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Steve Browne Obituary

Browne, Steve BERNE Friends, family, neighbors and community members have been gathering this week from across the country and around the world to honor Steve Browne, who moved on to new adventures Tuesday, July 24, 2012, while working on the family farm in Berne. Steve, known to friends and family as "Poppa Browne," was born in Avon, graduated from Cornell University and worked as a wildlife biologist in Alaska, Tennessee and Saskatchewan before joining the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation, where he worked for 32 years, specializing in game, waterfowl and endangered wetlands. He was instrumental in helping to pass a 1988 state ban on the use of lead shot for hunting waterfowl. Three years later, the same ban was adopted nationwide. Steve married Mary Breeze in October, 1963. He is the father of four children, grandfather of six and a father figure and mentor to dozens of additional young people who were always welcome at the Brownes' home. Poppa Browne a big bear of a man is best remembered for his deep, resonant voice, gentle spirit and devoted stewardship of the nearly 500 acres of fields and forests at the family farm. He freely shared his love and knowledge of the natural world at every opportunity, including duck and goose banding trips, full-moon hikes and stories by the firelight. Steve was an avid reader and student of history. He traveled extensively throughout the U.S. and abroad, including several trips to Ireland. Always, however, he was happiest working at home in the fields, woods, caves and cliffs of the family homestead, caring for animals on the farm and enhancing the natural beauty of the property by planting trees, building new perennial gardens and creating spaces of supreme beauty and quiet reflection. A ceremony will be held Thursday, August 2 at 11 a.m. at the Browne residence on Pleasant Valley Road in Berne. All are welcome to attend and share stories and reminiscences. Memorial donations may be sent to the Nature Conservancy or Ducks Unlimited. Online messages for the family may be sent to simplechoicescremation.com

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Albany Times Union on Jul. 29, 2012.

Memories and Condolences
for Steve Browne

Not sure what to say?





Dominique Pennington (née Petiot)

October 13, 2022

I am so sorry to come across this obituary. Leaving a message here to express my love and gratitude to this man and his family during my younger years. Now and always in my prayers x

Paul Block

August 28, 2012

Steve: You will always be in my heart. What a strong, gentle soul you are.

Jackie Albanese

August 3, 2012

Oh, Mary, I am so sorry. A friend just passed this news to me. I will always have the fondest of memories of coming to your farm and enjoying Steve's company. Please know you are in my prayers.
Jackie Albanese

Jennifer Gralow

August 2, 2012

Steve,

You were like a second father to me. I will miss your gentle spirit, your laughter, and your kind, kind heart.

My love to you, Mary. I'm so sorry I couldn't be there today for the memorial. I love you all much

Kim Moynihan

August 2, 2012

Heidi and family. Your Dad sounds like a wonderful man. I wish I had the opportunity to have met him. All my love...sending love light and peace now and days ahead. Kim Moynihan and family

Linda Scher

August 1, 2012

Mary, Eric, Heidi, Adam and vast extended family,

My sadness at your loss and all those who knew Steve is profound. A fine man, a good man, a man to be respected and loved for his generous spirit and enormous intellect.
May you all be comforted by his life's legacy.
My love to you all,

Lore Scurrah

August 1, 2012

"That love is all there is; Is all we know of love." May the memories of that love bring you comfort and peace in the days ahead.

Brett Truitt

August 1, 2012

Dear Mary, Heidi, Adam and extended Browne Family,

I was introduced to you some thirty years ago, yet it seems as if it was last week. Awed by the reverences attributed to nature, the simplistic values entrusted and passed on through the children, I was changed once experiencing your household. There are so many memories I have about Steve and his environmental intellect. His capabilities to identify fauna, squint and scan the clouds to predict the weather without wasting daylight, intersperse stories that resonated through his deep baritone voice, captived everyone in his presence. He will be missed without question. Thank you for allowing me to be a part of what I am sure was was a once in a lifetime experience. Sending love and prayers...

Allison Mosley

August 1, 2012

Dearest Mary and Family,

The Farm on Pleasant Valley Road was a respite and haven since I was a wee bairn and you and Steve my second parents. You both were always there for me when I needed advice, a home or a good lecture. Steve was wonderful with Ramsey and taught him many things, the most important being respect. You are all in my thoughts and prayers and I send all my love.

Terri Ward

August 1, 2012

My brother Dave, Alden Saddlemire, and myself played many a game of hockey on the frozen pond! I still bike by the house every summer thinking of the childhood and teen years with laughter. Thank you- for cherished memories in the woods and hills on Pleasant Valley Road!

Betty LaGrange

July 31, 2012

Mary and family....
I received a letter in the mail today from a friend in Albany with the clipping of Steve's accident. I couldn't believe what I read. And I can only imagine the grief you are going through. I'm sure my Mother welcomed him into Heaven with open arms. Steve and you were real good neighbors to my parents and I'll never forget the trips you made to Hill & Dale Farm on a "whim"....
May God be close to you and see you through this difficult time.
My love to you all.

Anita Ovitt

July 31, 2012

Dear Mary and family, Steve was my hero and an amazing neighbor and friend! I loved his sense of humor and wisdom and help in times of need. His memory is precious to me as an example of what all men should be!

Russ & Ann McDowell

July 31, 2012

Who can forget his booming voice and gentle manner, as long as you weren't the subject of his gibes. His death marks us all who knew him.

Bob Flacke

July 31, 2012

The Conservation world will miss Steve.

Meg Casey

July 30, 2012

July 30, 2012
Stevie Browne , thank you for all your sharing over the years. Will be in my every day thoughts - knowing you are with Bart.
Moma Mary , Erik , Heidi , Adam and families, thank you. xoxoxox

July 30, 2012

Mary, our families bonded during a beautiful wedding and now please know we will stand by you through your sorrow.Memories of laughter and love help to ease sorrow. Carol Murnane

Oriethyia Crone

July 30, 2012

A Great Tree has fallen. We must let him go and remember, always, where he stood.

July 30, 2012

Stevie Browne , thank you for all your sharing over the years. Will be in my every day thoughts - knowing you are with Bart.
Moma Mary , Erik , Heidi , Adam and families, thank y ou. xoxoxox

Dan Darpino

July 29, 2012

Mary, Heidi and Adam,
Bless you. I cannot imagine your heartache. Thank you for sharing Steve with us all!

barbara roney-kennedy

July 29, 2012

I will miss papa browne always. He was a special man and touched lives and hearts of his "adopted kids"... no one can take the place of him...love and miss you dearly.xoxoxox

Cyn Tomko

July 29, 2012

Dear Ones, a Peaceful letting go of Steve's presence. We know his spirit will always be with us. He touched so many lives in such profound ways. One of my favorite times was planting trees for your Peace Garden...& the ceremony that followed. I'll be in NM sending you all thoughts of love & strength. Love & Peace, Cyn Tomko

July 29, 2012

Dear Mary and family ~
So saddened to hear of Steve's tragic, untimely passing. He will be sooooo missed!! He was most definitely one of my 'favorite' co-workers during our time at DEC .... always a ready grin, friendly spirit and fun personality. Our heartfelt sympathy to you and the entire family.
God Bless you all...
~ Ceil and Ned Powers~

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