Charles Edward E. Brown

1930 - 2015

Charlie, 84, of Anchorage, Alaska, passed away surrounded by family. He loved his family, friends and dogs, had a strong work ethic and lived a full and adventuresome life. Charlie was born to Enos and Estella Brown in Chicago, Ill. Most of his younger years were spent on a farm during the height of the Great Depression. At 17, he began working on pipelines all around mid-western states, traveling to jobs on his Indian Chief motorcycle. Charlie enlisted in the Navy and served in the Korean War, receiving two service medals and Honorable Discharge. In 1953, Charlie met the love of his life, Carolyn Ford, at a NCO dance in San Francisco, Calif., and married her later that year. Charlie and Carolyn moved to a farm in Kentucky, where three of their four children were born. Although Charlie worked two jobs in addition to farm work, it was difficult to make ends meet. He heard about job opportunities in Alaska, and in 1958, drove up the Alcan Highway in search of a better future for his family. Alaska was a perfect fit: offering him an opportunity to work and a playground for adventures. Charlie worked on projects all over Alaska, including Cook Inlet oil rigs, DEW Line and NIKE missile sites and many of the steel buildings built in Anchorage during the 1960s. In 1969, he started International Steel Erectors. In 1986, he finished the Chez Braun Building, which he designed and built - the first building of its kind in Anchorage. Charlie retired as a member and past president of Ironworkers Local 751. On weekends the family enjoyed camping and fishing. He loved to travel and explore. Whether flying Alaska's Bush country in his plane or sailing his boat, Charlie always searched for new and exciting places to visit. He was always an athlete. In his youth he was a golden gloves champion boxer. He later added down-hill skiing and square dancing. He loved to dance and gather friends together for a party. Charlie was a natural story teller, often regaling friends and family with near death experiences. At 65, at the urging of daughter, Bonny Sosa, he took up running. He encouraged all runners and would cheer them across the finish line. On July 4, 1998, Charlie ran his first of seven Mt. Marathon Races. Charlie was brave, innovative, resourceful, artistic and had ingenious solutions for a wide variety of situations. He was a 32nd Degree Scottish Rite Freemason. Known for his generosity, he donated to many community organizations including the first clearing and irrigation work at the Alaska Botanical Garden. Charlie was preceded in death by his daughter, Bonny Sosa, in 2008. He is survived by his wife of 62 years, Carolyn; son, Edward (wife, Heidi); and daughters, Debbie Hinchey (husband, Ken) and Charlene Brown, all of whom have careers in fields that he mentored them in. He was quick to sing the praises of his grandchildren, Garrett, Blake and Brandilyn Brown; Lucas Sosa; and Casey Carruth-Hinchey; great-grandchildren, Ava and Channing; and many extended family members. A Celebration of Charlie's life will be held on Tuesday, July 28, 2015, from 3 p.m. - 8 p.m. at 1407 W 31st Avenue, Suite 800. Interment at Fort Richardson National Cemetery will be at a later date. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in Charlie's memory to Healthy Futures.