Gordon Ashley Brown

August 1, 1920 - January 28, 2016

Gordon was born August 1, 1920 in Innisfree, Alberta, Canada to Eunice and Forrest Brown. The family later moved to Spokane and then on to East Everett and finally settled in Arlington where Gordon graduated from Arlington High School in 1938. He was an active member of his class; he was Vice President of his senior class as well as the editor of the school newspaper. He had many good memories growing up in the Arlington area and made lifelong friends from his high school years.

Gordon enlisted in the Army Air Forces in 1942 and trained as an aircraft mechanic. He was with the 86th Bombardment Squadron. The three years he spent in France, Italy and North Africa during WWII have remained with him his whole life. Even though he hated the sadness of war, he brought home many great experiences and endless stories of his adventures.

Gordon returned from the War to marry his one and only sweetheart, Elaine Wegener on October 13, 1945. He then went to barber school to become a barber which he was until he retired. He had a shop in Everett on Broadway and then moved to a shop in Marysville where he cut hair with Gordon Root and Vern Ledford.

Gordon and Elaine were happily married for 70 years. Those years were filled with hard work, family, friends, and good times. They built their dream home in 1968 in Lakewood. They both took great pride in their home and it was a home that has been a gathering place for all family celebrations.

Gordon was a lover of life. He loved music, dancing, laughter and nature’s beauty. He never tired of pointing out the beauty of a sunrise, sunset, the moon rising, beautiful clouds, trees, and the wonderful smell of dirt.

Gordon was an enthusiastic “doer”. He built a summer cabin at Lake Ki and the family spent many wonderful summers enjoying the fruits of his labor. He gardened, mowed lawns and chopped wood. He loved archery, tennis, horseshoes, pool, riding horses and clam digging.

He enjoyed playing with his grandchildren and took time with them. We will all miss his wonder and enthusiasm for life. He was 95 years young at heart.

Gordon was preceded in death by his wife, Elaine, his brothers Gail Brown and Doran Brown.

He is survived by his children, Claudia Smith and son –in-law Steven Smith, Paula Jacobsen and son-n-law Mike Jacobson, and David Brown and his partner Linda Harrison; ten grandchildren, Shane Williams, Stephanie Barnett, Mitchell Jacobson, Mathew Jacobsen, Bryce Brown, Ashley Brown, John Simpson Jr., Alison Rodgers, Jason Smith and Nathaniel Williams: and eight great-grandchildren.

A Memorial Service will be held Friday, February 12, at 12 noon at Weller Funeral Home, 327 N Macleod Ave, Arlington, WA. Reception to follow downstairs in Magnolia Hall, from 1:00pm to 3:00pm. Magnolia Hall is located across the street from Weller Funeral Home.

Donations in Lieu of flowers can be made to the charity of your choice