Ron Brown, 81, passed away Jan. 19, surrounded by his family, from complications due to an extended illness.

He was born July 4, 1938,  in Burns, completing grade school and high school there. He graduated from Oregon State College with a bachelor’s degree in business administration and a minor in architecture.

His career led him to work in several western states. His first job after college was as an accountant for US Gypsum. He later worked for several companies in different cities as an accountant and controller. His favorite employer was Cypress Minerals, located in Arizona and Nevada. He had a rich and successful career and was well respected and loved by his colleagues.

Ron had many interests outside of his career and family. He was an accomplished pilot and loved to fly. He owned three different airplanes during his life. His favorite aircraft was the German Bölkow, which was one of only fourteen found in the U.S.  He loved to take his children on flights of fancy.

He was also a great photographer and he loved taking pictures of his family. He always seemed to have a camera in his pocket ready to take candid snapshots of his family, friends, and beautiful scenery. Many pictures were taken in the western U.S. with his family. His dream was to do aerial photography – combining his two great hobbies; but alas, that was not to be.

While he was still working, he was very serious and focused on his career. However, in retirement a new side to Ron blossomed. Family was always important to him, but he found greater joy in spending time with his wife, children, and grandchildren. With his grandchildren he was known as “Papa”. As Papa, he spoiled them rotten. It was always fun for the grandchildren to visit Nana and Papa. They frequently spent countless hours watching movies and eating popcorn.

Ron is survived by his wife of 60 years, Edna (Gibson); four children, Linda Brown of Corvallis, Janet and husband, Dennis Yee of Tualatin, Shelley and husband, Danny Garcia of Scottsdale, Ariz., and Dan Brown and wife, Karen of Beaverton; eight grandchildren; seven great-grandchildren; brothers,  Lyle Brown and wife, Marda of Corvallis, Bruce Brown and wife, Sharon of Plainfield, Ill., and Roger Brown and wife, Jennifer of Scappoose.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Alfred L. and Agness M. (Davis) Brown.

A memorial service will be held at Fisher Funeral home in Albany. Burial will be held at a later date in Burns.