BROWNIE'S MEMORIAL




IN LOVING MEMORY
OF MICHAEL J. BROWN
Michael James Brown
Michael J. Brown (Brownie) was born April 8, 1959 in Michigan City, Indiana to Virgil and Ruby (Pivoney) Brown. He was raised in Lakeside and graduated from River Valley High School in 1977. He received his Associates Degree in Building Construction Technology from Ferris State in Big Rapids, MI. Mike served as a volunteer firefighter on both Lakeside and Three Oaks fire departments. Beginning in 1981 he proudly served his country in the US Army Special Forces (Green Beret). Brownie served 14 years active duty and 14 years in the National Guard and Reserves. He achieved the rank of Master Sergeant, Special Forces Sergeant (18Z50). During this time he visited 60 countries, built a school in a remote, hostile part of El Salvador and built infrastructure for Special Forces Camps in Central America. He used his knowledge of 4 languages to train foreign military forces. Brownie spent 18 months in Iraq /Qatar and 4 years in Afghanistan. He served as Sergeant at Arms for Post 204 American Legion Three Oaks, he was a member and officer of the Three Oaks Lions Club, a mentor for 4-H construction classes and helped to build Timbertown at Watkin’s Park. He was a carpenter, building homes as Brownies Construction Company. He not only served his country, earning many awards for valor, he was very active in his community and was always helping someone in need. Brownie always said that Flag Day in Three Oaks was his holiday. He loved playing cards, volleyball, bowling, football, softball, tug-o-war, “bags”, riding his Harley and hangin’ out with family and friends. Many people, young and old looked to him as an example, mentor and friend. He was a friend to everyone he came in contact with both here and abroad. Brownie, you are greatly missed by us all.

Brownie was very involved in his community and believed in assisting any in need. Serving 28 years in the military, Brownie truly lived out his belief of self-sacrifice for others. All donations received will support organizations and community efforts that were near and dear to Brownie.


Annual Coed Blind Draw
Softball Tournament:
Date: OCTOBER 1, 2022 at 8:00 am CDT
WHERE: American Legion Post 204
Three Oaks, MI
Annual Michael J. Brown Memorial Ride:
Date: 2023 Ride TBD
WHERE: VFW POST 1130
181 W. McCLUNG ROAD
LAPORTE, IN 46350
LOCATION:
US HWY 12
at Hoder Road
New Buffalo, MI
Annual River Valley High School Senior Scholarship
Three Oaks, MI
Girl and Boy Scouts
of America
National Museum of US Army – Boise, ID
River Valley Rocket Football Program
Three Oaks, MI
Local Youth Sports
Local Veterans
Various Community Efforts