Michael Brown

Michael was born on September 28, 1940 at He was born at home in Fortuna, California. His parents were Grace Rose Barry and Carl Crestus Brown. Michael was raised in Humbolt County. Michael was raised with three siblings, Barry, John and Mariann. Michael was constantly involved in activities with his siblings. Michael and his siblings had the typical rivalries while growing up, and they shared many life experiences. He was an active child who loved being outdoors and absorbing all the sensory input that nature could provide. He took part in basketball, football, hunting, fishing and like most young men loved cars and a good BB gun fight with his brothers. He was a Boy Scout. Michael's memorable achievements included Star Scout. He graduated from Fortuna high school in 1958. He enjoyed some courses more than others. His favorite class in high school was math. While growing up, some of his best friends were Mike Murray and Richard Tomasini.

      On February 15, 1972, Michael exchanged wedding vows with Grace Eleanor DeJac at the Chapel of the Bells of Reno, Nevada. Michael was blessed with four children, one son John and three daughters Jennifer, Grace and Cyndy. They were also blessed with fourteen grandkids, Genevieve, Eric Joe, Alayna, Karly, Serene, Elijah, Ricky, Brandon, Johnathan, Gracie, Dannielle, Blake, Amanda and Tanner. Michael and his family spent the majority of thier life in San Jose, CA.

      In his work life, Michael was the kind of person who had no difficulty in taking on a project and seeing it through to its completion. He excelled at dealing with those pesky details that can derail some people. For Michael, being able to grasp the logical components of any task was significant to him in appreciating its importance. Even if he worked alone on an assignment, Michael was able to incorporate and welcome new insights from co-workers, and he would readily use them if they improved the process. In his early adulthood Michael spent several years as a bartender. His primary occupation was Diesel Mechanic. He was employed for 20 years with what was then Santa Clara County Transit. Michael always made the effort to be a team player, doing what was necessary in order to get the job done.

     As an adult Michael's favorite pursuits were golf, travel, watching football, camping and fishing. Michael appreciated the occasions when he was able to travel and get away on a vacation. He enjoyed learning about different locales and was open to exploring new and different places. Favorite vacation spots included Las Vegas, Reno, Tombstone, Laughlin, Redway and Guernville.

      As his retirement approached, Michael viewed the event as just one more project to research and solve. So, when the day finally arrived in 2001, he was well prepared. His new life involved relocating to Bullhead City, Arizona. In retirement, Michael continued doing what he had always done...take care of his family. In doing so he took a part-time job managing a service station. Fellow co-workers, supervisors, and employees described Michael as "a hard working dedicated employee," and "the best boss ever." One employee asked, "does he ever get mad?" "He is always smiling."

      Michael passed away on December 3, 2009 at Silver Ridge Village in Bullhead City, Arizona. Michael fought a brave battle against cancer. He is survived by his wife Grace, his children John, Jennifer, Gracie, Cyndy, his grandchildren Genevieve, Eric Joe, Alayna, Karly, Serene, Elijah, Ricky, Brandon, Johnathan, Gracie, Dannielle, Blake, Amanda, Tanner, his brothers Barry, John and his sister Marriann. Services were held at Diamond & Sons Silver Bell Chapel. Michael was laid to rest in Desert Lawn Bullhead City, Arizona.

      Michael strongly believed that talk is cheap. He was the type of person who would show others his feelings through his actions. He was practical and realistic but was able to be flexible when the need arose. Michael contiuned to work and provide for his family up until the very end. His son John stated that the number one attribute his dad taught him through his own actions was a good work ethic-- "to work hard" and "do things the right way without cutting corners." One can overcome a lot of other shortcomings by simply working hard and doing your best. And finally, of all the things and people in the world it was obvious that more than anything Michael loved his wife "Sweetpea." He did his best to always put her first and make sure she was happy. Michael Brown will be greatly missed.