Laurie M. Brown

Brown, Laurie M. Laurie Marie Brown of Carlton, MN, quietly began her next great expedition June 27, 2010, after a difficult three-year journey with pancreatic cancer. She was surrounded by family and friends during her last week. She was born Nov. 25, 1961, in Minneapolis to William and Norma (Arndt) Brown. Laurie married Robert Fox Sept. 22, 1990, and gave birth to two wonderful children, instilling in them her love and respect for nature. She was a strong-willed adventurer all of her life. Laurie graduated from Coon Rapids High School in 1980, having captained both the cross-country and track teams. She held a school record in the 880-yard run that stood for 20 years. Laurie received a degree in soil science from the University of Minnesota and worked for the Soil Conservation Service, WLSSD and UM Extension Service to protect the soil and water resources of Minnesota. She was a talented fiber artist who loved to spin, weave and knit. She served on the boards of various professional and arts organizations. Following graduation, Laurie spent two years in the Philippines with the Peace Corps, after which she traveled through China for five months just after its borders had been opened to tourists in the mid 1980s. Her family will miss canoe trips, cross-country skiing and hikes with Laurie, and her garden will miss her devoted and talented hand. Laurie is survived by her devoted husband, Bob; her loving children, Duncan and Erika; her parents, William and Norma Brown of Coon Rapids, MN; siblings, Sherry (Mark) Holcomb of Cincinnati, OH, Mike (Laura) Brown of Elk River, MN, and Jennifer (Brad) Nold of Los Gatos, CA; and a number of fun-loving nieces and nephews. MEMORIAL SERVICE: 11 AM Saturday, July 24 at Oldenburg Point in Jay Cooke State Park. Check Laurie's Caringbridge site for further details. At Laurie's request, memorial donations should be made to either PanCAN.org or to Caringbridge.org. Both of these organizations were tremendous resources for Laurie & her family.