Donald Harvey Brown, a.k.a. Don Brown, a.k.a. Mr. Brown, passed away in Boulder, Colorado from complications related to Alzheimer’s disease on January 9, 2018. Don was born to Dan and Thelma Brown in Denver, Colorado on August 11th, 1937. He filled his 80 years of life as a teacher of children, lover of literature, Marine, numismatist, alpinist, Alaskan, poker player, artist, storyteller, friend, father, and loving husband. As an educator Don was in turn fun, creative, stern, and curious, and a favorite teacher to generations of children during his 35 years at Eisenhower Elementary in Boulder, Colorado. Throughout his teaching career he was also a proud member of the negotiating team for BVEA, where he was a staunch advocate for his colleagues and worked tirelessly for their benefit. When he wasn’t standing in front of a chalkboard, Don enjoyed music, dancing, long walks on the beach, climbing mountains (he climbed all 58 of Colorado’s 14ers, and countless others), spinning yarns, cracking jokes, and living life to its fullest. He was preceded in death by his son, Evan Brown, and is survived by his wife Ellen Goering; his daughter Kelley Gleason, husband Rick Hennig, and their children Matthew, Taylor, and Nick; his son Tucker Brown, wife Kristina, and their children Taylor and Kyle; his son Evan’s wife, Jeannie Brown; his step-daughter Christie Schmid, husband Ryan, and their children Tobias and Zeke; and his step-son Matthew Goering, wife Sadie, and their children Cassidy and Miles. Evan, Tucker, and Kelley are all his children from his previous marriage to Betty Brown. A celebration of Don’s life will be held on Jan 14 in the Grand Assembly Hall at Chautauqua in Boulder, Colorado. We will begin gathering at 1 p.m., with an informal service at 1:30, and time for hors d’ouevres and refreshments after. All are welcome. In lieu of flowers, please contribute donations to the Alzheimer’s Disease Center (RMADC) Huntington Potter’s Research Study at giving.cu.edu/DonaldBrown. Semper Fi, Don Brown! Always faithful and committed to his profession, his students, and his family. We’re grateful you are at peace.
