on with that person and privately. He was involved in many things but did not want to be in the spotlight. We, his Masonic family lost a great man & Brother and he will be sorely missed. I very much miss his stories as he traveled with me to many Lodges in Western Washington, many hours in the car but he made the time fly by very fast.
My condolences, prayers, and heart go out to Linda and all of his/their children and grandchildren. I can only imagine your sorrow and sadness but George is in a great place with no pain and lots of stories to repeat.
Goodbye true and trusted friend, until we meet again!
Don Munks
George was a wonderful add in to our big family. To say he will be missed at FROGTOWN is a under statement. Always knew when he was around by his voice. Rest in Peace George your battle is over.
Our condolences to the Brown Family. George was a steady hand . You felt good about him being on the job. Good character and common sense made him great , and friendly. An outdoorsman , I considered George a kindered spirit . We will miss you . He Knew the Horse .
Mike Rigacci Sgt @ Arms Laborers Local 901
and Family
George was a great man and will be missed greatly at the family barbeques where he had the memory of an encyclepedia and told many great stories! I am glad that I had the good fortune to meet him and enjoy his presence. We recently had the conversation of his life and he said that he had no regrets! George worked very hard and played very hard and instilled these qualities in all of his children who are all a reflection of him. Rest in Peace George!
George was one of the hardest workers for receational trails I have ever known If George and his earth moving equipment were neeed for a trail project,no matter the location, you could contact George and he would be there. He was a great supporter of mine with the some of the trail maintenance efforts of BCHW and the Pilchuck Recreation Association. Any awards that recognized George’s efforts and hard work on trails were justly earned and deserved. He was a friend who could be counted upon for anything. George and I did a bit of trail riding together over the years.Quiet and unassumig but always there. I would describe George Brown as ” As a Man’s”
Man” With that husky voice and laugh you always knew when he was around. Even though I haven’t seen much of George these past few years I will miss that voice and laugh
Bill Somes