Stephen Castlebury Brown

October 17, 1963-February 23, 2025

Our beloved Stephen Castlebury Brown passed into eternity on February 23, 2025 in Palmer, Alaska. He was born October 17, 1963 in San Antonio, Texas to Leon and Josephine Brown.

Stephen was raised in Vernon, Texas and grew up with a love of the great outdoors, beginning his amazing mountain climbing career as a Boy Schout, attaining the rank of Eagle Scout. He dropped out of high school early on to pursue higher education, beginning at Vernon Regional Junior College, where he received an Associate in Physical Science. A devoted Aggie, Stephen graduated from Texas A&M University with a B.S. (Recreation and Parks Management). The University of Texas at San Antonio conferred an M.S. in Environmental Science upon Steve, which was then followed by a Ph.D. in the same field by SUNY ESF. Not bad for a high school dropout!

Stephen was a Professor of Agriculture with the Cooperative Extension Service at the University of Alaska Fairbanks (UAF). He was a past President and Director of the Alaska State Fair. A consummate teacher, Stephen loved sharing his knowledge of agriculture at UAF and in his previous positions at Alaska Bible College, Kansas State University, UTSA, and Cornell University.

Some of the popular classes Stephen taught included Chicken University, Growing Giant Cabbages, Master Gardener and GIS/GPS. His latest passion was helping conduct rhodiola research. Many of his students began their agriculture and GIS careers as a result of his mentorship.

Steve was passionate about mountaineering, summitting peaks on five continents, including Denali, Aconcagua, Kilimanjaro, Mt. Elbrus, Stok Kangri, and many more. To stay in shape, Steve ran several dozen marathons, completing them in 37 states. He loved snow machining, motorcycles, and enjoyed acting in community theater. Stephen was widely known for his sense of humor and telling tall tales.

Stephen is survived by his wife Eva Cohnen-Brown, brother Hart Brown and sister-in-law Susan, brother McKee Smith and sister-in-law Maria Smith, nephew Joshua Azbell, niece Heather Perez, sister-in-law Jeany Cohnen, and numerous great nieces and nephews.

May your memory continue to be a blessing, dear Steve. A Celebration of Life will be held at a later date in Palmer, Alaska.

In lieu of flowers, feel free to donate to a worthy cause, or to contribute to one of Steve’s favorite groups: the Alaska Bible College in Palmer, Alaska, or the NACAA (National Association of County Agricultural Agents).