Michael John Brown

Michael John Brown was born in Denver, Colorado on November 22, 1946. He was the only son of Kenneth and Lucille Brown. Mike spent an idyllic childhood on the family farm on California Mesa in Delta Colorado, surrounded by his grandparents, aunts and uncles, cousins, and sister. He grew up driving tractors and attending St. Michael’s Catholic School. Mike graduated from Delta High School in 1964. After a couple of semesters at Western State College, he joined the United States Air Force, where he became a crew chief for B-52 bombers.

Before he left for basic training, Mike attended a Delta High School football game where he met the love of his life, Vicki Dickson. On April 6, 1968, the two were married and shortly after, moved to Kadena Air Force Base in Okinawa, Japan, where they started their family. Their son, Steven, was born in Okinawa. After moving home to Colorado, Mike was hired as a splicer/lineman for Mountain Bell in Montrose and was very proud to work in that profession for 30 years. They added their daughter, Dana, to complete their family.

Mike enjoyed living in Colorado his whole life and all the outdoor activities that provided, such as hunting, fishing, camping, cutting firewood for the winter, and four-wheeling in the summer.

Papa Mike was famous for his milkshakes which all the grandchildren begged for, and he happily made for them.

He never knew a stranger and made friends everywhere he went. His teasing was legendary, and his one-liners were infamous. Unbeknownst to a lot of people, he was a beautiful pianist and played by ear.

Mike loved his wife, his children, family and friends. He loved airplanes, John Deere tractors, John Elway, and John Wayne — on any given day, not necessarily in that order.

Mike passed away peacefully on February 24th with his family by his side.

Mike is survived by his loving wife of 56 years, Vicki; son, Steve (Kathleen) Brown; daughter, Dana (Dean) Baumgardner; grandson, Brett; granddaughters, Sara, Lauren, Hanna, and Mara; and six great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Kenneth and Lucille Brown, and his sister, Mary Jo Rich.

A Celebration of Life will be held at Montrose Christian Church on Saturday, March 8th at 10:30 am.