Russell Richard Brown Obituary – The Petoskey News-Review

Russell Richard Brown of Belgrade, Montana, died suddenly on Tuesday, December 27, 2022 at the age of 78 from complications of ALS and respiratory failure.

Russell, known to his friends and loved ones as Russ, or Rusty, was born on September 19, 1944 to parents Richard D. and Margaret (Jolie) Brown. He grew up happily with his four siblings in northern Wisconsin. After graduating from Washington High School in New London, Wisconsin in 1962, Russ enlisted in the United States Air Force in January 1963. After recruit training, he was stationed near Charlevoix, Michigan, where he served as a radar technician until February 1967. From February 1967 to March 1978, Russ worked for his IBM as a sales and computer repair technician, traveling to both New York and Indiana. Eventually, he returned to Charlevoix, Michigan in 1978, where he supported his family and co-owned an asphalt business. It was in Charlevoix that Russ met his lifelong lover, Diana Phillips, and they spent many years together there. The final part of his career from 1984 to 2008 helped create new beginnings for many as a real estate agent. Awarded. In 1996 he served as chairman of the ACK Realtors Commission, and in 1998 he served. He is the former president of the Antrim Charlevoix Association of Realtors and helped create his listing service, Northern Michigan, which is still in use today. He is a proud member of Elks, Master He is a Mason, and in 2006 Charlevoix He was Grand His Master of Masonic Lodge #282.

The daughters’ genius father, Russ, taught them how to properly shake hands and look people in the eye. They knew when he was disappointed, when he was proud, and most of all, he was loved unconditionally.He personally didn’t do bad things. With loving guidance, he corrected wrong choices, and with patience and grace awaited better decisions. He taught through stories and his life experiences and by example. He instilled in them a sense of uniqueness, self-esteem, confidence and strength. He taught them that they were worth it. He told them he was the best man when he was courting them (because he was trying to impress them at that point), and what they presented They said we should choose our life partners wisely based on their best in the early years. His greatest lesson was that love is lasting and never runs short. Like a candle lighting another candle, the flame of love never dims and can be given many times.

After retiring, Russ and Diana moved west to Montana and married on August 27, 2022 in Warden, Montana in a beautiful outdoor ceremony overlooking the Yellowstone River. Russ dearly loved living with Diana in Montana. He was Diana’s “perfect husband” and her greatest love. Russ and Diana had many great adventures together, camping, fishing, and riding his Harley through Canada to Niagara Falls and Vermont. They also traveled to the West Coast along Highway 101, through Oregon, and back via Idaho. Russ traveled a lot, having been to 49 of his 50 states in the US (only Rhode Island missed!), as well as several other countries, including Canada, Germany, Costa Rica and Austria. I have also been to An avid sportsman for most of his life, Russ enjoyed the outdoors, camping, hunting and fishing. He was skilled at both hunting and fishing, and often boasted of catching his limits in the waters of Michigan and Montana.While feeding his family, he used these skills to I arranged the food on the table. In his later years, he preferred shooting wildlife with lenses to firearms.

Russ loved his family above all else, but the Green Bay Packers came in a close second. He also loved his Labrador his Retriever, magic tricks, children and grandchildren sporting his events, Jack Reacher and Louis his Lamour books, Old West stories and TV shows. Russ was a highly skilled card player. Lucky if you can beat him. He was an excellent cook who rarely used recipes. He enjoyed throwing darts and debating politics. Some of our favorite memories: Russ and Diana called us on our birthdays and sang “Happy Birthday” in harmony. I called Russ’ phone and got his voicemail… I love you…. Otherwise, please leave your name and phone number and we will get back to you. ‘ His beautiful singing voice is often used happily during long car trips (‘You can’t ride in my little red wagon…’Crazy’ is one of his favorite was!); his willingness to be a “father” to those in need. His ET story taught us that being clean on the inside is more important than looking. And the glint in your eyes when you know you’re smart. All these are missed. As a family, we are sad to have him home, but we are so grateful for the loving memories and life lessons we have learned through his story.

Russ’ surviving family members include: His wife Dianna (Phillips) Brown lives in Belgrade, MT. his mother-in-law, Carol Agnew of Crossville, Tennessee; His sisters Deneka Guyett and Nancy Allen of Siocton, Wisconsin, and brother David G. Brown (Patricia) of New London, Wisconsin. His children, Rhonda Brown Martenson of Sarasota, FL, Heather Brown of Babcock Ranch, FL, Mariah Nelson (Irvin) of Cecil, PA, Rachel Turner (Patrick) of Sarasota, FL, Anne of Warden Tepkes (Shelby), MT; his grandchildren, Braden Brown, Ashton Martenson, Duran Brown, Sage Charbonneau, Mackenzie Smith, Ethan Lynns, Colter Tepkes, Paige Tepkes. His great-grandchildren, Camdin Brown, Caleb Brown, Vedder O’Corn, Landon Martenson, Ivan Knapp and Penelope Martenson. Big family, dear friends. He was predeceased by his mother and father Richard and Margaret Brown, sister Carol Beattie, daughter Allie Margaret Brown, and two stepbrothers Jim Guyett and Dale Allen.

A birthday party will be held at a later date.

You can make a memorial gift to Shriners Hospitals for Children in the name of Russell R. Brown by calling 844-739-0849 or by donating online at Lovetotherescue.org.