Byron Brown

Byron Charles Brown, 84, left this world to join his beloved wife Nettie on Feb. 5, 2009, at Kalispell Regional Medical Center. He was born at Dodson to Violet Pearl Brown and Byron

Charles Brown on Dec. 19, 1924. 

Byron was raised in that area of the state, working in ranching until enlisting in the United States Marine Corps in 1945, where he fought for his country in Okinawa, Guam and China during World War II. Following his honorable discharge, he returned to Havre where he married Nettie Youso Sept. 17, 1946.

One of Byron’s great pleasures in life was music, playing almost anything but mainly enjoying the guitar. He enjoyed playing and singing for family and friends and also earned a livelihood from it.

Byron worked for the Great Northern Railroad, drove truck for Havre Redimix, wrangled dudes and horses for Bub Wellman in Glacier Park, did road construction for Bill Hardsock on the South Fork road around the reservoir after dam construction and road construction and in the garage for Glacier Park service; he later operated his own gas station and garage for several years.

After spending a year driving back and forth from Havre, Byron moved his growing family to the Flathead Valley in 1952. In Columbia Falls, he worked for Bill Fish and Joe Smith playing music at the Sportman Bar. Over a span of 50 years, Byron played music at many clubs in the area.

Following his decision to retire in 1989, it came as no surprise to family and friends that he continued to play music and find an old car or truck to “tinker around with.” Byron will be greatly missed by all who knew him.

Surviving him are his children and their families: daughter Charlotte McClain and husband Thomas, their sons Tim and significant other Dawn Bliss and Tim’s son Dylan; Andrew and his children Jacob and Grace; and Charles and spouse Dawn Nicolas and daughters Maddie and Loren; son Byron and spouse Darla Miller and children Tracy Fecundo and spouse Estaban and expected son Mason; Amanda Torres and spouse Jazper and expected daughter Nyha; Carrie Brown and significant other Casy; and Clayton Brown and spouse Sarah Wannel and their daughters Desrae and Whitney; son Harry and spouse Vicki Matthews, and children Christi Wickert and spouse Frank and children Joseph, Eric and Marylinn, Walter Brown and spouse Jolene and daughter Trinity; Anna Brown and significant other Ryan McIlharey and their sons Makylo and David; and Vannesa Weber and spouse James; son-in-law Frank Remsik and sons Frank, Jr. and spouse; and Terry Remsik and spouse Rose and daughters Amanda and Nikki; John Remsik and spouse Jackie and children Dylan and Brittney; sisters, Leoan Williamson of Missoula and Loretta Kelly of Havre; and numerous nieces and nephews.

Preceding Byron in death was his wife Nettie; daughter Betty Remsik; brothers Howard, Hence, Steve and Raymond; and sisters Anna Gene, Lucille and Florence.

A celebration of life was held Saturday, Feb. 7 at the Dam Town Tavern in Hungry Horse. Interment of he and his wife’s cremains will be in July on the South Fork and in the Missouri

Breaks where they enjoyed being. Arrangements are by Columbia Mortuary in Columbia Falls.