Bruce William Brown

Bruce brown passed away at his home in Bellingham, WA on Wednesday, March 11th from natural causes at the age of 88. He was born in Mount Vernon, WA on June 9th, 1937, and later graduated High School from Mount Vernon in 1955. After graduating, he attended Skagit Valley College where he met his wife Theo at a dance and later married on September 28th, 1957.

Bruce is survived by his wife Theo Brown, daughter Margret and husband Dan Stransky, son Ted Brown, daughter Laura and husband Rob Panetti, grand children Noelle and husband Eric Hale, Megan and husband Justin Kranz, Gabriel and husband Garrett Clemo, Chase and wife Bailey Panetti, and Sasha and Nicholas Brown. Bruce also had 4 great grandchildren, Laney and Waylon Clemo, Callum Panetti and Kyler Kranz. Bruce was preceded in death by his parents Murial and William Brown and brother Terry.

Bruce worked for several years at Van Gaskin distribution as a beer truck driver. Bruce was loved by many of the patrons in the various bars and taverns he delivered to for his friendly demeanor and ability to tell jokes. For those who knew Bruce over the years, characterized him as having an outgoing personality with a gift for gab who could strike up a conversation with a complete stranger anywhere and anytime.

One of Bruce's fondest passions was fishing the local lakes and rivers in Skagit County. At a young age, he learned from his dad the art of fishing the Skagit River. Whether it was fishing for kokanee on lake Shannon or catching humpies and silvers on the Skagit river he was in his element at those moments.

Bruce was also an amazing musician; I don't believe he ever had a lesson but could play several instruments with his claim to fame as a drummer. He played in several bands throughout the years and just had a natural ability to be able to play, primarily jazz and Blues.

Bruce was an amazing swimmer in high school and set many school records at Mount Vernon. He was later offered a scholarship to swim at the University of Hawaii but unfortunately was unable to make that work out.

Bruce's legacy will be one of a great love for family and friends, a passion for the outdoors, a unique talent as a musician with a great sense of humor, he will be missed by all those who knew him.