Brown was born on March 6, 1918, in Dunsmuir, to Eugenia and Ferdinand Brown. He graduated from UC-Davis in 1939 and received a degree in veterinary medicine from the University of Pennsylvania in 1943.

Brown served in the Army, including the Army Veterinary Corps, during World War II, and remained in the Army Reserves for 31 years, retiring as a full colonel in 1973.

He married Vera White, also of Dunsmuir, and the couple had three children: Ann, Ruth and Mark.

In 1951 Brown served on the U.S. Special Technical and Economical Mission to Thailand as a disease consultant,

He settled in Cupertino in 1953, built the Cupertino Animal Hospital in 1955 and practiced veterinary medicine until he retired in 1994.

Brown was active in the development of the community. He was a charter director of the Cupertino Sanitary District in 1956 and served on its board of directors until his death, and he was president of the California Association of Sanitary Agencies from1961-1962.

A former Eagle Scout, Brown served as scoutmaster for Troop 479 from 1968 to 1978 and was awarded the Silver Beaver. He served as president of the Eagle Scout Association in 1980 and on the YMCA Camp board of directors from 1968 to 1978.

An active Rotarian for over 30 years, Brown served as president of the Cupertino Rotary Club in 1977-1978. He was a member of both the Santa Clara County and the California Veterinary Medical associations and was a diplomate of the American College of Veterinary Preventative Medicine.

In 1988 Brown was named Cupertino Chamber of Commerce Citizen of the Year.

He enjoyed gardening and cultivated a variety of fruits and vegetables.

Brown is survived by his daughters Ann Brown and Ruth Ailes; three grandchildren, Erin, Andrew and Daniel; one great-grandchild and his stepmother Ila Brown.

A memorial service will be held on Aug. 27 at 10 a.m. at Saint Jude the Apostle Church, 20920 McClellan Road in Cupertino.

In lieu of flowers, donations in his name can be sent to any of the following: City Team Ministries, Boy Scouts of America or the Cupertino Rotary.