Howard Lee Brown

Published 9:45 am Wednesday, October 30, 2024

Howard Lee Brown

December 2, 1942 – February 8, 2024

Howard Brown, 81, passed away peacefully on February 8, 2024, following a brief battle with cancer. He had his family by his side at Hospice of North Idaho in Coeur d’Alene, ID.


Howard was born Eugene Howard Lee to Martha and Eugene Lee on December 2, 1942 in Grants Pass, OR. Sadly, his father died prior to his birth. Martha was remarried to Carrol Brown, who later adopted him changing his name to Howard Lee Brown. The family, including his two brothers David and Larry, lived in Medford, OR.


He was married to Donna Hunt in 1965. Together they had a son but later divorced. Then he met the love of his life, Valerie “Sam” Hehn, and they married on April 27, 1974 in Carson City, NV. Eventually they settled in Gresham, OR and raised their blended family of three sons.


A graduate of Southern Oregon State College and CPA, Howard was a dedicated and strategic business executive.


Howard and Sam also lived in Las Vegas, NV, Gardnerville, NV, Rogue River, OR, and Hayden, ID where he enjoyed trap shooting and fly fishing.


He was survived by his wife of nearly 50 years, Sam, and his sons Lee Brown (Lori) of Oregon, Lenny Parrnelli (Patty) of North Carolina, and Benjy Parrnelli of California as well as six grandchildren and eight great grandchildren. He is also survived by his brothers David Brown (Ruth) and Larry Brown (Eleanor).


Throughout his life he was a loving and generous husband, father, brother, grandfather, and friend. He will be missed by many and forever in our hearts.


A celebration of life for Howard and Sam is scheduled for November 16, 2024 at 2:00 pm at the Ahern Hotel in Las Vegas, NV.