Monday, 05 Mar 2018
Roy passed away peacefully in the Coquihalla/Gillis House with family by his side.
He is survived by his beloved wife, Anne, of 73 years, his son Donald (Ariene), daughters, Linda A. Brown and Devey Dejong (Conrad), 16 grandchildren, 29 great grandchildren, and 1 great great grandchild. He is predeceased by his parents, William & Pearl Brown; by his sons, Larry (Suzanne) & William (Billy) (Greta); and by his brothers, Douglas, Jack, & William (Billy). Roy was born in San Jose, California. His parents moved from there to a homestead in the Peace River, then onto Armstrong where they raised their family. Soon after, Roy joined the Canadian Navy. He was stationed in Montreal where he met and married the love of his life, Anne Louise Burgess.
After the 2nd World War, Roy, together with his Uncle George Scott, worked a cross-cut saw in Armstrong. A few years later, Roy and his Dad logged with horses in the Adams Lake area. Eventually Roy moved to Merritt with his wife and kids in January 1957. He started logging with a Cat (bulldozer) and hauled logs to Saunders mill. Roy owned a portable sawmill, ML Brown Lumber Ltd., for a few years and that sawmill was eventually moved to Gold Bridge. ML Brown Lumber Ltd. hauled logs to the same mill (Tolko) for 55 years (the mill has changed ownership several times). He worked side by side with two of his sons, Larry and Don. His son, Don, has been running the business for several years. Currently, a third generation of grandsons (Mike, Shaun & Mark) work alongside Don. Several other grandchildren (Dev- on & Dan) have worked throughout the years, along with many other great crew members. Mom & Dad travelled to several places throughout the years, but Dad’s favorite spot was Hawaii, where they travelled over 40 times. On many of their trips they took their kids and several grandchildren. Mom would like to thank their daughters, Linda & Devey, for always being there when Dad needed them. Anne and the family would like to thank Dr. McLeod & Dr. Smit for the years of care they gave to our Dad; the staff at Coquihalla/Gillis House; to a special nurse, Lori Jacobson, for the personal touch she gave to Dad; to the daughter-in-law, Arlene, for basically being Dad’s caregiver for the past few years. Thanks to family and friends who send the many trays of food and casseroles: all was very much appreciated. No service is being held at his request. He has been cremated. Roy’s Celebration of Life will be announced at a later date. As a husband, father, grandfather, and great grandfather, he will always be missed, but never forgotten. In lieu of flowers, please send donations to the Royal Canadian Legion, Branch 189 or the Kidney Foundation of BC.
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