Lachlan Duncan Browne could not wait to be a part of this world, arriving via unplanned c-section on August 11, 2016.
It took his parents over 24 hours to finalize a name for their little miracle due to his unconventional entrance. His forename, Lachlan, is of Scottish origin, roughly translating to “lord of the lakes.” He earned his middle name, Duncan, a Gaelic word for warrior, by overcoming the odds of survival and battling his way into this world.
He surprised his mother and father, with an early birth — entering Earth side two months premature — and labored through its consequences. Befuddling doctors, our Lord of the Lakes’ brain and liver thwarted him the opportunity too many of us take for granted: A fair shot at life.
He entered Heaven during the early hours of October 21, 2016, leaving behind his mother and father, Ashley and Jason Browne, sister, Harlow, 1, and brother, Fischer, 5. Lachlan is mourned by his grandparents Terry and Sue Browne and Jay and Carol Anderson of Helena; his aunts and uncles Alex (Shannon) Browne of Missoula, Kirsten Anderson (Peter Hutchinson) of Bellingham, Washington, Erik Anderson (Lizzy Duffy of Portland, Oregon) of Helena, Carlyn Anderson of Helena; and cousins Dempsi and Will Browne of Missoula.
Lachlan’s 70 days of life were profound, deeply touching all who had the pleasure of caring for him.Though small, Lachlan’s star shone bright. His curling smile and eager eyes showed a young boy rife with potential. His expressions outsized his body, radiating love to those who loved him. The first time he was tenderly embraced by his family helped to stabilize his vital signs and incredibly low blood pressure, and a deep connection was forged. Each passing glance felt as though he was learning a new part of the world, understanding how to live and return love to his family. The day before he passed, Lachlan took the opportunity to open his eyes and calmly gaze at those that held him. Given all of the stress his tiny body endured for such a long time, it was amazing to see him alert, content and peaceful. We believe he intended these delicate moments to be his final goodbyes, loving fiercely until the end.
Lachlan weighed 3 lbs., 1 oz. at birth. One breath at a time, day by day, he fought for a chance to join his siblings at home. Lachlan spent two months at Missoula’s Community Medical Center, where he persevered and, against all odds, grew. He received intensive and passionate care from the medical professionals in the NICU. Lachlan’s parents, in their own way, grew too, cheering on their warrior son who dared to live.
An MRI uncovered Lachlan’s brain was damaged prior to his birth, when he suffered from tremendous loss of amniotic fluid suggesting Cerebral Palsy could be in his future. His liver remained a mystery that countless tests could not solve.
On October 2, 2016, Lachlan and his mother were life-flighted to Seattle Children’s Hospital for more intense treatment of his ever-failing liver.
Specialists at Seattle Children’s studied Lachlan and anxiously awaited results from a high-risk liver biopsy. Lachlan remained patient although uncomfortable from a tremendous amount of abdominal swelling caused by his liver dysfunction. NICU nurses once again came to his rescue with remedies and snuggles to care for him.
Shockingly and spontaneously, Lachlan’s body gave way in the middle of the night when he experienced a massive pulmonary hemorrhage. Lachlan passed, quickly and painlessly, from this Earthly world to one of freedom, grace and unending love.
The family hopes and prays answers may come from Lachlan’s valiant fight for life, a warrior’s true sacrifice for others. We ask that you endeavor to honor Lachlan’s spirit when taking communion with nature, adventuring into the mountains and dipping in alpine lakes.
Even the smallest drop of water creates ripples across a lake. Lachlan Duncan Browne filled the lakes of our hearts.
A Celebration of Lachlan’s life will take place at 11 a.m. Saturday, November 5, 2016, at Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home, 3750 N. Montana Ave., Helena, MT. If you wish to honor Lachlan please consider making a memorial donation to: Ronald McDonald House of Western Montana, 3003 Fort Missoula Rd., Missoula, MT 59804 or to the Browne Family, who will be starting a Foundation to further medical research around infant liver failure.
Service Schedule
Celebration of His Life
11:00 a.m.
Saturday November 5, 2016
Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home
3750 N. Montana Avenue
Helena, Montana 59602
Reception
Following the Celebration of Life
Saturday November 5, 2016
Social Hall of Funeral Home
3750 N. Montana Ave.
Helena, Montana 59602
Service Schedule
Celebration of His Life
11:00 a.m.
Saturday November 5, 2016
Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home
3750 N. Montana Avenue
Helena, Montana 59602
Reception
Following the Celebration of Life
Saturday November 5, 2016
Social Hall of Funeral Home
3750 N. Montana Ave.
Helena, Montana 59602
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Kally and Phil says
Ashley, Jason and Family,
We are so sorry to hear this news. Since today is All Saints’ Day, we are listening to your little guy singing with the saints and angels today. You are in our thoughts and prayers.
Love,
Sherri Roberts says
Although I don’t know you, my heart breaks for you and your family at such a terrible loss. The tribute you gave about his brief life was truly as amazing as this very young man. Prayers for you and your families…
Kurt Jenewein says
I also do not know you but your account of your son broke my heart. My prayers for you and your family. Jesus is with your son now and forever.
Debra Ekblom and Rudy Shiner says
What a wonderful tribute to your little warrior. I do not know you, but i needed to send you my sincere and hearfelt condolences. Your son was so beautiful and his smile is so genuine. My son was born 3 months early. He is now 37 and i thank god everyday for him. God bless you and your family.