Fred R. Brown, 64

Fred R. Brown passed away Nov. 13, 2015.

Fred was born Feb. 18, 1951, in Clinton, Oklahoma. Following his birth, his parents, Royal and Bess Brown, moved to San Diego where Fred completed high school and attended Palomar College.

Fred volunteered to serve in the Armed Service, and spent a tour of duty in Vietnam, 1968 to 1969, resulting in the U.S. Army awarding him a Bronze Star for acts of heroism.

On Oct. 9, 1981, Fred married “Pookie” Tully in Escondido, California, and the following year they celebrated the birth of their daughter, Megan Sue Moore. In 1983, the small Brown family relocated from San Marcos, California to Kalispell. They settled into the Smith Lake area. Fred loved Montana and the life it offered him and his family. In 1984, the Browns celebrated the birth of their second daughter, Allison Marie Brown. Later in his life Fred considered himself very fortunate when he was reunited with his son, Tom Flori, his wife Colleen and their four children.

On Nov. 13, Fred met his final challenge under the loving care of his daughter Megan and son-in-law, Justin, in their home in Helotes, Texas, after a short battle with cancer. Prior to his health failing he was grateful to have his daughter Allison visit from Australia to spend time at his side, as well as his niece Jeannie and Tom and his family. To Fred’s family he was “Grampa” to Lily and Jackson Moore of Helotes, and Lyric and Lennox Edwards of Warrnambool, Australia.

Fred was many things to many people — he was a great friend, an avid Friday night pool “shark,” diehard Montana Griz fan, self-proclaimed comedian, Flathead River jet ski cruiser, impeccable Country Western dancer, Vietnam war hero, accomplished welder, deep sea diver, jack-of-all-trades, lifelong pilot, lonesome cowboy, rodeo bareback rider, and a complex man loved by so many people. He will be greatly missed by his family and friends.  

Fred joins his mother, father and sister, Edra Turley, “in his cowboy heaven.” Sadly, he leaves behind his daughters, son, grandchildren, two sisters, Robbie Easter and Betty Gale, numerous nieces, nephews, and many cousins. In honor of Fred’s life, the family invites you to make a contribution to a charity that benefits Vietnam veterans. In remembering Fred’s life, please visit http://YouTube.be/VimOyMquLU