Richard Wilfred Brown, Sr.

On the evening of Friday, the 28th of March, 2025, our beloved Husband, Father, and Grandfather, Richard Brown Sr., passed through the gates of glory into the loving arms of God in Boyne City, Michigan. He was 82 years old. He is survived by his wife, Christine (Ducket) Brown, his sons Richard Jr, and Robert (Briana), and his grandchildren Cameron Brown (Krista Nayden), Mallory Schierbeek (Nicholas), Ethan Brown, and Vivian Brown. He was preceded in death by his parents as well as his siblings, Norman Brown, Bonnie Hedrick, and Thomas Brown.

He was born on November 16th, 1942, in Monroe, Michigan to Wilfred Brown and Vivian Allen. He grew up on a farm in Temperance, Michigan and attended Bedford schools. He graduated from Michigan State University with a Masters in Counseling. 

He became the Extension Agent for 4H in Oakland and then Ingham County for almost ten years before being named Guidance Counselor at Williamston High School in Williamston, Michigan, where he remained for 25 years. He was coaxed out of retirement to become the Guidance Counselor at Leslie High School in Leslie, Michigan, for several years before finally moving to Boyne City, Michigan.

Dad was the type of person who left an impression on everyone he met. He was beloved by the students he advised and touched many lives with his guidance. He had great passion for his career and would often go to work even though snowstorms had closed the schools. He had a genuine concern for all who trusted him with their issues and fiercely honored that trust. His integrity was unimpeachable. He served as leader and President of the Williamston Education Association for many years.

One of his greatest passions was gardening, and his yards were gorgeous horticultural wonders. People would stop and admire the beauty he created with his perennials and annuals. He had an incredible eye for making plants harmonize in an almost magical way.  He couldn’t wait for Spring so he could get out in his yard and start digging and planting. He and Mom visited virtually every nursery in the state of Michigan on a yearly basis.

He was especially proud of the athletic and scholastic accomplishments of his sons and grandchildren. He attended all their events, especially if it was a hockey game. He loved hockey and had season tickets for MSU games for a couple of decades before converting to a Wolverine fan once his son Rob played there.

He also loved hunting and fishing, and always told his son Rich that he was the one who shot the rooster when both would shoot at the same bird. Rich always knew better.

His greatest passion and love was his wife, Christine. They were married for 62 years and he was happiest when he was near her.  His devotion to her was unfailing and true. 

The family wishes to thank The Brook Senior Living Center for their unending patience and gentle care for Dad over the past month or so. They have angels working there.

The family is planning a Celebration of Life sometime later this summer or fall. We will announce the details once they are finalized.

Memorial contributions can be made in Rich’s name to: Charlevoix Area Garden Club - Heritage Garden: PO Box 602, Charlevoix, MI 49720.

Arrangements are in the care of Stackus Funeral Home.

To plant a beautiful memorial tree in memory of Richard Wilfred Brown, Sr., please visit our Tree Store.