Obituary of Leslie Giles Brown

ST. JOHNSVILLE – Mr. Les Brown, at the spry young age of 82, quietly and peacefully passed away in his home, in the Town of Minden, with his loving wife and son by his side, on Wednesday afternoon, December 16, 2020. He was born on October 6, 1938, in Ilion, New York a son to the late Evan R. and Doris I. (Smith) Brown. He was educated in schools locally. He was married to the former Michelle M. Failing on July 29, 2001. Les was predeceased by a brother, Steven; his sisters, Sharon, Jackie and Claudia; his parents, Evan and Doris; and father-in-law, Bruce. He is survived by his beloved wife of 19 years, Michelle; his children, Quinnlan, BrieAyn Brown (Zachary), Tina Pettit (Al), Michele Wiltey (John), Larraina Carpenter (Tom), Terry Rocklin and Julie Ruszkowski (Tony); as well as his favorite mother-in-law, Sondra Failing; always together with siblings, Gary (Pauline), Walt (Bea), Phil (Toni), Linda, Rusty (Billie Jo), Ray (Karen), Debbie, Tim (Pat), Paula, Lisa, Connie, Joanne, Diane, Evan, Jr. and Bev; and 15 grandchildren; 20 great-grandchildren; and nieces, nephews and cousins too numerous to name. Les was a connoisseur of moonshine and good bourbon. He enjoyed playing cards, hunting, and fishing as well as the ones who were regularly doing these things with him. He enjoyed partying, dancing and being fortunate enough to be in the company of amazing friends and family. He was a jack of all trades, master of most of them, always willing to help out, learn a new trick and always carried a star bit just in case. Les was quick witted, quick with a joke and a way to make you laugh. He did so many jobs, too many to name. Among his many endeavors was assisting his uncle, Mel Brown with building the Pyramid and the Iroquois Lanes. He served in the United States Army Armored Tank Division as a mechanic in Fort Hood, Texas. Les enjoyed spending time at the St. Johnsville American Legion. He was last employed at Lee Publications, Palatine Bridge. Les made such a huge impact on so many people’s lives and especially his family who loved him beyond measure. He will be completely and forever missed by all. Wherever you may be, please feel free to raise a glass in honor of Les at 7:00 PM on Wednesday, December 23, 2020 as we all celebrate his life and accomplishments. There will be graveside services at Freysbush Cemetery in the summer of 2021, the date and time to be determined. There are no calling hours. It is the wish of the family that in lieu of flowers, please send contributions in loving memory of Les Brown to the Masonic Lodge of St. Johnsville, 24 Bridge Street, St. Johnsville, New York 13452. The family would like to extend their most sincere appreciation to GAVAC Ambulance, the EMT’s and Fort Plain Fire Department first responders for their heroic efforts, for their care and their genuine compassion. Also, to longtime family friends the Enea Family (Kevin) for getting us through this difficult unexpected time. May Les be reunited with his loved ones and rest in peace. Funeral arrangements have been planned with The Enea Family Funeral Home, 9 Center Street, in St. Johnsville, New York, Funeral Directors Harry J. Enea, Jr., Kevin E. Enea & Martin L. Ciaccia (518) 568-2300. An online memorial page for Les has been established at www.eneafamily.com on the Internet.