1961 - 2024
It is with broken hearts and profound sadness that we announce the passing of John S.E. Brown, cherished husband, father, grandpa, brother and friend.
John will be lovingly remembered by his wife of 40 years, Karen; children: Carley (Steven) and Leah (Nick); grandson, Brady; sisters: Jacqueline (Jackie) and Debbie; as well as many relatives and countless friends.
He was predeceased by his parents, Jack and Ruth Brown of Wetaskiwin, Alberta. On March 25, after a three year courageous battle with cancer, John passed away holding Karen’s hand surrounded in the love of family and dear friends. He was 63 years old.
Family was the centre of John’s world. He adored his wife and daughters, and held a special place in his heart for his four-legged friends. John beamed with pride watching his daughters move through life. He took special interest in their hobbies and interests: participating in girl guide trips, fun runs, school dances, dress shopping, gymnastics and water sports. John especially valued time at the cottage with extended family and friends, spending the summers boating, fishing and floating.
Throughout life John appreciated music in many forms. As a child he learned to sing. In his fifties he joined a choir, and taught himself to play the guitar and ukulele. John enjoyed golf trips with his buddies and truly loved the annual Windermere Open. An avid sports fan, he always cheered on the Edmonton Oilers and Calgary Stampeders.
John completed a B.Sc in Agriculture at the University of Alberta. He had a long successful career to which he brought vision, experience and leadership. Shortly after graduating, he worked as a research technologist at the University of Alberta’s soil and crop research farms before joining Alberta Agriculture’s agronomy unit. John moved up quickly and held senior management positions in the areas of food safety, crop diversification, industry development, cereal crop breeding, and livestock research. John advanced to become an Assistant Deputy Minister: first with Alberta Agriculture and Forestry, and then with Alberta Economic Development, Trade and Tourism. John was very proud of his final leadership role as the CEO of the Natural Resources Conservation Board. John was a natural leader, and took pride in empowering the teams he worked with and building confidence in those around him.
John was a kind and loving soul with a quick wit and great sense of humour. He will be sorely missed and forever remembered.
A Celebration of Life will be held at 2:00 PM on Sunday, April 21st at Cattail Crossing Golf Club, 24427 Township Road 542, Sturgeon County, Alberta.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in John’s memory to:
Pilgrims Hospice Society - https://pilgrimshospice.com/get-involved/make-a-donation/
Alberta Cancer Society - https://albertacancer.ca/donate/
SCARS (Second Chance Animal Rescue) - https://adopt.scarscare.ca/donate/
The family would like to thank all the healthcare professionals who supported John throughout his illness at the Cross Cancer Institute, the U of A and Grey Nuns Hospitals, St. Albert Homecare and the Pilgrims Hospice.
To send condolences, please visit www.connelly-mckinley.com
Connelly-McKinley Funeral Home
St. Albert Chapel
(780) 458-2222
