Steven Louis Brown, 77

Steven Louis Brown, a longtime resident of Kellogg, Idaho, passed away of age-related causes on Oct. 15, 2022, in Modesto, Calif. He was born on April 4, 1945, in Salt Lake City, Utah, to Ila J. McQuistion (Anderson) and Shelby L. Brown. He married Margaret Heath in 1964, with the birth of their son.

Steven L. Brown Jr. that same year, and a short 10 months later, they had their second son, Shawn Le Brown. After their divorce, he moved to Kellogg, Idaho, and met and married his late wife, Charlene Brown (Linhart), in 1985, and began the second chapter of his life.

He is survived by his son, Steven L. Brown Jr. and Celeste Brown and his grandchildren, Nicole Pace (Brown) and Trevor Pace, and Banning Pace (his great-grandson), Devin and Madelaine Brown, Brandon and Emilie Brown; his son, Shawn Le Brown and his grandson, Simon Brown; his stepdaughter, Sally Manthos and granddaughter, Carlie Paquin; his stepson, Tony Manthos; his stepdaughter, Jennifer Gornick (Manthos) and Cary Gornick, and grandchildren, Chase Gornick and Jake Gornick; and his nephew and niece, Curt and Cory McCuistion.

Steve’s life was a story of an extended childhood, overcoming obstacles and realizing dreams. Chapter one was as an early dad in California. Without a father figure, he created his own standards and adventures for his children. A drive in his little British sports cars became super hero escapades. He created a handmade hang-glider, kayaks and pirate adventures in the Delta with real handmade swords. He taught his sons judo and Jiu-jitsu, how to cook, hunt, and especially about the importance of hard work and education. He went back and obtained his high school diploma and his bachelor’s degree with honors in labor law while working full time as a welder and union representative.

His union job led him to Kellogg, Idaho, in the early '80s, where he represented silver miners, and it was there that began the second chapter of his life. This is where he met the love of his life, Charlene, who passed away in 2021. They had a rich life of travels and exploring the amazing countryside of North. Idaho and Washington. They were avid readers and their home was a library. Charlene’s family was his family and he loved her children and grandchildren as his own. He spent time very involved with their step-granddaughter and he had many adventures with his step-grandsons in the mountains, canyons and rivers around their home.

One of his greatest accomplishments was the personal battle he waged and won against generations of addiction. He followed his grandparents, children and grandchildren in being baptized a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints later in his life. He developed a deep faith and looked forward to meeting the Savior and reuniting with his sweetheart, mother and sister.

Even in the most trying times, he always exhibited calm and caring. He wanted the best for his family. He lived life through the eyes of a child with adventure, discovery and awe. He will be missed but without pain and unencumbered, free to explore and reach new heights.

Fry Memorial Chapel, 550 South Central Ave., Tracy, Calif., is entrusted in the care of Mr. Brown's funeral arrangements. An online guest book is available for condolences and special messages to the family at www.frymemorialchapel.com.