Duane Brown, age 82, passed away on April 13, 2009, surrounded by his family.
Duane was born to Truman and Wilma (Geisler) Brown in Hebron, Nebraska on July 13, 1926. His family moved frequently while he was young, primarily between Hebron, Nebraska and Oregon.
Duane married Kathryn Kutlas on June 29, 1953, they settled in Hebron and over the next 11 years they had five children. In 1963 the family was devastated by the death of their oldest son, Mickey. In 1969 the family moved to Brightwood, Oregon, where Duane resided until his death. His wife, Kathryn passed away in 1986.
Duane married Patricia Taylor in 1992 and was pleased to welcome her seven children and their families into the Brown family.
While in Oregon, Duane worked for Honke Heating & Air Conditioning for several years, before going to work for Portland General Electric. He retired in 1989.
As a young adult he spent his free time flying small planes. He continued the love of flying, but gave up the pilot seat to spend time with his young children. But always, flying remained among his most cherished memories! His other love was woodworking. After his retirement he enjoyed building furniture for his kids and grandkids. In his later years, he traded his large saws for carving knives, carving many beautiful pieces, ranging from small wooden Christmas ornaments to larger items designed for the altar at his church.
Duane was an active member of the Hoodland Lutheran Church, past member of the Mt. Hood Lions Club and past board member of the Hoodland Fire Department.
He is survived by his wife Patricia, his children Mary Brown, Seattle, WA, Fr. David Brown, Florence, OR, Daniel Brown (Naheed), Beaverton, OR and Trudy Brown Vandehey (Russ), Oregon City, OR, stepchildren Mike Taylor, Portland, OR, Dan Taylor (Julie), Eagle Creek, OR, Casey Taylor (Jayne), Gresham, OR, Joe Taylor (Maggie), Portland, OR, Rachel Taylor Brown (Jay), Portland, OR, Kathleen Taylor, Portland, OR, daughter-in-law Karen Fischer, Madison, CT, and grandchildren Alex & Luke Taylor, Mike, Laura & Charlie Vandehey, Meagan Taylor and Reema, Shehtaaz & Raya Zaman. He is also survived by his sisters Janice Brown Kripal, Columbus, NE, Andrea Brown Storz (Robert), Omaha, NE and brother Doug Brown (Michelle), Tacoma, WA and many nieces and nephews, cousins and friends.
And finally, he is also survived by his daily companion and dear friend, his beagle Peggy.
Duane was preceded in death by his first wife, Kathryn (Kutlas) Brown, his oldest son Michael John Brown and his stepson Jeffrey Taylor.
Remembrances may be made to Hoodland Lutheran Church or Mt. Hood Hospice.