David Arthur Brown

David Arthur Brown passed away Monday, September 7, 2015, at Alaska Veterans and Pioneers Home in Palmer, Alaska.

Dave was born on August 24, 1926, in Utica, New York, to Camilla and George Brown. He learned to hunt and fish as a boy, something he enjoyed his whole life.

After graduation, Dave lied about his age to join the Navy. He served aboard the U.S.S. Gleaves in the Pacific during WWII. He lost his ring finger while in the Navy, and enjoyed embellishing how this took place. He was awarded three medals: Asiatic Pacific, Victory, and American Theater. He was honorably discharged in 1946.

He earned his bachelor of science degree from Utica College of Syracuse University in 1950.

A favorite trick as a young man was to drink a can of Budweiser, his favorite beer, while standing on his head. He used this talent to entertain folks and win bets.

He married Doris Turner in 1951. The marriage ended in divorce.

He left New York in 1965, headed for Alaska. He married Betty in 1967.

Dave worked hard all his life. He worked as a car salesman, a heavy equipment operator and other things, including being a published author. His last job was at Carrs, where he worked until a stroke forced his retirement at 85.

Dave was declared legally blind 10 years ago. After he lost his driver’s license, he continued to drive. His daughter threatened to report him to the police. He began calling her “The Warden.”

He was pre-deceased by his parents; brother, Fred; wife, Betty; grandson, Michael Jenkins; and stepdaughter, Jennifer Rogers.

Survivors are his sister, Janet Tucker, of New Hampshire; brother, Gary Brown, of California; daughters, Mrs. Michael (Jo-Ellen) Johnson, of Chugiak, Mrs. Harold (Stephanie) Cring, of New York; sons, George Brown, of Kenai, David Brown, of New York, and John Brown, of California; also, Betty’s four children and a combined total of 27 grandchildren and 34 great-grandchildren.

Dave was cremated. His ashes, together with Betty’s, will be scattered at a location they chose. Donations may be made to Alaska Veterans and Pioneers Home in Palmer.

Arrangements by Cremation Society of Alaska, www.alaskacremation.com