Bruce Brown

Bruce A. Brown, 75, passed away on May 15, 2025, in Liberty Hill, Texas. Born on December 14, 1949, in San Mateo, California, Bruce lived a life defined by service, adventure, and enduring devotion to family and faith.

He was raised in Watsonville, California, where his love for the outdoors began. As a young man, Bruce could often be found surfing the waves of Santa Cruz. After graduating from high school, he enlisted in the military and served with distinction during the Vietnam War. Rising to the rank of Sergeant, Bruce earned several commendations for his service, including the National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Service Medal, Vietnam Campaign Medal, Expert (Rifle), and the Good Conduct Medal.

Following his honorable discharge from the military, Bruce returned to civilian life and began building a future grounded in hard work and family values. He married Julie Brown, and together they raised their children while living across the western United States-from California to Washington to Oregon-before settling in Alaska in May of 1984. There, Bruce found both professional success and personal fulfillment.

Bruce began his career at Fireman's Fund Insurance Company before joining Alaska National Insurance. Over a remarkable 32-year tenure with the company, he rose through the ranks to become Vice President-a role that reflected his dedication, leadership, and integrity.

Alaska became more than just a place of residence; it was home for over three decades. Bruce embraced all that the rugged state had to offer. Summers were spent fishing and camping with family-often in their camper or backpacking through the wilderness. He eventually purchased a cabin on the Kenai River where he spent 18 summers fishing. Autumn brought moose hunting trips into the woods, while winters were filled with skiing at Alyeska or cheering on Justin at hockey games.

A true adventurer at heart, Bruce was also a certified scuba diver who explored underwater worlds in Alaska, Hawaii, and Mexico. He held a first-degree black belt in Goju-ryu karate and served as a Sensei at his local dojo. During warmer months, he enjoyed golfing and hosting gatherings where he would fire up the grill-BBQing was one of his greatest joys and talents.

In his later years in Alaska, Bruce met and married Sue Brown. Together they built a life full of love and companionship. After retiring from Alaska National Insurance, Bruce and Sue relocated to Liberty Hill, Texas, where they lived until his passing.

Faith was a guiding force throughout Bruce's life. He was an active member of his church community-regularly attending Bible studies and participating in prison ministry. His spiritual convictions were deeply rooted and lovingly shared with his children.

Bruce is survived by his wife Sue Brown; son Nate Brown and partner Stacy Story; daughter Courtney Chavez and husband Victor Chavez III; son Justin Perry and wife Colby Perry; stepdaughters Lindsey Neal and husband Andrew Neal, and Lisa Sullivan; brothers Jim Brown and wife Peggy Brown, Robert Brown and wife Jana Brown; eight grandchildren; and two great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his father Vern Brown; mother Roberta Brown; brother Dave Brown; daughter Melynda Robbins; and stepson Scott Sullivan. Bruce's legacy is one of generosity, strength, adventure, faith, and love for family. May his memory bring comfort to those who knew him and continue to inspire all who were touched by his life. A Celebration of Life will be held on June 21, 2025, at 05:00 PM at Bruce and Sue Browns home Pheasant Meadow. Bruce loved his backyard, it was his sanctuary so it only made sense to hold his celebration of life in his favorite place to be.

Bruce A. Brown will be remembered for a life well-lived-marked by courage, commitment, and deep love for those around him. May his memory bring comfort to all who knew him.