Gary Grant Brown

Gary Grant Brown, 82, passed away Feb. 24, 2025 at his home in Ryderwood, WA.  surrounded by loving family. He was born Dec. 22, 1942 in Twin Falls, Idaho to Walter and Leila Brown (Rogers). Gary grew up a middle child, farming alongside his older brother Dale and younger sister Sharon. He graduated from Hagerman High School in 1961, later joined the Air Force, and served during the Vietnam War from 1962-1965. During his service, Gary worked on Minuteman missile silos at Mountain Home Air Force Base, the same location where his grandson, Jacob, is currently stationed. A long time technology enthusiast, Gary’s proudest achievement was getting his first class electronic license after finishing a program at Bates Technical College, which he also described as the most rewarding time of his life. 

Gary met his wife, Bernardine Hager, in 1984 while working at Billings Senior High School as an AVA manager, a career he was passionate about. Together, the couple traveled to visit family in different states, explored national parks, went on sailing trips, did site seeing across the U.S., and departed on a cruise through the Caribbean with numerous family members. Upon retirement, Gary and Bernie traded their home for a RV to continue a life on the road, later settling in Washington to be closer to their children and grandchildren.

Gary embraced the outdoors and was an active backpacker, camper, fisherman, survivalist, sailor, and traveler. His most memorable trip was to Peru with his daughter Rachelle, touring Lima, riding a train through the Sacred Valley, and ascending to the top of Huayna Picchu. He demonstrated his love for his family and friends as a comic, cracking jokes and playing pranks.

Gary was preceded in death by his parents and brother Dale. He leaves his wife Bernardine; sister Sharon Eytcheson (Dan); daughter Rachelle Compton (Mark), son Jon Felton (Katie); grandchildren Dillon Felton (Janie), Jacob Felton (Megan), Savannah Compton, Joshua Compton, and Madison Felton; great-grandchildren Kassini and Castiel; several nieces and nephews; and beloved friends.

A Military service will be held on March 28,2025 at 11:30 AM at the Tahoma National Cemetery in Kent, Washington.

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