(February 3, 2021) We are here to celebrate the life of Frederick Carlos Brown, JR. Whether you called him: Fred, Bud, Buddy, Uncle Bud, Grandpa, Coach, Mr. Brown, or Dad you know the man we honor today. And to our mom, his Wife of more than 61 years, well she may have a few other choice names for dad. Mom, you stuck with dad during the good times and the tough times. I am certain no one will miss him more than you (mom).
Regardless of your salutation for him, we all thank him for being in our lives. There is something we all share from our interactions with him, and that was when you engaged with him you knew you had his attention. It may not have always been fun, but you knew you had his attention. A skill I am still working to improve - right Kati?
And for dad’s passions, well there more than we would admit including coaching, westerns, war movies, ice cream, skiing, hunting, dogs, arguing (not debating, arguing), baseball, football and of course we can’t forget Sanford & Son.
Yes, those were passions, but he loved: mom, his boys, his family, and his country. And to all of you veterans, we never say thank you enough for your sacrifice – thank you. And my brothers, Mike and Joe, we know it wouldn’t be right to omit Manu and Brew from his list of loves.
Dad wasn’t perfect, and that is ok. He taught us a lot, even by his mistakes. I thanked him often for the sacrifices he made for us. I do regret not ever asking him what made him believe he could make the impact on the world that he did. Whatever it was, thank you
And yes, I would never call him as much as I should, but we had our system. When I did call him, we could pick right up where we left off the last discussion - never missing a beat. I have played back a lot of those conversations over the last few weeks. And I still smile. Okay, I tear up when I hear that raspy, high pitched voice of his that would escape whenever you got excited. He also had that deeper pitch when he was angry and especially on the
Dad, you ran a great race. It is now time for you to relax and enjoy eternity. I know you have already sought out the people who preceded you...... and I know there are two wonderful chocolate labs who are already vying for a spot on your lap. Yes, dogs go to heaven.
Dad, I am getting better at reading the Bible and want to share this from John 14:6 Jesus said to him, “I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.
You have your place in heaven through the grace of God. And though we know you will enjoy eternity. I want you to know, I miss you and love you
Your son - Fred
