Stephen Brown

1946 - 2025

Stephen Chandler "Steve" Brown, 79, of Boise, passed away peacefully on Sunday, October 6, 2025, surrounded by his loved ones.

Steve was born on January 3, 1946, to Eleanor and Boyd Brown. He grew up in Boise and attended Boise High School before earning his bachelor's degree from Stanford University. During college, he interned in Washington, D.C., for Idaho Senator Frank Church, an experience that inspired his lifelong commitment to service and community.

After college, Steve attended the University of Idaho College of Law, graduating in 1974. Upon completing his degree, he returned to Boise and began his legal career with the nonprofit organization Legal Aid. In 1976, he co-founded the law firm of Ellis, Brown & Shiels with fellow attorneys Allen Ellis and Max Shiels. The firm served clients throughout Idaho for 36 years, until Steve's retirement in 2012.

Deeply devoted to his community, Steve served as vice president and board member of the Boise YMCA, where he received the Service to Youth Award in 1990. He was also an active member of the Rotary Club of Boise, serving as its president from 1987 to 1988. From 1981 to 1987, he was a member of the Boise City Planning and Zoning Commission, chairing the commission for his final two years. Steve also served on the boards of the St. Luke's Health Foundation and the Episcopal Diocese of Idaho.

Steve's favorite pastimes included playing bluegrass music, golfing with friends at Crane Creek Country Club, and spending time with his family at their cabin in McCall. He was preceded in death by his parents, Eleanor and Boyd Brown, and his son, Timothy Brown. He is survived by his wife, Anne; sons, Chris and Michael; sisters, Carolyn and Marcia; and brother-in-law, David, all of Boise.

A celebration of Steve's life will be held at Crane Creek Country Club on November 12, 2025, from 4:00 to 6:00 p.m. Memorials may be made in Steve's name to a charity of your choice, or the YMCA of Boise, 805 W Franklin Street, Boise, ID 83702.