Lt. Colonel Ret. Walter Woodford Brown quietly left us the morning of April 2, 2006. Loving and devoted grandfather, father, and friend; he will be missed daily. An Aeronautical Engineering graduate of the Lawrence Institute of Technology, Walt was also a WWII veteran of the US Air Force. By the grace of God, he made it through the Normandy Invasion and a downed plane in enemy territory. Serving his country for 20 years was his greatest honor. He is a credit to the Air Force and his fellow veterans.

Walt reared his children with the same love, dedication, loyalty, integrity, and high standards with which he served his country. He lived by example. No matter how many changes took place in his 85 years; our father remained steadfast and true to his beliefs. He was a good man with a great heart and we are as honored and proud to have had him for our father as he was to have served his country.

Born March 7, 1921, and reared in Detroit, MI, Walt joined the military after graduation. He married and had 2 children. When that marriage ended after his return from Japan, he then met and married Katherine Daly with whom they shared 4 more children. Upon retiring from the Air Force in 1965 as Chairman of the Atlas Missile Board at General Dynamics in San Diego, CA, he worked at the Jet Propulsion Lab in Pasedena, CA, and in 1967 moved to the Tri-Cities to work for Battelle. Eventually, he changed careers entirely to selling life insurance where he remained until his 2nd retirement.

Throughout his life, Walt remained involved in politics and our local community. He gave generously of his time, talents, and money to his family, his church, and the organizations in which he believed. He took care of himself and he lived to the fullest of his abilities. Dad is well known for his sharp dress and kindness. He was the epitome of a gentleman and enhanced the lives of those who knew him.

In 1986, Dad was given his 2nd wind for life when his 3rd grandchild, Cassandra Marie Brown now Luckman, came into his life. Due to extenuating circumstances, Grandpa had the opportunity to parent Cassie for several years. He then met life with renewed purpose and energy brought on by the realization of how important he was to one very special little girl.

While his 2nd marriage ended in the 1970s, Walt found his best friend and loving companion when reunited with long-time friend June Chenault in 2000. In sickness and in health, she has remained his guiding light for which we are all eternally grateful.

Walt was preceded in death by his mother Helen Brown Kennedy; siblings Dewey and his unnamed twin sister, Ralph Brown, Marice Sawaya, and Doris Brown. His legacy lives on through sister Betty Bill Kaercher – MI; sons Mark San Diego, CA and Thomas Spokane, WA; daughters Mary Richard Valenta-Brown Brooklyn, NY, Tamara Brown, Erin Mike Luckman, Rene Brown, and step-daughter Tana; grandchildren Grace Cucci and Lucien Valencia Brooklyn, NY, Connor Brown, Bryana Brown, Cassie, Randy, and Jordan Luckman; 3 great grandchildren, his nephew and many nieces; along with honorary family members June Chenault, Marcia Keller, and Rochelle, Morgan, and Kylie Brown.

Funeral services will be held at 2:00 PM Friday, April 7, 2006 at Einan’s Funeral Home, with interment to follow. Visitation will be Thursday 5:00-8:00 PM and Friday from 8:00 AM until the service, also at Einan’s.