William Joseph Brown

William Joseph Brown, 81, of Beaverton Oregon, passed away on February 23rd, 2023. Bill was born to parents Joseph Anthony and Mary Loretta Brown (nee Loome) on January 27th, 1942, in Chicago, Illinois. He graduated from Mendel High School in 1960 and received a Bachelor of Science in 1965 and a Master of Science in 1975 from University of Illinois.

Bill was a member of the Illinois National Guard from 1965-1967, then transferred to the Air Force. He attended flight school in Enid OK, where he met the love of his life, Linda Sue Wilson. They married June 14th, 1969. Bill and family traveled to many places throughout the world, including living in the Philippines and Belgium. He had a 21 year career with the Air Force, earning many medals including the Distinguished Flying Cross. Bill was especially proud of being able to serve his country as a pilot of C130 and C9 aircraft, including flying Bob Hope and his entourage for the holiday shows in Vietnam, piloting the C9A Nightingale flying hospital in Vietnam, and flying The Supreme Allied Commander of Europe (NATO) and Air Force Two for Vice President George Bush and First Lady Nancy Reagan on diplomatic missions.

When he retired from the Air Force, Bill went to work as a civil and environmental engineer at Reagan National Airport in Washington DC. He fully retired in 2008 and moved to Portland to enjoy time with his young grandchildren.

Bill was an active member of the community, including volunteering with the Boy Scouts, Meals on Wheels, the Casey Corner food pantry, and the Beaverton Domestic Violence Advocates. He also sponsored a child in the Philippines. Bill would say his greatest accomplishment was raising his children and grandchildren together with Linda. He was an assistant chess coach, regular escort on school field trips, judge for the Lincoln HS speech and debate team and helped with many science fairs. He spent many hours taking his grandkids to museums, Dairy Queen, OMSI, the zoo, and much more. He was also devoted to caring for his mother-in-law, Dorothy Wilson.

Bill was a deeply spiritual man. He had a special devotion to the Virgin Mary and a strong belief in the Chaplet of Devine Mercy. Bill was a member of St Cecelia’s Catholic Church and also enjoyed volunteering and participating as a community member at Murray Hill Christian Church.

Bill is survived by his wife Linda; his daughter Mandy Mock and spouse Jason Mock; his son Robin Brown; his grandchildren Joseph and Aiden Mock; and his sister Judy Bandyk. He was pre-deceased by his sister Nancy Randich.

In lieu of flowers, Bill and Linda request donations be made to the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society.