Ian Orestes Brown

Ian Orestes Brown, peacefully left this world on Tuesday, September 27, 2011 after fighting a hero’s battle with his health most of his life. Ian was born in Portland, Oregon, on July 10, 1967. Ian is survived by his wife, Nina Stankovic-Brown; parents, Conrad and Megan; brother, Colin; nephew, Calvin; and grandmother, Julia; his uncle and aunts, Gene and Eileen Brown and Nancy Evans; and his cousins, Bobbi Chaney. His grandfather, Judson preceded him in death and was a strong, positive influence in his early life.

Growing up on Ankeny Street in Portland, Ian attended Terwilliger and Buchman Grade Schools, Lincoln High School and Oregon State University.

Ask him any question, and Ian could almost always recall the answer. Through his interest in trivia, Ian met Nina online. Even though she lived in Belgrade and he lived in Portland, they pursued their friendship over the computer and on the phone, and eventually they fell in love. With a brave heart, Ian flew over 5000 miles to Serbia to marry her in April, 2007. It took one year before Nina was able to enter the United States, and then they were inseparable! She stayed by his side until death separated them.

Ian was an instructor at Computer Skills Plus for over 15 years, and he loved his job as a teacher. He was admired, respected, and loved by all his co-workers and students. In fact, anyone who met Ian immediately became a friend. He was a longtime VW owner and enthusiast and driving his Porsche was his passion!

During his 30 years on dialysis Ian had developed a strong belief in the necessity of every dialysis patient taking charge of his care, be their own advocate and require that those who treated them listened to their requests and concerns. Ian was a wonderful mentor to new dialysis patients; he willing shared his experience and knowledge and demonstrated that a full and complete life was possible while living with dialysis. Because of his time on dialysis, he had time to become well read and pursue his interest in computers. Ian enjoyed working with his hands and could troubleshoot most computer problems. He was very generous, kindhearted, and willing to help people in any way he could.

A co-worker summed up our feelings: “Ian was a very special man. He was the kindest, smartest man I know. I have nothing but the utmost respect for him. His knowledge always amazed me. He will be greatly missed. I am honored to have known such a special person.” We are all honored to have known him, loved him, and to have been loved by Ian Brown. The world will never be the same without his wit, charm, and love.

He would like it to be known that he was interested in understanding all the peoples of the world and the animals. He was a genius, as we were fond of noticing. We all called him a hero because of his levity, grace, and strength. There is no one who knew him who does not mourn him now. Good-bye, Ian; we all miss you.

In Lieu of Flowers, the Family would like contributions sent to The National Kidney Foundation.

30 East 33rd Street

New York, NY 10016

Celebration of Ian's life will be held on Saturday October 8th at 2238 SE Ankeny, Portland, OR from 1pm-6pm.

Arrangements under the direction of Caldwell's, Hennessey, Goetsch & McGee Funeral Home, Portland, OR.