Dean William Brown

Dean William Brown passed away on Wednesday, December 5, 2018, in Longmont, Colorado at the age of 87 years old. He was born on February 12, 1931, in St. Mary’s, Ohio to Lee Otto Brown and Irene Magdalene Brown. Dean grew up in Wapakoneta, Ohio and enjoyed spending time with his grandparents, aunts, uncles and cousins on his grandparent’s large family farm outside of town. Dean was introduced to Harley Davidson motorcycles at the age of 14 and thus began a lifelong passion of motorcycling. He also grew up with Boston terrier bulldogs and had many throughout his life - leaving behind his current one, Cuddles.

During his teenage years, his dad took him on trips to Colorado and eventually, due to his dad’s hay fever, they decided to move to Colorado in the early 1950’s. Dean owned and managed the Texaco gas station in Lyons, Colorado. During this time, Dean also operated a towing business, raced stock cars and was a law enforcement officer in Lyons.

Dean’s first marriage was in December, 1955, and he had his first son, Timothy, who was born in 1956.

On December 12, 1958, at Calvary Temple in Denver, Colorado, Dean married his lifelong love, Emma Jean (Jeanie) Horn. They were one week short of celebrating their 60th anniversary when Dean passed away.

In January of 1959, Dean became an owner/operator in the household goods moving industry with North American Van Lines of Fort Wayne, Indiana.

Dean and Jeanie’s daughter, DeNeen, was born several years after they were married and then their son, Darwin was born. A short time later, their daughter, Deena, was born.

While he drove coast-to-coast, he often took his wife and his young children with him in the truck allowing them to see America together. Because family was important to Dean, he realized the need to be home more and decided to start his own company called, Brown’s Eagle Moving Corporation. Dean continued with North American Van Lines but this time in the role of a contracted agent. He involved his entire family in the business allowing him to pass along his determination to succeed, his entrepreneurial spirit and hard work ethic.

Over the course of his career, Dean traveled across all 48 continental United States where he moved American families and businesses for 37 years. Dean was recognized for his exceptional service, quality control and safety. He was featured in the April 1995 edition of Trucker’s Connection magazine. His CB handle was “The Whistler” because he loved to show his positive attitude through whistling and smiling.

Since his teenage years, Dean’s interest in motorcycling continued and became a lifelong passion as he owned numerous Harleys and especially enjoyed owning several with sidecars. Dean would show his Harleys in area motorcycle shows and swap meets and often won best in show.

After retiring from the household goods moving industry at age 65, Dean went to work part-time for High Country Harley Davidson in Longmont, Colorado.

Dean’s friendly personality and genuine care for others allowed him to have many friends throughout his life and especially among his fellow motorcycle riders. He was a founding member of the Longmont, Colorado Harley Owners Group and served in numerous roles including chapter director. He was also a volunteer for about 30 years with Frank’s Ride for Children which raised money for the Make-A-Wish Foundation. He would coordinate area motorcyclists with sidecars who would provide numerous Make-A-Wish children the opportunity to participate in the ride. On May 21, 2000, he was recognized by Frank’s Ride for Children as Humanitarian of the Year for his continued support and contributions of time and love for the children.

Dean enjoyed yard work, gardening, planting trees and flowers. He had a beautiful vineyard and fruitful orchards over the years and provided his family a wonderful home. Dean also enjoyed building detailed models kits and often customized the motorcycle models to match his actual bikes.

Dean firmly believed that his most important decisions in life were his wife Jeanie, his faith in Jesus Christ, making his family a priority, his career in the moving business and choosing to ride a Harley Davidson. He is best described by his family and friends as kind, gentle, friendly, energetic, determined, compassionate, genuine, loyal, faithful and devoted. Dean had a love for life and never met a stranger.

Dean was preceded in death by his parents, Lee and Irene. He is survived by his devoted wife, Emma Jean (Jeanie) Brown, his son, Timothy (Karen) Brown, his daughter DeNeen Brown, his son, Darwin (Deena Rae) Brown, his daughter, Deena (Brett) Hedington, his grandsons, Cory (Alyson) Brown, Jeremy (Rachelle) Brown, Levi Brown, his granddaughters, Caitlin Brown, Ashlee Brown, Emma Brown and his great grandchildren, Payton, Noah, Mason, Chase, Lucas and Ryder.

Visitation will take place Monday, December 10, 2018, from 5:00-7:00 pm and Tuesday, December 11, 2018, from 12:30-1:00 pm at the Howe Mortuary Chapel. A Celebration of Life service will be held at 1:00 pm on Tuesday, December 11, 2018, at the Howe Mortuary Chapel with Darwin Brown officiating. Burial will follow at Longmont Mountain View Cemetery.

Memorial contributions can be made in Dean’s memory to Frank’s Ride for Children and Mountain States Children’s Home.