July 1, 2010

Bernard R. Brown, 83

B ernard R. Brown, 83, formerly of Holcombville Road, passed away on Monday, June 21, 2010, at the Pleasant Valley Infirmary in Argyle following a long illness.
Born on May 16, 1927, in Whitehall, he was the son of the late Robert and Nellie (Ames) Brown.
At one time, he was appointed as the superintendent of the one-room school house in Holcombville. His first job after naval service during World War II was at the iron mines in Mineville. He also worked for Imperial Wallpaper and Colorant, which later became Hercules Color and Plastics, and retired from Ciba Geigy, then continued working as an independent roofer and handyman.
He was a 52-year continuous member of the American Legion, Post 83 of Whitehall, serving as post commander, vice commander and adjutant sergeant at arms. In 2005, the Legion remodeled the third floor of its building and dedicated that room to Bernard at the dedication dinner where the Boy Scouts hold their meetings.
He was very active in his early years with the Boy Scouts. He was a Boy Scout assistant scoutmaster, merit badge counselor, treasurer and troop liaison.
He was a member of the First Presbyterian Church of Whitehall where he served as a past elder, treasurer and sexton and also was a Sunday school teacher. At one time, he also served as a Little League coach.
Besides his parents, he is predeceased by his wife, Alice (Hurlburt) Brown, who died in 1997; his twin boys, Peter Brown and Paul Brown; one brother, Henry Brown; four sisters, Nettie Smith, Dorothy Bennett, Pauline Gosselin and Helen Twyman.
He is survived by four sons, Bernard A. Brown and his wife, Marylou, of Auburn, Charles Brown and his wife, Charlotte, of Middle Granville, Robert J. Brown of Whitehall and Jeffrey Brown and his wife, Mengie, of Tucson, Ariz.; one daughter, Jane Brown of Whitehall; 13 grandchildren; nine great-grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews.
Calling hours were held at the Jillson Funeral Home Inc., 46 Williams St., Whitehall, on Friday, June 25. The American Legion, Post 83, conducted a wake service at the funeral home on June 25.
A funeral service was conducted on Saturday, June 26, at the Jillson Funeral Home Inc. Interment followed at North Granville Cemetery.
Expressions of sympathy may take the form of a donation in Bernard’s name to the American Legion, Post 83, Main Street, Whitehall, N.Y. 12887.