Franklyn Nelson Brown died on September 5, 2013 in Parkdale, Oregon.
Franklyn "Frank" Brown was born July 19, 1942 in Portland, OR to Ida "Pauline" Brown, a school teacher, and Frank E. Brown, a Portland School District principal. Frank was raised in Southeast Portland with his two younger brothers Allyn Brown and Rollyn Brown and attended Atkinson Middle School followed by Franklin High School. Throughout middle school and high school, Frank was an active student and athlete, playing basketball, baseball and football.
After high school, Frank attended Oregon State University where he studied Industrial Engineering and pledged the Alpha Tau Omega fraternity. He graduated as both the president of his fraternity and a Beaver fan for life. It was at Oregon State that Frank met his future wife, Janie Wittkopf.
After graduating from Oregon State, Frank and Janie were married in 1966 and Frank attended law school at Willamette University. After receiving his law degree in 1969, they moved to Tigard, OR and Frank started his own private law practice. In 1970 they welcomed their first child, Anders Michael, followed by Stephanie Kristine in 1973.
In 1974 they moved to Bull Mountain in Tigard where Frank played an active role in the community for the next two decades. Along the way he was a lifelong teacher to Anders and Stephanie, sharing his wisdom and experience both in their youth but also as adults with their own growing families. After attending the marriages of both children in 1995, Frank welcomed four grandchildren from 1999 to 2003: Aedan and Cecelia (Anders) and Wade and Anna (Stephanie).
As he grew older, Frank had an unbridled love of learning, and his interests varied across aviation, construction, art, music, boating, history and religion, among other things. One of his first loves was airplanes: he received not only his private pilot license, but also his commercial license and was a certified Flight instructor. Additionally, he wrote a book about instrument flying and owned two airplanes throughout life. He loved and was fascinated by all types of music, and in his living room you could find a banjo, cello, guitar and clarinet.
Frank was full of wisdom and will be greatly missed by all who were fortunate enough to know him throughout his life.
Franklyn is preceded in death by Rollyn Brown and is survived by son Anders Brown, Seattle, WA; and daughter Stephanie Pickering, Parkdale, OR; Brother Allyn Brown Newberg, OR and grandchildren Aedan Brown, Cecelia Brown, Wade Pickering, and Anna Pickering.
Services for Franklyn Brown will be held on Monday, September 16, 2013 at 11:00am in Lincoln Memorial Funeral Home, 11801 SE Mt. Scott Blvd., Portland followed by a reception.
In lieu of flowers, contributions can be sent to Oregon State University Foundation.
Please visit our memorial at www.koin.mem.com.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
September 15, 2013
Janie Brown
Frank and I were married for 25 years. Even after our marriage ended, we remained good friends who cared a great deal about each other. He was a good, generous, caring man and I will miss our talks, his stories and sense of humor, and our shared pride in our children and their families. A friend once referred to Frank as a “Renaissance Man” because of his wide-ranging interests and intellectual curiosity. His family and friends know how true this description is. He is a tremendous loss to his children and grandchildren and we will miss him always.
September 15, 2013
Bill & Darlene Scales
Allyn: Darlene and I send you our deepest sympathies to you and your family.
September 15, 2013
Marie Pickering
Frank and I share two of his four amazing grandchildren. His interest, curiosity, and knowledge about so many things made him a delightful grandfather. We will keep his memory alive for Aedan, Cecelia, Wade and Anna. Many people in the Hood River Valley were blessed by his friendship in the recent months. We were lucky to get to know him better in his time here in Parkdale. He will be missed. My love to all the family.
Marie Pickering
September 14, 2013
Paula Dorle
I met Frank through his wonderful son Anders, married to my daughter Monica. Frank & I shared the same birthday and year. I remember him as smart, funny, kind and crazy about his family, he will be sorely missed by all.
September 14, 2013
Candace Bolen
I am so sorry to hear about Frank. I was a roommate to Janie at OSU but haven't seen her in years. She was a special friend. I send my prayers to her and her wonderful family at this difficult time. God bless. Candy Kurz
September 13, 2013
Phillip Norman
I held only respect and admiration for Frank, as a two-years younger ATO. I will be there on Monday.
September 13, 2013
Tamara/Rob Gedrose/Andrews
Frank and Paulie were our wonderful neighbors. We always enjoyed chatting with them. After Paulie died, we continued to be so very grateful for the kind man and wonderful neighbor we had in Frank. Although he moved away a couple years ago, we always remember him and think of him warmly. Best to his family.
September 13, 2013
Richard Zielsdorf
Such a great loss to the family. Frank was a great friend
when we attended FHS. Everyone had the highest respect
for him. I haven't seen Frank for a long time but have thought
of him often. Our deepest sympathy to all the family. Such a shock to us and a great loss to you.
September 12, 2013
Curtis Sluyter
I remember him fondly as a fellow boat enthusiast, he took me out to a boatyard and we had a wonderful time together discussing the finer points.
September 12, 2013
Diane Harlan
These photos are wonderful...they show his joy, his interests and the kindness in his eyes. I'm just so sorry--my deep condolences to all.
September 12, 2013
Diane Harlan
Oh, Allyn, I am just shocked and saddened...he was a good man and an interesting man. I'll be there on Monday.
Love,
Di
September 12, 2013
Norman McCreight
I attended Franklin High School with Frank and fond memories of our time.
Norm (AKA Porky)
September 12, 2013
Allyn: I am sorry to hear of Frank's death; i will let my sister Barilynn know as they went to Franklin together.
Bob Pennington, 503-260-2009
September 12, 2013
Dwight Cash
Wonderful photos. He was a friend in school and afterwards. Condolences to his family.
September 12, 2013
Allyn: I am very sorry to hear about Frank's death and I will let my sister, Barilynn know as they went to Franklin High School together.
Bob Pennington, 503-260-2009
September 12, 2013
Ed Kushner
I attended Atkinson Grade School and Franklin High School with Frank and it was very interesting to learn about Frank's life after 1960.
September 11, 2013
Courtney Brown
Those are some great photos. He clearly cherished being a grampa! Uncle Frank was such a sweet, kind man. We will miss him.
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