Gary BROWN

Gary Leroy Brown of Spokane, WA, passed away on Thursday, October 23, 2025. He was 92 years old. Gary was born on October 17, 1933, in Hamilton, MT, to Larry and Ilene Brown.

Gary was a truly kind and generous soul who built a life rooted in quiet strength and compassion. Gary accomplished many things throughout his life, one of his most treasured was being the senior class president while attending John R. Rogers High School. This is also where Gary fell in love with baseball. In the summer of 1951, Gary met Noreen. He didn't say a word to her; he was the shyest guy. A short time later, on their first date, they went to A&W, and Gary bought her a hamburger. Gary liked to share that "she ate the whole thing, I thought she would share," and they were inseparable from this point forward.

Gary was a talented baseball player; he was recruited by the New York Yankees farm team. After graduating from high school in January 1952, he left for spring training in California. While baseball was tempting, marrying Noreen was all he wanted. They married in April 1952. Gary took jobs making $1/hour to park cars, pumped gas, and was even a paper boy. Less than a year after marriage, Gary was called to active duty and headed to San Diego, CA. While serving with the U.S. Navy, Gary was again recruited to play baseball. This time with the Navy team, playing over 150 games at 1st base.

While Gary was playing ball for the Navy, Noreen gave birth to their first daughter, Debbie. After leaving the Navy, they returned to Spokane and welcomed their second daughter, Dicki. Their third daughter, DeAnna, completed their family in 1959. Gary was first and foremost a family man and prioritized family above everything else. He always made time for them and maintained an amazing relationship with them throughout their adulthood. He never used a harsh word and taught them that kindness was the best virtue a person could have.

Gary joined the Spokane Fire Department, serving 27 years, most of these years at Station 15. Gary served as vice president and secretary/treasurer of the Spokane Local Firefighters Union 29, president of the Spokane Firefighters Credit Union, Trustee for Washington State IAFF, taught CPR, and, to light up many kids' lives, participated as "Santa" on the fire department float for many years. He was also very instrumental in establishing the first firefighter's contract. Gary loved being a firefighter, and a bonus was getting to cook for them. He started piddling around the kitchen at the age of 11 and learned many on-the-job skills feeding hungry firefighters. Firefighter by profession, he was truly dedicated to putting the needs of others before his own, which reflected his nurturing and genuine character.

Gary's love for baseball was unmatched; you could always find him at Franklin Park when he was not working or entertaining with Noreen. In addition to his baseball career, Gary played fast-pitch softball for 30 years and slow-pitch for two. Gary was recognized in 1989 when he was inducted into the American Softball Association Hall of Fame by the Spokane Metro Softball Association.

Gary's passion for people and love for entertainment was legendary, which blossomed after Gary retired. For many years, Gary and Noreen managed retirement communities, and with the help of family, they staged many events such as Christmas and Flag Day programs for residents. Then for 25 years, Gary and Noreen wintered in Yuma, where their hospitality and enjoyment for entertainment went to new levels, from horse races, driveway potlucks, cribbage tournaments, to all-Spokane school's reunions, where Gary was the Master of Ceremonies. Gary's infectious laugh, fun-loving spirit, and deep care about others are why the occupancy was always over the max limit, but he still found a way to make room for one more.

Gary has always had a servant's heart. From his country, town, family, friends, and the community. He never sought the spotlight and always wanted to make sure everyone felt seen and valued. He loved wholeheartedly inspiring others to do the same. Gary gave the best hugs; his squeeze spoke volumes of warmth, comfort, and an unspoken pact of friendship. He took pride in participating in many fundraisers, such as: Fill the Boot, Muscular Dystrophy, and planning reunions, and took pride in being a member of the VFW Post 1474 for many years. He was once asked the key to a happy marriage, to which he replied, "Have a big garage," which he loved to spend time in woodworking, making wishing wells, windmills, waddingers, cornhole, etc., and enjoying his over 1,200 baseball cap collection.

Gary has now joined the love of his life, Noreen, to spend eternity in Heaven. He is survived by "Daddy's Girls" Debbie (Mark) Douglas, Dicki (Jim) Thomas, and DeAnna (Dick) Wilson; 17 grandchildren, 24 great-grandchildren, and three great-great-grandchildren. Gary always had an interesting story or fact to tell and loved telling them to his family, especially his grandchildren.

Please join us in celebrating Gary on Saturday, November 22, 2025, at 1:00pm, at The Eagles FOE Aerie 2, where Gary has been a cherished member since 1954. To express condolences, please visit www.legacyfuneral.com. The family would like to express their gratitude to the entire staff at Osprey AFH, Horizon Hospice, and caretakers, Shae and Angie.

For those of you that know, you know, getting to know Gary made you one of the luckiest people in the world. We will all miss him so much!