Dr. George W. Brown

1937 - 2016

George W. Brown was born November 21, 1937 in North Carolina a few minutes before his twin brother John. Three hours earlier, his wife had been born in Texas. That journey of "soul mates" was in the making.
George graduated from North Carolina State University (honors) with a degree in mechanical engineering. His journey led to a desire to engage humanity in a different way. He received a Reynolds Scholarship to attend Bowman-Gray School of Medicine and graduated as a Medical Doctor in 1964. He and carolyn met in the cadaver lab that first year. Four years later they married just three days before receiving their MD degrees. For the rest of their lives, they walked the same paths and wore out the same shoes.
George's career was focused on children, families and the communities in which they live. In his own words, he was a "Community Pediatrician." His specialization and board certification in Pediatrics at Children's Hospital in Honolulu further enabled him to participate in international and cultural dimensions of the lives of children, families and societies.
As a Commissioned Officer and Regular Corps Reserve in the US Public Health Service (1965-2016), he worked throughout Alaska in Pediatrics, behavioral health, child abuse and neglect, domestic violence and Preventive Medicine-Public Health. Additionally, his work involved migrant farm workers, people in Haiti (tuberculosis-1962), people in Corrections, HIV-AIDS in Africa (2004-2006), the homeless and disenfranchised, Alaska Natives, American Indians, and with development of intervention and collaborative approaches for personal and societal health.
The first prestigious CH Kempe Award from the International Society for the Prevention of Child Abuse and Neglect was presented to him "For Distinguished Work in the Field of Child Abuse and Neglect." The Ray Helfer Award from the National Alliance of Children's Trusts and the American Academy of Pediatrics was given for his many multi-dimensional years of service. George received many other local and Alaska awards and was recognized nationally and internationally for his writing, speaking, program developments and commitments that addressed child abuse and neglect.
While in Africa, George founded and subsequently directed the Alaska-Kenya Health Scholarship Program for Kenyan high school students who wish to have health care careers. This 10-year program has successfully provided training and career entry for 42 Kenyan students in medicine, nursing, laboratory, social work, behavioral health, pharmacy and public health. This program will continue.
George's Juneau passions included the Fathers' Café, the Juneau United Medical Providers and Parents (JUMPP) program, singing, the Unitarian Fellowship, Northern Light United Church Men's Breakfasts, the League of Women Voters, in-depth reading and sharing with people. He was a Renaissance man who "walked the talk" and "showed up" to live out his life of Acceptance of Others.
George died on December 14, 2016 of a massive heart attack. It may also be said that he died of a broken heart for the needs of children and their families here and around the world.
George leaves his wife carolyn, daughter Rachel, son Benjamin, grand-daughter Eleanor, brother John, sister Laura as well as countless patients, friends, colleagues and admirers.
In lieu of flowers, George and carolyn encourage support of programs that address the promotion of Peace, Children's Wellness and the Prevention of Child Abuse and Domestic Violence. Memorials may also be made to the Alaska-Kenya Health Scholarship Program. Please direct any communication to 1640 2nd Street, Douglas, Alaska 99824 (Attn: Dr. carolyn Brown).
We celebrate George's life and his influence both now and for the future.
Service at Northern Light United Church
Saturday, January 14, 2017 at 2 PM