On September 16, 2021, Rockhound Al Brown was walking along a path in his dreams when a rock caught his eye. He picked it up to admire its natural beauty and said “This is a very pretty rock but I’m tired so I think I’ll LEAVERITE here for someone else to enjoy.” Al’s journey to heaven Thursday morning was peaceful and beautiful.

Al came into the world on April 3, 1945, to Beverly and Manuel Brown and was raised on a farm near Delavan, with siblings, Van, Jim and Georgia. Al enjoyed 4-H, FFA, raising hogs and old cars (surprise!)

On January 20, 1968, Al married his college sweetheart, Gail Treffert, and together they raised Vicki, Donna and Michael on Veldor Street in Oregon. The family enjoyed horses, camping, 4-H, family trips and just being silly. When grandchildren started to arrive Gail and Al loved leading Grandparents Camp at Pine Lake and watching the grandkids show at local 4-H fairs.

Al worked for Zimbrick Buick for 35 years as an automobile sales manager specializing in used cars or as Al would say “finding the right cheek for the left seat.” Al most likely helped you find the perfect reliable car for you or your kids. Al and Gail enjoyed driving through the countryside in their convertibles wearing their whirly gig pinwheel hats. He took his role as Pastor’s Wife very seriously. Al loved collecting rocks, tools (Just in case I need it or it was on sale) and vacuum cleaners, a passion he developed after detailing thousands of cars with pride for Economy Korner. He enjoyed all of God’s creation but especially the natural beauty and curiosity of rocks.

Rotary was one of Al’s greatest passions. He helped hundreds of high school students have a successful year abroad through Rotary Youth Exchange. He loved working at the brat stand and collecting, refurbishing and shipping hundreds of bikes to Africa. Gail and Al enjoyed traveling and two of their favorite places were Switzerland and Africa. They loved their winter home in the Tucson desert mountains surrounded by rocks (surprise). Perhaps Al’s greatest gifts were sharing his knowledge with others on every topic imaginable, lending a hand and making people smile with his quick wit and delightful sense of humor.

Cancer took our beloved husband, father, grandfather and friend way to soon. He will be missed by his wife of 53 years, Gail; kids, Vicki, Donna (Alain) and Mike; and grandkids, Cole, EmmaRae, Sawyer, Dakota, Mikey, Maddox and Thibault.

Join us for a celebration of Al’s life at BROOKLYN COMMUNITY UNITED METHODIST CHURCH, 201 Church St., Brooklyn, at 11 a.m. on Saturday, July 16, 2022, with a luncheon to follow. A visitation will be held at the church from 10 a.m. until the time of the service on Saturday.

To honor Al’s life and legacy donations can be made to Oregon Rotary, Brooklyn Community United Methodist Church, Agrace HospiceCare, CaringBridge or your favorite charity.

God Be With You Till We Meet Again

Online condolences may be made at www.gundersonfh.com.

Gunderson Oregon

Funeral & Cremation Care

1150 Park St.

(608) 835-3515

Al Brown

April 03, 1945 - September 16, 2021

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