Douglas Brown, 75, passed away on December 31st, 2015 at noon from complications of emergency surgery at St. Peter’s Hospital in Helena, MT.
Doug died surrounded by family and close friends.
Doug was born in Glendive, MT on September 15, 1940. He was the only child of Neil and Connie Brown. Doug and his family moved to Helena, MT when he was three years old.
Doug graduated from Helena High School in 1958, and immediately went into the Army National Guard active duty. Doug attended the University of Montana graduating in 1963 with honors. During his University time, he was a member of the college swim team even placing a record time in breast stroke. He also bowled for the Griz.
With his degree in English and PE he went on to teach in Rudyard, MT. His career then took him to the Helena Y.M.C.A. as Physical Director and Acting Director. After the Y.M.C.A., he worked at the Helena Credit Bureau. Doug’s career then went to the American Lung Association as fund raiser. That was followed up with Big Brothers and Big Sisters as director. His final position was with the Governor’s Office of Community Service. He retired from this position.
Doug cared about his community. He was well known and respected. Over the years, he was involved with Ducks Unlimited, coaching swim teams (high school and Helena Lions), Montana Amateur Athletic Union (AAU), Kiwanis Club, bowling leagues, Helena Bicycle Club, and Juvenile Justice.
Doug was passionate about German Shorthaired Pointers, so much he owned six. He enjoyed hunting with his dogs and fellow hunters. He enjoyed boating and camping at Canyon Ferry Lake plus taught many young people to drive a boat safely and to water ski. Biking became quite the adventure when he rode his bike across the lower tier of the United States for 5 ½ weeks from Oceanside, CA to St. Simons Island, GA. He enjoyed spending time weekly with his friends, visiting grandkids and traveling with his wife.
He met his wife at the Y.M.C.A. in 1967 and married in 1969 at the First Christian Church. They celebrated their 46th year of marriage on December 27th, 2015.
Doug was preceded in death by his parents, Neil and Connie Brown. He is survived by his wife, Susan Olivia Brown (also known as his own SOB), daughter Stacey Lasselle (Eric), three grandchildren Ashley, Matthew and Nathan, and foster daughter Lauri Japp. Also surviving is Elke, Doug’s dog and three cats.
A very special thank you to the St. Peter’s ICU. They worked 60 long hours to support him. His surgeon, Dr. Osborne was a caring compassionate surgeon.
A Memorial service is Tuesday, January 5th2016, 2:30 p.m. at Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home, 3750 N. Montana Ave., Helena, MT, with a reception to follow the service in the Banquet Hall of the funeral home.
Please visit below to offer a condolence to the family or to share a memory of Doug.
Service Schedule
Memorial Service
2:30 p.m.
Tuesday January 5, 2016
Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home
3750 N. Montana Ave.
Helena, Montana 59602
Reception
After the service to Banquet Hall of Anderson Stevenson Wilke
Tuesday January 5, 2016
3750 N. Montana Ave.
Helena
Montana, 59602
Service Schedule
Memorial Service
2:30 p.m.
Tuesday January 5, 2016
Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home
3750 N. Montana Ave.
Helena, Montana 59602
Reception
After the service to Banquet Hall of Anderson Stevenson Wilke
Tuesday January 5, 2016
3750 N. Montana Ave.
Helena
Montana, 59602
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Bob Redpath says
a special fella from the HHS Class of 58. Good memories of his days in grade school, HHS and participation in community events and support of non-profits in this area.
Came to his classmates breakfast on weekly basis and engaged others in conversation of the past and great times.
Leon and Marsha Belville says
I will miss Doug and his conversation and humor at our Wed morning breakfast get together s I have known Doug for many years, all the way back to when he worked a the YMCA and he was one of the best of the best. My condolences to his family. Leon
Shirley Bentzen Reese says
I’m so sorry to learn of Doug’s passing. Doug was a special person and there are many good memories that were gathered through the years. Hugs and prayers to his family.
Cathy Schneckloth Dawe says
Doug was a special man to the Schneckloth family through the swim programs at the YMCA. He was a great guy and we are saddened by his sudden death. May God bless you through this very sad and difficult time.
Tom Naegele says
Support & Prayers to the Brown Family,
Doug was a mentor to me at a young age at the YMCA. We crossed paths many times over the years and I have been truly Blessed to have Doug in my life. I am sure he is in Heaven.
Matt & Mary & Sheila says
We are so sorry to hear of Doug’s passing. Susan if we can be of any help please let us. God’s Blessing to you and your family. All of our love to your family.
Matt & Mary Kunnary
Barb Lancaster says
Doug has been a good friend. I will miss his quick comebacks and eagerness to bring a smile! As a wise and caring team member on the Community Youth Justice Council he will be greatly missed. All of my love to Susan
Ramsays says
I will always remember fun times with Doug at DDR. He always encouraged my kids when they were riding with us. We’ll miss you on the road, Doug!
Concetta & Len Eckel says
Our hearts go out to you Susan. Doug was always such a live wire and his enthusiasm was infectious. We will miss seeing you and Doug riding the roads with smiling faces. Doug is now riding on to new adventures; always leading the way!
Bob McCullough says
What a shock.Doug was one of the good guys.He will be sorely missed by all of us who knew and grew up with him.I really liked Doug-he brought a lot to the table.Please know that he will remain in our memories.His classmate.
Will and Rose Harmon says
This comes as a shock. I first got to know Doug when he was a bundle of endless energy at Community Service (I worked at the Consensus Council). As neighbors for 23 years a few blocks down on Hauser Blvd, I always looked forward to conversations and laughs with Doug–just bumped into him at Van’s a couple of weeks ago. He was an inspiration to keep pedaling, keep walking, keep drumming up good ways to make Helena an even better place to live and play. He is sorely missed. Our condolences to Susan, Stacey, and family.
Allen Stenhjem Family says
Class of 58 God Bless my Friend,,,…………………
Steve Crowley says
Doug had a huge influence on my childhood at the YMCA. He was an outstanding person and will be missed.
Larry Petty says
The Brown Family: My thoughts & prayers are with you. We will miss Doug at the Fire Tower for coffee in the AM. Daily.
Jeff Mortensen says
Doug was a great man and mentor. As our AAU swim coach in the Y-Lions program in the 60’s he was hard driving, but wielded encouragement rather than the stick. Widely respected in Helena and MT. One of very few that had a real interest in Kids and followed them well into adulthood. He is a unforgettable character.
Scott schneckloth says
Doug was my swim coach in the late 60s and early 70s. He work us hard ,but he was fair and no body got off easy. He encourage us all to do are best, and don’t give up. A great guy, and a great mentor and and a person I will always respect, him as a coach, and a friend.
Bob Miller says
Enjoyed the bike rides with Doug and his dedication to the Helena Bicycle Club.
Kathleen (Basinger) Bartman says
I, too, was under Doug’s Iron Rule on the YMCA Swim Team many, many years ago. As Scott noted above, he was tough, but fair. He expected the best from us and was highly respected. I have many memories of those workouts and the swim meets. He provided a strong ‘work’ ethic in our young lives. I am saddened that he has passed on.
Steve Field says
I’m so sad to hear this. Doug has always been such an integral part of the Helena cycling community. From mentoring new riders, leading HBC rides, and his tireless work on the Helena Hundred and DDR, his presence will be sorely missed!
Patrick Stevens says
So long Doug. He had helped me out and I wish to say goodbye.
Todd Jones says
Susan and Family
Doug was such a wonderful part of Helena, leading the way with volunteer spirit. He always had such a positive and jovial attitude. He was an amazing guy and I very honored to have known him. He truly was an inspiration to my family, encouraging us on our bikes.
I admire him riding across the southern route across the U.S.
Roll on Doug, you will be deeply missed in our community.
Gina and Jim Myers says
Stacey, Susan, and Family:
We are saddened to hear of Doug’s sudden passing. Please know that our thoughts and prayers are with you, and your family during this tragic time. May he rest in peace.
With much love,
The Myers and Smith Family
Joe Munzenrider says
Dearest Susan,
I am so saddened by Doug’s passing. I am unable to attend the Memorial on Tuesday, but I want you to know that my love, my thoughts, and my prayers are with you.
Joe Munzenrider
Jeff and Sue Miller says
Susan. We are so sorry for your loss and sorry too that we can not attend the memorial service as we are out of state. Our fond memories of Doug are many and each one reminds us of his always positive, can-do attitude. May the grief you are feeling soon be softened and then replaced by the happy memories of the time we had with Doug pedaling alongside us all.
Brad says
Doug- Thanks for all the Power Bars and fun poker rides, DDRs, and centuries. You always had the right words to get me up the hill…and I still remember some of your stories about those hills! I hope you’re riding on smoother pavement than we always did on Hwy 12!
Sherri McGuire says
Susan and Family,
So sorry to hear of Doug’s passing. I would not be what, where or who I am today without Doug taking a chance and hiring me for my first “real” job at the Credit Bureau. He taught me how to be a valuable worker, an effective supervisor, how to deal with upset people with kindness and above all how to keep an upbeat attitude! He always had a positive word and friendly smile whenever I would see him. He was a gem and he will be missed!
Greg Pottruff says
I was sorry to hear Doug is gone. Bicycling would have not have been such big part of my life if it was not for Doug and Susan. Doug got me involved with fund raising for the American Lung Association years ago. Even though it is winter I think I will take a spin around the block in his memory…still have the bike I had then.
Diann Coons says
Stacey,
I think I only met your dad once or twice but I remember his kind smile. I am so sorry you and your mom have lost such a special man. I wish I could be there to give you a big hug. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your mom.
Love, Diann
Bill & Judy Coddington says
Dear Susan and Stacey, we were so saddened to read about Doug’s passing. He was such a wonderful friend and supporter during our time in Helen and working with him and Jeff and Sue Miller to establish the original Life Cycle ride. We traveled many trails together some dark but mostly sunny primarily because of Doug’s wonderful sense of humor and optimism. He was a wonderful man and Susan you were always the pillar of strength in Doug’s life and we’ll never forget that as well. God Bless you during this trying time.
Love,
Bill & Judy Coddington
Dave & Thea Van Nice says
Doug was a positive influence in my life as I spent many hours at the old YMCA. He was a great one!
David Pattison says
Doug was a positive influence on my life growing up. He will be remembered.
Chris (Everett) Bartsch says
Dear Susan and Stacey, my thoughts and paryers are with you both. Doug was my swim coach for many years. Our familys always had a great time during swim meets. He will be missed.
Patrick Leeds says
I was sorry to hear about Doug’s passing. I have a lot of memories of swim team tournaments, Saturday morning beers at the Spirit Shoppe and Duck Unlimited dinners in Helena. He will be missed.