Daniel John Brown

1950 - 2022

Daniel John Brown

March 30, 1950 - April 9, 2022

Daniel John Brown, aka "Brownie," "out of town Brown," "Fat cat Brown," died peacefully on April 9, 2022 at his home in Salt Lake City, Utah, in the presence of his loving daughter, Grace. He died while in the care of hospice at age 72, from complications related to his 20+ year battle with COPD. His advice would be "don't pick up that first cigarette."

He was born on March 30, 1950 to parents Jack and Trudy Brown and grew up on the "flats" in Butte, where he attended St. John grade school, and made many life long friendships. He was an "Irish twin" as his sister, Eileen was born eleven months earlier. The family went on to add six more children before they called it quits, per the dictates of the Catholic Church. Six of those siblings survive him. Eileen passed away in 1991 from complications related to her birth diagnosis of spina bifida.

Dan lived a full life, enjoying all the pleasures of growing up in Butte, and up to his last days considered the Big Sky State his true home, spending much of his down time fishing the rivers and lakes of our beautiful state, and downhill skiing.

He graduated from Butte High School in 1968 and Carroll College in 1972. Dan also attended classes at University of Montana in Missoula, which would forever be a second home to him. He spent a few years employed by Montana Power Company, traveling back and forth to Colstrip, MT, which earned him the name "out of town" Brown.

Eventually he joined his father, in the family business, Brown and Associates Inc. and made a career in the field of land surveying. Eventually he assumed ownership of the business when his father died. The business continues to operate, located at the corner of Cobban and Garrison Avenue in Butte. He obtained his civil engineering license and became a certified professional land surveyor, spending 40+ years working with city and country planners in Butte and surrounding areas.

Dan was an integral part of many developmental projects in the Butte area, and took great pride in being part of the Streamside Tailing and Clark Fork Restoration superfund projects, one of the largest excavation and construction projects in Montana. Dan also obtained his real estate license and was active in the real estate community in Butte for many years.

Dan and Grace enjoyed traveling and spent several years traversing the United States and fourteen countries, enjoying many years of joyous experiences, creating memories that will last a life time. His health finally forced him to "take it easy," as hot weather and altitude changes wreaked havoc on his health.

Although he resided in Butte, following retirement, enjoying camaraderie with high school buddies and business associates, he felt pulled to spend more quality time with Grace, who had relocated to Salt Lake City, Utah. He made the final move to Salt Lake City in 2019. For the past several years he lived in Salt Lake City, as his health continued to deteriorate, he received great medical care from the University of Utah. Grace dedicated herself to his care and comfort.

Dan was a friend of Bill W. for thirty two years. He mentored and was mentored by many who shared this experience and created life long friendships. This was one of his proudest accomplishments and he celebrated this part of his life daily.

Dan is survived by his daughter, Kaitlin Grace Brown; his brother, Paul Michael, Helena and his children: Bronson (Sophie), Alanna (Gharrett) and Austin and their children; sister, Susie Gravatt (Wayne), and their children: Bret (Faun), Erin Browning (Brian) and Colin, and their children: Trudy Hawe (John), Jamey (Steve) and Kellee and their children: Kathy Troglia (Jim), Britt (Jessie) and Kodie (Eric) and their children: Nancy Davis, and her children: Amanda (Nate), Ashleigh (Dexter) and Amelia (Joe) and their children: Colleen Brisbin and her children: Sarah and Ryan; aunts and uncles: Mickey and Vonnie Bolton, Tim and Judy Bolton and the extended Bolton family. He is also survived by his friends: John Vuckovich, Jim Norton, Lance Masters, Johnny Walker, Larry Richards, John Coyne, Dan McGivern and Vera Vigil.

Dan was proceeded in death by his parents, his sister, Eileen, aunt Helen Keto, and friends: Dave Corbett and Bill Mooney.

Please join us for a celebration of Dan's life at St. John Catholic Church, June 16, 2022, at 12:00 p.m. A reception follows at McQueen Club from 1:30 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital in Memphis, TN. Condolences may be sent to K. Grace Brown, 515 So. 1000 E # 305, SLC, Utah 84102.

Dan, may you rest in peace, the hard work is over!