Kelly Jay Brown

Kelly Brown

Kelly Jay Brown, 62, son of Crystal F. and Robert A. Brown, died November 9, 2018, at Evergreen Hospice in Kirkland, Washington following a short illness. Kelly was born January 31, 1956, in Frankfurt, Germany into a military family which afforded him the opportunity to travel the world spreading his zeal for life and love of family, friends and country.

Having graduated from high school in Ft. Campbell, KY (Go Falcons!) he furthered his education at Western Kentucky University in Bowling Green. Kelly’s long and successful career in retail management began when he relocated to Washington State. Upon retiring from that successful career, he started a Home Inspection business providing professional services primarily in King and Snohomish counties.

Kelly was in love with the outdoors and was often hiking with his wife Nicole and dog Buster. His other passions included fishing, hunting, backpacking, collecting and making knives. Kelly was an avid reader and found great interest in guns and military history. Volunteering with the Forest Service afforded him the opportunity to clear hiking trails for others to enjoy. The Snohomish County Search and Rescue team welcomed him as a member, spending untold hours knowing he was making a positive difference.

He was preceded in death by his father, Robert A. Brown, brother Robert S. Brown, and Grandparents; Jay Brown, Rouie Brown, Jesse Benson and Clyde Scott.

Kelly’s survivors include his wife Nicole Sanchez, sons Staff Sergeant Kyle Brown, United States Army and Casey Brown, mother Crystal Fae Graves, Step Dad, Tom Graves, beloved sister Janice Brown Tucker, step brothers; Mark Graves, Todd Graves and Dave Graves, a step sister Kathy Graves Brown, Aunts; Janice Ortman, Loretta Hetzer, Martha Bentley, Crystal Miller, LeeAnn Booth, Uncles; Ray Brown and Pete Scott. Granddaughter Avery Brown, Nieces Somer Wood, Jill Lawson, Jacque Brown, grandnieces, grandnephews and well over 90 loving cousins that shared in a variety of camping trips and mischievous adventures throughout his childhood.

His friends were like his family and he always welcomed them. His ability to regale and reminisce with family and friends, old and new, created a warm spot in a much politicized world. Neither pretentious or pompous he had many special qualities of significance, too numerous to list. Chief among them was his propensity to be winsome. Kelly was to the end just a great guy to know, to have in your corner, and enjoyable to just hang out with.

There will be a private interment graveside burial where he will rest in peace at Sullivan Cemetery in Winthrop, WA. A celebration of his life will soon be held to include family and friends. Details will be announced once finalized.