NORRIDGEWOCK – Harold Brown, “Brownie, Stubby, Chief,” 92, died peacefully on March 1, 2024, at his home surrounded by his family, from complications of Pulmonary Fibrosis, COPD, and Neuropathy. If the will to live and determination were the panacea to keep him with us, he would still be hale and hearty. But that was not to be. He came into this world on March 9, 1931, and was one of eleven children born to Lester and Elsie (Lane) Brown. Although Harold was rarely called by his given name, he was known by many using one of the monikers mentioned above. He was “Brownie” because of his last name, “Stubby” perhaps because he was not a tall man, and “Chief” because he was the Chief of Police for the Town of Skowhegan for many years before his retirement. Not one to laze around, he later became the Secretary/Treasurer of Western Maine Paving, a business owned by his son, Michael. Stubby enjoyed traveling around the area, measuring, and calculating square footage for paving contracts and enjoyed the change of pace from policing to paving.

As a young man and after attending High School in Norridgewock, he joined the U.S. Army and served proudly in the Korean War. While stationed in Hudson Bay, he suffered frostbite in his feet which caused him much pain and neuropathy in his later life. Once returned from the military, he met and married Joan Jepson. They lovingly recently celebrated their 71st Anniversary. From the union, four children were born – Sharon, Michael, Terry, and Hal, with marriages and many grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and great-great-grandchildren to follow.

Stubby and Joan began their married life in Connecticut where he worked at Pratt & Whitney and then started his own business until the pull to return home to Maine was too difficult to ignore. Once settled in Norridgewock, the family grew, and life was good. In his spare time, he honed his skill as a master woodworking craftsman. His pieces of furniture grace not only his own home but that of his children as well. He and Joan shared great pride in their home and grounds. He enjoyed taking his boat to Oosoola Park to fish or meander up and down the Kennebec River. In retirement, he and Joan spent several winters in Northport, Florida where they became forever friends with fellow “snowbirders.” When travel became difficult, they spent winters back in Maine where he enjoyed attending sporting events of his grandchildren. He also loved to play and organized many Horseshoe Tournaments. Stubby had a great sense of humor and always had a twinkle in his eye.

He leaves behind his wife, Joan, and their daughter Sharon (Kevin) Wacome of Norridgewock; son Michael Sr. of Carrabassett Valley; daughter Terry (Pete) Seymour of Randolph; and son Harold (Hal) Jr. (Karin) Brown of Norridgewock. He was Poppa/Poppy to his grandchildren, John III (Renee) Doucette; Michael Jr. (Jada) Brown; Shane (Lisa) Doucette; Lynsey (Derek) Session; Dan Seymour; Kristyn Seymour; Baylee (Dillon) Dominski; and Kaleb Brown. He will also be missed by his ten great-grandchildren, three great-great-grandchildren, and many nieces and nephews.

He was predeceased by his brothers Carroll, Herbert, Clayton, Robert, Richard, Lloyd (Ellery) Brown, and sisters Barbara Brow, Ruth Adams, and Beatrice Wyman, all of Norridgewock.

Stubby served as an example of Maine pride and independence with his positive approach to life. He was proud to be a husband, father, grandfather, and was always an inspiration to his family and all who knew him. He will be sadly missed.

A graveside service will be announced later in the spring.

Arrangements are in the care of Smart and Edwards Funeral Home in Skowhegan where condolences, photos, and special memories may be shared at http://www.smartandedwardsfh.com/obituaries/harold-brown-mar-2024 .

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