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KENNETH BROWN Obituary
July 27, 1956 -
February 1, 2018
Ken Brown, age 61, of Gainesville, FL, originally from Cleveland, OH passed away peacefully at his home early Thursday morning. Ken found his way to Gainesville when he was only 17, leaving home with just a high school diploma and a packed Ford Pinto to complete his education in Florida. He made many close friends while at college in Gainesville and decided to make it his permanent home.
As a young boy, Ken's father took him flying in a small plane and he knew instantly that he would become a pilot. It was love at first flight. After earning his license at just 17, Ken went on to become an ATP (Airline Transport Pilot) rated Pilot in Multiengine Land and Rotorcraft Helicopter. He was also a Commercial rated Pilot in single engine airplane and multi engine sea. He was type rated to act as Captain in the Falcon 50 and G100 jets. He logged thousands of hours and more recently flew a private aircraft from Gainesville to the southernmost airport in New Zealand.
Ken founded Kenn Air Corp. and operated fixed base operations at the Gainesville airport for many years. He was instrumental in establishing the ShandsCare critical care transport program at Shands Hospital (now UF Health). He later ventured into land development and for the past 20 years has been developing the Tech Ridge area in Austin, TX.
Ken was well known for his adventurous spirit, his generosity, and his love of machinery and mechanics. He was known by all that knew him as 'the guy who could fix anything'. He could often be found on an excavator working his farm or sharing stories and laughs among close friends and family.
Ken was predeceased by his parents, Donald and Shirley Brown (nee Green) and his brother Kevin Brown. He is survived by his daughter, Nicole Blanchet Mullally (Andrew), three devoted granddaughters, Sophia, Stella and Vivienne Mullally; his brother Keith Brown (Erin) of Ft. Lauderdale, FL and his longtime companion Buffa Blanchet.
He was the proud and loving uncle of Wynter (Meghan) Brown, Hunter Brown, Andrea Brown (deceased), Christopher Brown, Ian Brown, Devin Haley, Timothy Haley and great uncle to Victor Brown.
A Celebration of Life will be held at 1:30 PM on Saturday, February 10, 2018 at Capra Farms at 12021 NW 39th Avenue, Gainesville, FL.
In lieu of flowers, should friends desire, the family suggests that contributions in memoriam may be made to The American Diabetes Assoc. (www.diabetes.org) or Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association (AOPA) Foundation
(AOPAFoundation.org/donate).
Please visit his memorial page at
www.williamsthomas
funeralhome.com.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION
WILLIAMS-THOMAS WESTAREA
352-376-7556
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for KENNETH BROWN
Phil Mudrak
December 26, 2024
I used to work for Ken Brown back in 1986. I was a personal assistant to him Karen further home and the lake house that he owned responsible for going down to Sarasota Bradington watching over The pairing of his Donzi boat to his special design fifth wheel trailer Ken was a very kind and one of the nicest people that she would want to know it was a pleasure working for Cannon, his companion Bufa and her daughter Nicole I remember often Nicole would miss the bus and I would take her to school. They were a great family and Ken will be truly missed.
Thomas and Effie Blue
January 30, 2022
Three years have now gone by since Ken passed and we still think about and remember him often. He was one of the kindest and most fun people we have ever known. God Bless you Ken and all of your family.
Steven Ted McKinney
February 16, 2021
Myself and all the kids that you let ride Nicole's horse , play with the goats and enjoy your farm have all grown up. We learned so much and had lots of fun. We miss you dearly. Rest Friend
Steven Ted McKinney
February 16, 2021
Myself and all the kids that you let ride Nicole's horse , play with the goats and enjoy your farm have all grown up. We learned so much and had lots of fun. We miss you dearly. Rest Friend
Barbara Scrofano
May 20, 2019
My sincere sympathies to Buffa and Nicole, Keith and all the Brown Family. I recently heard of Ken's passing and feel so saddened by this news. He was truly a kind man and was truly loved by his parents. I worked for Mr. and Mrs. Brown at their beautiful home in Vermilion, Ohio for the last six years prior to that very heartbreaking day. I will always treasure my time spent with them, a blessing. You all are always in my prayers
Sincerely, Barbara Scrofano
Paula Lafenetre
August 6, 2018
Oh my gosh...I have just now gotten word of his passing. Ken and I were friends as young children, growing up together in Bay Village, Ohio. His parents and my parents (Paul and Dolores Gunderman) were very good friends, and my father did a lot of contracting work for Mr. & Mrs. Brown (Don and Shirley) at their homes throughout the years. My parents were devastated when Don and Shirley were tragically killed in a plane crash. Kenny (as he was to me back when we were children) and I used to have races in our basements with our rocking horses. I've never forgotten those days and I never will. He won most of the races! "Keep riding that horse Kenny...you've always been a winner! I am sure you are sadly missed by your family and friends. I will never forget you. Rest well, my friend...until we meet again."
Paula (Gunderman) Lafenetre
March 2, 2018
Buffa and Nicole: Please accept my deepest condolences on Ken's passing away. I just received word of it from Keith last evening and was so deeply saddened by this news. My interactions with Ken over the 15 years I worked with him were as another well-wisher described; the most humble man I knew. Ken was always kind and gentle although not in a "shrinking violet" sort of way. While our business association ended nearly 5 years ago, I have always held a deep fondness in my heart for Ken. We had many great times together and I will cherish those memories forever. Sincerely, Mark Van Faussien (Detroit, MI)
February 12, 2018
Ken was one of the most humble individuals I have ever met. He was such a kind and open-hearted person that I greatly looked up to. He opened his home to so many and it was such a place of peace. He gifted us with so many laughs and great memories that I will cherish forever. My heart is with his family during this tough time. He will be missed dearly.
Krugman-Kadi
February 10, 2018
Our Dear Buffa and Nicole, Devastated that Ken has passed. Amazing man and amazing family. Our prayers and thoughts are with you. Ken was a great strength to Shane and Talia after Eilon's passing of which I will always be grateful. I know they are enjoying their first love of flying together. We love you, Krugman-Kadi family.
Gary Dounson
February 9, 2018
My heart felt condolences to Buffa, Nicole and family. Ken's youthful fun loving spirit will always remain with me as well as the memories of the many great times we shared together. I will truly miss this great friend. Farewell Ken.
Rob Welsh
February 9, 2018
My sincerest condolences to Buffa and Nicole and the entire extended family. Ken was one of the most generous people that I've ever met. I'll never forget the numerous aircraft adventures we had together, the great times skiing on Lake Sante Fe and an unforgettable trip to New Zealand. I'll miss my friend. God Bless you Ken.
February 8, 2018
Roomed with Ken when he first came to Gainesville. Lots of memories. Skied Lake Santa Fe and experienced many bonfires. Ask Buffa.
Carolyn Barnard Shema
February 7, 2018
My heartfelt sympathy to Ken's family. Prayers and hugs.
Greg Allen
February 7, 2018
Dear Keith & Family , I am so sorry for your loss . I had such a great visit with Ken last November much reminiscing and laughs I felt grateful we able to connect once again.And I was reminded what a extraordinary man he is. I'll miss my friend . May all the warm memories you shared with him take over the loss you feel. From my family to yours please accept our condolences and prayers .
Greg Allen
February 7, 2018
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
Harold Price
February 7, 2018
You never know when a good friends time will come I'm sure Ken will elevate to a higher plane but will be missed by all of his here in the present. Fly safe Ken
Mandy Bradfield
February 7, 2018
My prayers to the Brown family. I worked for his father in Vermilion for a short time and met Ken there, very nice man. May he rest in peace. God Bless.
Thomas and Effie Blue
February 6, 2018
Our Sincerest Sympathy to Buffa, Nicole and the entire extended family. Ken was a Tremendous Blessing to all of us who had the privilege of knowing him. May God rest his soul. God speed Ken.
Doug Brown
February 6, 2018
My condolences and prayers to the family and friends of Ken. He was a wonderful man and will be dearly missed You are all in our prayers.
February 6, 2018
Please accept my sincere sympathies for the loss of your dear loved one. Many thoughts and prayers go out for the bereaved.
A.B.
Larry Sapp
February 6, 2018
I worked for ken for 7 years. He was a good man and will certainly be missed. I want to express my heartfelt sympathy to the entire family. Your grief is shared by many.
D
February 6, 2018
May the God of all comfort and a promised hope,be with the family and loved ones at this very sad and difficult time.
Elizabeth Crutchfield
February 6, 2018
I am so sorry for your loss. May the God who gives peace be with you in your time of grief.
Tom Dorn
February 6, 2018
My condolences to Buffa and the entire Brown family. I will tip a glass of Mumm's Extra Dry to Ken. May he Rest In Peace.
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