It is with heavy hearts that we share the passing of Ken Brown, a beloved resident of Estacada, who left us on Thursday, October 24, 2024, at the age of 62. Ken's life was a tapestry woven with love, laughter, and cherished memories.
Kenneth Dale Brown was born on May 30 1962, to Johnny Mack and Rose Brown in San Jose, California. Growing up in San Jose, he built a foundation of friendships and experiences that would last a lifetime. He graduated from Willow Glen High School, but it was at the age of 24 that he found his true passion—meeting the love of his life, Donna Tennant. Their love blossomed, culminating in a beautiful marriage in South Lake Tahoe in 1988. In 1994, they embarked on a new adventure together when they moved to Oregon, ultimately settling in Estacada in 2014, where they created a warm and welcoming home up on Tumala Mountain which ironically Tumala is the Chinook Wawa word for “tomorrow” or “afterlife.”
For nearly three decades, Ken dedicated his career to United/Unified Grocers, where he was known as a hardworking truck driver, making regular deliveries to the Harvest Market for 20 years. His commitment to his work was admirable, and he took pride in serving the community until his well-deserved retirement in 2021.
Ken's passions included playing his guitar, expressing his creativity through oil painting, exploring antique pipes, or collecting exquisite swords inspired by "The Lord of the Rings," his interests reflected his vibrant spirit. Ken even pursued the art of distilling, crafting his very own brandy—a testament to his adventurous nature. His holiday baking was always a huge hit. One that was always requested was his famous banana bread. If you were lucky enough, he would make you a loaf as a gift on special occasions. At one point when asked he loaded up a freezer with loaves of banana bread for a family member’s pregnancy cravings.
In addition to his many hobbies, Ken's greatest joy came from his family. He is survived by his devoted wife, Donna Brown; their daughter, Melissa (Cody) Hotaling; and their son, Jack "Noah" Brown. He also leaves behind a cherished mother-in-law, Susie Douglass, along with his adoptive family who held a special place in his heart: Rod (Debbie) Ammons, Jenna (Austin) Blake, Hannah Ammons, McKenna Ammons, and a granddaughter Oaklee Blake.
Ken Brown will be lovingly remembered for his warmth, his laughter, his awesome hobbit beard and the light he brought into the lives of everyone who knew him.