Howard Brown, 81, passed away peacefully on February 8, 2024, following a brief battle with cancer. He had his family by his side at Hospice of North Idaho in Coeur d’Alene, ID.

Howard was born Eugene Howard Lee to Martha and Eugene Lee on December 2, 1942 in Grants Pass, OR. Sadly, his father died prior to his birth. Martha was remarried to Carrol Brown, who later adopted him changing his name to Howard Lee Brown. The family, including his two brothers David and Larry, lived in Medford, OR.

Growing up Howard loved the rugged outdoors, fishing and hunting with his brothers as often as possible. He also enjoyed coin and stamp collecting. He was a multisport athlete throughout high school but excelled at basketball. He was a member of the state championship winning team in 1960. He graduated from Medford High in 1961.

He was married to Donna Hunt in 1965. Together they had a son but later divorced. Then he met the love of his life, Valerie “Sam” Hehn, and they married on April 27, 1974 in Carson City, NV. Eventually they settled in Gresham, OR and raised their blended family of three sons.

He continued to be an avid outdoorsman enjoying fishing, hunting, and golf with his brothers, friends, and son. He also enjoyed travelling with his wife to many distant countries including England, France, Italy, Mexico, and Hong Kong.

A graduate of Southern Oregon State College and CPA, Howard was a dedicated and strategic business executive, providing financial guidance throughout his entire career and was a trusted advisor and friend to his company’s executive leadership.

Howard and Sam also lived in Las Vegas, NV, Gardnerville, NV, Rogue River, OR, and Hayden, ID where he enjoyed trap shooting and fly fishing. He also had many international fishing excursions including catching permit in Belize and salmon in Alaska and Canada. He was a lifelong reader enjoying many genres and authors. As a grandfather he never passed up the chance to treat his granddaughters Alyssa and Sophia to a scoop of ice cream.

He was survived by his wife of nearly 50 years, Sam, and his sons Lee Brown (Lori) of Oregon, Lenny Parrnelli (Patty) of North Carolina, and Benjy Parrnelli of California as well as six grandchildren and eight great grandchildren. He is also survived by his brothers David Brown (Ruth) and Larry Brown (Eleanor).

Throughout his life he was a loving and generous husband, father, brother, grandfather, and friend. He will be missed by many and forever in our hearts.

A celebration of life for Howard and Sam is scheduled for November 16, 2024 at 2:00 pm at the Ahern Hotel in Las Vegas, NV.

You may view Valerie “Sam” Brown's full obituary by clicking HERE.