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BROWN, FRED E. Of Spring Arbor, went home to be with the Lord Monday, January 20, 2014 at the age of 87. Mr. Brown was the son of Robert R. and Inez (Beem) Brown, born May 9, 1926 in Brandt, MI. He is survived by his loving wife of 62 years, Margaret (Fogle) Brown; five children, Bruce (Marcy) of Michigan, Carolyn (Daryl) Smith of Florida, Miriam (Jon) Lafferty of Ohio, Jeffrey (Jane Sansom) Brown of Texas, and Timothy (Jane Penn) Brown of New York; three grandsons; six great-granddaughters; nine great-grandchildren; brother, Reverend Dale D. (Esther) Brown; several nieces, and nephews. Mr. Brown was preceded in death by his parents; sister, Roberta Brown; brother, Reverend J. Bruce (Murzelle) Brown. He was a graduate of Greenville College in Illinois and Michigan State University. He served his country during World War II in the United States Army-Air Corp; then completed his education to become a teacher and principal in Bridgeport Public Schools. He continued his interest in poetry, music, photography, and the history of First Congregational Church in Saginaw, where he was a member before his illness. The family wishes to thank the staff at Arbor Manor Rehabilitation and Care Center in Spring Arbor and Allegiance Health for their compassionate care. According to his wishes, cremation has taken place. A celebration of his life will be held at the First Congregational Church in Saginaw, MI., at a later date. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the First United Methodist Church, 275 W. Michigan Ave, Jackson, MI., 49201. The family will receive friends at the First United Methodist Church, Thursday, January 23, 2014 from 4:00 - 6:00 PM. WATSON FUNERAL CHAPEL 2590 SPRING ARBOR ROAD LOCALLY OWNED SINCE 1930 www.watson-funeral-chapels.com
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Brown Family,
I would often see Mr Brown at the Big Boy in Bridgeport. He always remembered my name and my Mom's too. He was one of the nicest people I've ever known. Heavens choir has a very special addition!!
I will keep you in my prayers,
Nola Gricar
January 25, 2014
Good Bridgeport memories of Fred as Principal, fellow Library Board member and friend. I was happy to have run into him only a few years ago. A good man.
Patty Marti
January 25, 2014
To the Brown family my prayers are with you all, Your dad was a great man and always made me feel welcome in your home growning up in Bridgeport along with your son Tim. He will be missed, again prayers to you all
Jim Ittner
January 25, 2014
Margaret, Edward and I feel privileged to have known both of you. He will be missed and remembered as a great man.
Mary Lysogorski
January 23, 2014
Mr.Brown will be always remembered by so many people in the little town of Bridgeport. He was a top notch educator and principal with very high standards. I first became acquainted with Mr. Brown back in 1974 during my first year of teaching at Schluckebier School. He was not only my "boss" but he was also my friend and mentor. During my 33 years of teaching he was the only principal who would come to school an hour early and meet with his teachers to pray. We always knew we could go to him and he would give us guidance and direction. I have missed seeing his smiling face at Big Boy and Pompei's Restaurant the past few years but wish to tell all of his family how thankful I am to have had such a kind and understanding person as my first "boss". Blessings to all.
Sandra (Popp)Bauman
Sandra Bauman
January 23, 2014
Bruce & Family, So sorry to hear of your Dad's passing. May God be with all of you at this difficult time. With sympathy, Sue & Les Drake
Sue Drake
January 22, 2014
Dear Bruce and family, Please accept my sincere sympathy over the loss of your father. I will keep you and your family in my thoughts and prayers. Your friend, Pam (Morrow) BHS 1970
Pam (Morrow) Jarzabkowski
January 22, 2014
I'm sorry to hear of Fred's passing. It was a delight to work with him on his book. I'm glad for that opportunity to know Fred and Margaret better. They are both missed here in Bridgeport.
Mary Swift
January 22, 2014
My sincere sympathy to the Brown family. Mr. Brown was my teacher in 5th grade at Hess School...many fond memories of him. I was pleased to run into him at Pompeii Pizza in Bridgeport a few years back...I was amazed he remembered me. God's peace and comfort to all of you.
Cheryl Hammond-Bierlein
January 22, 2014
As the days and weeks pass, and as you return to life's routine, may you continue to feel comforted by the love and support of family and friends.
Dawb Mahoney
January 22, 2014
Dear Mrs. Brown (Banner School Teacher), Bruce (BHS) and family;
My memories of all of you are what a sweet and gentle group of people. May God Bless you.
Rose M. Watz/class of 1970
January 22, 2014
Dear Margaret and family,
Please know yous are in my thoughts and prayers. I have many great memories of you and your family! We've had a great many laughs over the years!
Marti Sageman
January 22, 2014
Mr. Brown was the Principal at my elementary school. We were all very fond of him. He always had a smile and a kind word. I still remember his laugh. To his family-may you find comfort in knowing he brought joy to so many people in his life and will not be forgotten.
Rose Rohde Bayer
January 22, 2014
My Condolences To The Entire Family On The Loss Of Mr. Brown. He Always Made Every Child Feel As If They Were The Only Ones In The Room. He always Remembered You, Even Into Adulthood. He Made Everyone Feel Special. He Was Such A Good Man. He Will Never be Gone When He Has Impacted So Many Lives And People Have So Many fond Memories Of Him.
Cherie McFarland
January 22, 2014
Fred was my principal for my first teaching job in 1970 and became my friend for years after. I am still teaching, now at a Christian school in Tennessee. I am thankful for his friendship and the influence he was in my life.
Sharon Swain
January 22, 2014
Dear Mrs. Brown,
My condolences to you and your family at this time. I'm so sorry for your loss. You are in my thoughts and prayers. I was one of your music students who majored in piano performance at Saginaw Valley Stafe University. I fondly remember the time Mr. Brown, you, and I spent having lunch at a sandwich shop in Old Town, Saginaw, MI. I'm grateful that we could gather for that luncheon, and that I had the opportunity to meet Mr. Brown.
Felicia Hessling
January 22, 2014
So sorry for your loss, he was such a caring man, heaven gained another special angel. ...he will be truly missed...You are in my prayers
Pat Mora-Nicklyn
January 21, 2014
To Margaret and the Children,
Fred will be remembered for his beautiful voice and his love of poetry and music. You are in our thoughts at this time of saddness.
Emmy and Ed Wright
January 21, 2014
Jeff and Family, I am so sorry for your loss. I lost my father a few months ago. Jeff and I went to school together and I have great memory of your father. We was a wonderful man.
Kim (Crisp) Griffith
January 21, 2014
So sorry for your loss. We remember Fred & Margaret fondly from their years at Sheridan Ave. UMC...Margaret at the piano & organ, Fred directing the choir.
Marsha Hales (Dymond)
January 21, 2014
Fred was a principal to all my children and I worked for the Brideport Schools. He was such a good friend and a compassionate principal. I never knew he had moved away. Please let us know when the memorial will take place. We want to meet his lovely family.
Barbara Thompson
January 21, 2014
MR.BROWN,THANK YOU FOR YOUR SERVICE TO OUR GREAT NATION.REST EASY SOLDIER.
January 21, 2014
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