David Brown

David Brown – husband, father, grandfather, brother, brother-in-law, uncle, friend, engineer – passed away unexpectedly on January 28, 2024.

David was born December 1, 1958, in Plainwell, MI, the youngest of Stephen and Helen (Miller) Brown's five children. He was a star athlete at Plainwell High School, holding track-and-field records that lasted for decades after his graduation. During his sophomore year, David lived with his older brother Jim at the US Army base in Bremerhaven. His time abroad solidified his love of bratwurst, German mustard, Riesling, and the Bundesliga.

David attended the University of Michigan, where he majored in computer and electrical engineering. It was during college that he proposed to his high school girlfriend. Within the decade, David and Connie had two children, and were building a home together in Ann Arbor.

David loved being a dad. He was always around to help with homework, pick up from practice, or his favorite, play catch or kick a ball around at the park. He barely missed one of his kids' games – be it soccer, rugby, softball, baseball, or basketball. And if he was disappointed that neither of them ran track, he never let on.

David was quiet, but attentive. In conversations he'd often just listen, only to enter with his boisterous baritone laugh (...or maybe to gently correct a fact you'd gotten wrong). He was quick-witted, with an amazing memory for historical details. He was a glassblower and the go-to assembly guy for anything around the house. He loved to grill, and had mastered his family's coveted pie recipe. He was an avid WWII and Civil War history buff, and had likely read every book written in English about either event. No one could best him in mental math, and needless to say, as a native Michigander, he was an expert Cribbage and Euchre player.

David loved animals – especially cats. He was gentle and patient with every furred and feathered creature he met, including the wild birds, rabbits, squirrels, and even skunks that always seemed to approach him.

He was a steady presence in his family's lives, especially his wife's. He and Connie loved spending time and traveling together, and his favorite things to eat were anything she cooked, especially her Italian food.

In his 50s, David joined the motorcycle trials team the Bent Fenders, and soon became a key member. He found a love in the challenge of trials, and took with good humor that the other riders he competed against were often one-fifth his age.

David worked for many years at Ford Motor Company, most recently as a title release process engineer, and also spent time at GM, Volkswagen, and IBM. He truly enjoyed his work, but he especially enjoyed the camaraderie of his colleagues.

David is preceded in death by his parents, his sister Stephanie, and his brother Tim. He is survived by his wife Connie Rizzolo Brown; children Marisa (Alexis) Brown and Jason (Bridget) Brown; two grandsons, Vincent and Francis Brown; siblings Jim (Joyce) Brown and Diane Elliott; and many beloved nephews, nieces, siblings-in-law, cousins, riding buddies, and friends.

A memorial and celebration of David's life will be held on Saturday, March 9, 2024, at the Builders and Remodelers Association of Greater Ann Arbor, from 4:00-6:00pm.

In lieu of flowers, donations in David's memory can be made to Shelter to Home Animal Rescue or the Huron River Watershed Council.

www.sheltertohome.com

www.hrwc.org