JEFFREY PHILIP BROWNE

1949 - 2011

Jeffrey Philip Browne died Friday, January 7, 2011 at his home in Anacortes, Washington. He was born in Chicago, Illinois on February 15, 1949 to Juanita (Posey) Browne and Leon Browne, and was the eldest of seven children a born leader who steadily carried the role throughout his life.

While in grammar school in Chicago, Jeff was nicknamed "the brain" for his unending curiosity about the world, a passion for knowledge that stayed with him throughout his adult life. While in Chicago, he read Betty MacDonald's, The Egg and I, an accounting of the author's life on an island in Puget Sound and knew that he would one day see the Pacific Northwest for himself. A scholarship to Reed College in Portland, Oregon afforded him to fulfill his dream.

After leaving Reed, Jeff joined the Air Force and served at Fairchild Air Force Base in Spokane as a survival instructor and interrogator to the airmen bound for duty overseas. Jeff met his future wife, Bette, in Spokane. After his discharge from the Air Force they moved to Seattle and for many years enjoyed their life together on a houseboat at Portage Bay.

Jeff was employed at Microsoft as a Technology Specialist, a career that enabled him to explore and use his many talents. He whetted his appetite for things technological as he traveled the country, working with his many clients. Jeff consistently amazed clients and friends with new technologies. If you had a gadget, he had the next generation and he delighted in demonstrating its powers.

Upon retiring from Microsoft, he and Bette moved to Anacortes to be closer to family members. Jeff didn't retire quietly. He and Bette continued to travel and Jeff explored avenues to put his talents to good use.

Jeff cared about those he loved family, friends and community. He had a heart of gold, a strong work ethic and was passionate about justice for all down to the smallest detail. He was a history buff and when not engaged in techno-gadgetry, one could find Jeff with a pensive expression, analyzing policies, figuring out how organizational systems could operate more effectively.

Aside from his knowing smiles and robust expressions, friends and family alike will miss his deep-voiced chuckle with challenging thoughtful conversations. Jeff is deeply missed by Bette, his wife of 39 years. His friends are grateful for the times they've shared together.

Jeff is survived by brothers, Lester, Timothy, Sidney, and Andrew, and sister, Lynne.

He was preceded in death by his sister, Susan; his parents; and grandparents.

Memorial donations may be made to New Beginnings at POB 75125, Seattle, WA 98175 or online at newbegin.org. A memorial service for friends and family will be held in the spring.

Arrangements are in the care of Evans Funeral Chapel and Crematory, Inc., Anacortes, WA and the San Juan Islands.

To share memories of Jeff, please sign the online guest register at www.evanschapel.com.