Obituary of Bernard H. Brown

Bernard Henry Brown, 83, of The Villas and a longtime resident of Clark Mills, passed away into the hands of the Lord with this family by his side on Monday, October 24, 2011. He was born in Clark Mills on July 19, 1928, the son of Henry and Elsie Raistrick Brown and graduated from Clinton Central School. Bernie married his childhood friend and neighbor, Nancy Hahn on August 4, 1951 at St. Mark's Episcopal Church, Clark Mills, where they were both lifelong members. He worked as a Senior Executive for Utica Mutual Insurance Co. and at Royal Globe Insurance Co. Bernie was a life and charter member of the Clark Mills Sons of the American Legion, life member and past president of Clark Mills Fire Dept and a member of the Elks Club. Bernie recently received his 50-year membership plaque from the Clinton-Hampton Lodge #347 F&AM where he was a Past Master and 32nd Degree Mason. Anyone who knew Bernie knew of his love of music. He was an accomplished trombone player and founding member of the Clark Mills Community Band. Bernie was also a talented carpenter who built homes and could fix just about anything. He created a strong foundation of love and support for his family and instilled a high level of morals and values in his children and grandchildren. He is survived by his three sons and daughters-in-law, Bernard and Beverly Brown of Sackets Harbor, Scott and Barbara Brown of Westmoreland, and Chris and Melanie Brown of Clark Mills; his daughter and son-in-law, Beth and Gary Morrissette of Westmoreland; his eight grandchildren, Jacob, Thomas, Meghan, Daniel, Gahr, Eric, Paige and Cassie; a great-grandson Wyatt; and many nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his lifelong friend and beloved wife Nancy Hahn Brown, his parents Henry and Elsie Brown and his sister and brother-in-law, Ada and James Williamson. Funeral services will be held at 11am on Thursday, October 27, 2011 at St. Mark's Episcopal Church, Clark Mills. Burial will follow in Kirkland Cemetery. Friends are invited to call Wednesday (today) from 4-7pm at Owens-Pavlot & Rogers Funeral Service, Inc, 35 College St., Clinton. Masonic services will be held this evening at 6:30pm at the funeral home. In lieu of flowers, please consider donations to the Clark Mills Fire Dept or Hospice & Palliative Care. Special thanks to the staff at The Villas, especially Meg & Janet and to all of the wonderful caregivers who spent time with our father.