In memory of

Vernon Charles Brown

Nov 22, 1950
Feb 14, 2017

Obituary

Vernon Charles Brown was born on November 22, 1950 to Fred Woodrow Brown (Woody) and Viola Marie Brown and passed away February 14, 2017. Vern was known for his sense of humor. He had a way to make a joke out of any situation and you were guaranteed a laugh when Vern was around.

Vern was born in Salem, Oregon. He then spent some of his childhood in Moore, Oklahoma before returning to spend the remainder of his childhood in Oregon. He graduated from Cascade High School in 1969 and enlisted in the Marines in 1970. He served from 1970 to 1976. Vern was very proud to be a veteran and serve for our country. He started his career at Wah Chang in 1971 and retired after 27 years in 1998. Vern Married Gia Lynn Davie February 3, 1978 in Albany Oregon. Together they had three children which they raised proudly on a farm in Scio before moving to Albany.

Vern loved the outdoors, hiking, golf, and walks with his dog. All of these outdoor adventures brought him to St. George for a short time in his life where he could enjoy the sun and year round golf.  Vern loved to play golf and continued to play at Creekside up until his death. Vern loved to garden. His home was always filled with plants that he was very proud of. He loved sports. He enjoyed watching any sporting event his grandchildren were participating in and coached his kids sports teams in earlier years to many victories. Vern was an avid beaver fan, he held season tickets to both football and basketball. He loved to stay up to date with the players and coaches and all their stats.

Most of all Vern loved his family. He loved each and everyone of his kids and grandkids with all his heart. He had a special relationship with each of them and they will always remember what a great father and Poppy he was. He would be so proud to know what a great legacy he leaves behind.  Vern loved his mom so much and cherished how close they were. He loved her cooking and would write down and save her recipes. He admired and looked up to his father. They loved to fish and hunt together. He adored his sisters and their husbands. Vern loved to play the little brother card and always have them take care of him, which they gladly did. Bill Traylor, who married Vern’s mom in 1997, became a father figure to him and the whole family. They loved to talk coins together and show each other the latest coin they had collected. Throughout his life he made some great friends and many memories with those friends. Those life long friendships meant so much to Vern. He will be missed by so many and his memory will continue to live on through the family and friends that love him so deeply. He will be remembered for his so many amazing qualities but most of all his big heart and one liners.

Vern is survived by his mother Viola Marie Brown-Traylor and her Husband Bill Traylor, son and daughter in law Ryan and Stephanie Brown, daughter Amy Brown, son Travis Brown, grandchildren Joshua Brown, Chase Brown, and Kailey Brown. Sister Trish LaRoche, sister and brother in law Sue and Dennis Legan.  Nieces, nephews and cousins. Vern was preceded in death by his father Fred (Woody) Brown and Brother in law William LaRoche.

A celebration of life will be held at Creekside Country Club, 6250 Clubhouse Dr. SE Salem OR 97306, Monday February 20, 2017 from 4-6 pm.

Service Information

Celebration of Life
Monday February 20, 2017 from 4-6 pm
Creekside Country Club
6250 Clubhouse Dr. SE Salem OR 97306

Messages of Sympathy

  1. Leah Sanderson says:

    I met vern working at Lowes ... He was always funny and had a way of putting a smile on my .. My condolences

  2. George Jackson says:

    I met Vern working at Lowe's and I loved his sense of humor right from the start. Once a Cougar, Vern, always a Cougar. You will be missed my friend.

  3. Shari Castle says:

    I met Vern working at Lowes. He was a funny guy...loved his one liners! We spent a little time together and I know how much he loved his family and his dog. He raved about his grandson, such a proud grandpa. Vern took me to the Creekside and thought he could teach me to golf right handed, as I am left handed, and I was quite sure it would be a horrible time,but low and behold it was a great day. I golfed better right handed then left. Thank you my friend. You will always be part of my heart.

  4. Betty hunt says:

    Omw I'm so shocked to hear this. I loved Vern, he was quite a character, he knew how to make a person laugh. He was my friend and I will miss him. So sorry

  5. Alexa Canady says:

    I worked with him at Lows and I loved to be around him and talk to him! I am very sorry to see this.

  6. Joel Cowley says:

    Vern was a faithful member of Creekside Golf Club. He played in our Saturday group regularly and we always enjoyed his sense of humor. He has many friends at Creekside that will miss him very much!
    Kick it back. That's good Vern.

  7. Patty Mangiameli says:

    I only met him a handful of times but the times we spoke briefly he made me laugh. My condolences to all his loved ones.

  8. Charlotte Brown-Thomas and hubby Dennis says:

    Vern was my cousin I loved to tell him jokes. When we moved back from Wisconsin the first night the folks were gone we built a fire in the fire place and sat around telling jokes for hours. Then later he got that mustang we would race. Me in my little Studebaker convertable. He was always going to be there I thought. How he loved his children, grandchildren and Mom. He is going to be missed.

  9. Dick and Janelle says:

    I will miss Vern the rest of my life he was like a brother to me in our younger years. Vern I will miss you and will think of you often. I still remember the water cooler . rest in peace brother!

  10. Johnson Funeral Home Staff says:

    Our deepest sympathies for your loss. Vernon was clearly loved by his children and grandchildren. May all his family find the peace and comfort they need. Thanks for trusting Johnson Funeral Home.

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