William Eugene Brown

July 29, 1970 – April 2, 2025

With hearts full of love, we share the passing of William “Bill” Brown, who died on April 2, 2025, at the age of 54. Born on July 29, 1970, in Utah to Gerald Wood Brown and Cheryl Jane Tafoya, Bill grew up in Colorado, where he built a life defined by joy, grit, and deep devotion to his family and friends.

Bill graduated from Green Mountain High School and attended the University of Northern Colorado. In his early twenties, he was diagnosed with post-viral cardiomyopathy, a rare heart condition that 90% do not survive beyond ten years. But Bill’s strength was not just physical, it was his determination, spirit, and optimism that carried him far beyond expectations. He lived more than 25 extraordinary years beyond that diagnosis, a testament to the miracle of who he was.

Bill’s career was a shining example of how far persistence and heart can take you. He began with nothing but hustle, working behind the bar at Rock Bottom Brewery in Denver—where he built friendships that lasted a lifetime—and then carved out a remarkable path in the tech world. Through sheer talent and drive, Bill rose to become a Global Executive Recruiter for some of the most iconic companies of our time, including Cisco Systems, Electronic Arts (EA), Apple, Tesla, Splunk, and Aurora Innovations. He was deeply proud of his work—recruiting individuals who were shaping the future—and he brought energy and care to every connection he made. Helping others find meaningful careers wasn’t just a job for Bill; it was his calling.

Bill and Amy Gray married on February 16, 2002, and together they built a life anchored in love, laughter, and fierce devotion to their children, Cody (born 2003) and Cecelia (born 2007). Bill was a hands-on dad who made the ordinary magical—from elaborate scavenger hunts for lost teeth to cooking dinner each night with care and joy. He worked from home his entire career, always present for his family, creating a home full of warmth, humor, and deep security. His absence now leaves a quiet that echoes.

Bill was described by those who loved him as charismatic, fearless, loyal, determined, optimistic, positive, and larger than life. He was the kind of person who didn’t just show up—he showed up all the way. He lived with intensity, purpose, and generosity—infusing even everyday moments with a sense of fun and possibility. He was a constant—a steady, radiant presence in the lives of those lucky enough to know him.

He is survived by his wife Amy, his children Cody and Cecelia, his father Gerald Brown, and his brothers Michael and James Brown. He was preceded in death by his mother, Cheryl Tafoya.

A celebration of Bill’s life will be held on Saturday, May 4th from 3:00–8:00 p.m. at the Brown family home: 10197 Briargrove Way, Highlands Ranch, CO 80126.

The formal service will begin at 4:00 p.m., and we kindly encourage guests to arrive in time for this special moment of remembrance.

At dusk, fireworks will close the evening—a joyful tribute to Bill’s spirit, lighting up the sky with the same energy and brightness he brought to our lives.

Please feel free to share a story, memory, or word that reminds you of Bill. These tributes offer deep comfort to Cody and Cecelia as they move forward carrying the legacy of their incredible dad.