Obituary of Arthur M. Brown

Warrensburg: Arthur M. Brown, 94 of Schroon River Road, Warrensburg died peacefully on Tuesday May 1, 2012 at the Glens Falls Hospital surrounded by his loving family after a brief illness. Art was born in Warrensburg August 8, 1917 following many family generations of native Adirondackers. He was the son of the late Ralph Brown and Mamie Persons. Many in the community knew Art from his 50 years as owner of Brown's Shoe Store and 60 years growing Christmas trees at his Brown's Tree Farm - places where you were encouraged to relax, have a cup of coffee, swap stories, reminisce and contemplate life. He believed a man's word and handshake were better than any contract and ran his businesses and life with dignity, integrity and kindness. He saw the good in everyone and was a friend to all; always taking the time to help those in need. Art attended school in the one room schoolhouse just down the road from his present home and then at the "new" school in town that his father while on the Board of Education helped to see built. Following graduation he went to Arnold College (part of the University of Bridgeport in Connecticut) on a soccer scholarship and graduated with a physical education degree. He taught in Batavia as an athletic instructor until World War II broke out. Art proudly served in the U. S. Army in the 821st Engineer Aviation Battalion in the Philippines. Following his discharge in December 1945, he returned to his home in Warrensburg where he married Vera Kalley from Long Island on June 2, 1947 - the pretty girl who summered across the Schroon River from his house. He worked at the shoe store until purchasing the building and then ran the shoe store from 1948 until his retirement at 90. During this time Art was also always active in the community serving on the Board of Education for 25 years, Cooperative Extension Board, Region 5 Fish and Wildlife Board and he was a longtime member of the Minerva Fish and Game Club, Veterans of Foreign Wars, New York State Christmas Tree Association, National Rifle Association, Warrensburg Chamber of Commerce, Civil Defense Association, and many others. Art loved the outdoors and nature. His favorite times were spent with friends and family hunting, fishing, hiking, and teaching others the ways of his elders. His family came first and his children fondly remember him attending all their games, playing softball, skating, snowmobiling and always being there for them. He taught them to believe that they could do anything and be anybody and they could never be wrong in his eyes. Art's home was always a short and long term gathering place for family, extended family, friends, and all the animals that seemed to know they too would not be turned away from his door. Art was predeceased by his beloved wife of 64 years, Vera in October, 2011 and sister, Evelyn Brown. He is survived by his children: Mark Brown and wife, Charlise, of Warrensburg, Judy Caswell and husband, Rick of Marlborough, Connecticut, and Janis Fallon and husband, Jim of East Berne; grandchildren: Seth, Shana and Trevor Brown, Jenifer Nix and husband Chase, Chris and Nick Caswell; great-granddaughter Ahni NIx; and his beautiful cats, Merlin and Henry. His extended family includes Steve and Arthur Cleveland, Lillian Cleveland, Robert Toppin, Mike Hill, Diann and Howard Dimick and so many others. The family wishes to thank all of those who helped Art and Vera remain in their home until their times of passing including the High Peaks Hospice, aides and friends Diann Dimick, Inge Ruane, April Fiorentino, and Ruth Hayes. Visiting hours for friends and family will be held Thursday, May 10th from 6-8 pm at the Alexander-Baker Funeral Home, 3809 Main Street, Warrensburg. In lieu of flowers, expression of sympathy may take the form of donations in Art's name to the Warrensburgh Historical Society, PO Box 441, Warrensburg, NY 12885 or Warrensburg Central School Scholarship Fund, 1 James Street, Warrensburg, NY 12885. Please visit www.alexanderfh.net for online guestbook, condolences and directions. "So live your life that the fear of death can never enter your heart. Trouble no one about their religion; respect others in their view, and demand that they respect yours. Love your life, perfect your life, beautify all things in your life. Seek to make your life long and its purpose in the service of your people. Prepare a noble death song for the day when you go over the great divide. Always give a word or a sign of salute when meeting or passing a friend, even a stranger, when in a lonely place. Show respect to all people and grovel to none. When you arise in the morning give thanks for the food and for the joy of living. If you see no reason for giving thanks, the fault lies only in yourself. Abuse no one and no thing, for abuse turns the wise ones to fools and robs the spirit of its vision. When it comes your time to die, be not like those whose hearts are filled with the fear of death, so that when their time comes they weep and pray for a little more time to live their lives over again in a different way. Sing your death song and die like a hero going home" ~Chief Tecumseh (Crouching Tiger) Shawnee Nation 1768-1813 ~