Jack Brown, 93

The Greatest Generation lost another member December 13 when WWII veteran and Parkland, Washington pioneer Jack Brown died as result of September auto accident. Born in 1918 Jack led a life few can imagine. He was on his 5th passport having visited over 85 countries. He was a proud WWII Navy veteran. He and his wife Delores came to Parkland after WWII. He was publisher and editor of Parkland Times Journal for nearly 20 years; publisher of Ft. Lewis Ranger and McChord Airlifter for many years and founder, editor and publisher of the Northwest Flyer (now General Aviation News), one of the nation’s first trade papers serving the general aviation community.  He logged over 10,000 hours in the air after soloing in one day at Spanaway Airport.  He was one of the founders of first-ever Parkland Volunteer Fire Department and also the annual Parkland Roundup that was an important community event for many years. Published author, bike shop operator, armored car service operator, sportsman, inn operator, land developer, air show promoter, miner and war correspondent are among his credentials. He and his family were proud to have organized and hosted one the last “Shipmates” reunions for crew of the USS Alcyone, a cargo ship Jack served on in the South Pacific. Jack was preceded in death by his oldest son Monte, and is survived by Monte’s wife Kris of Placerville, CA; and sons Mark (Julie) of Lacey; Scott (Colleen) of Spanaway; and daughter Annette (Dan) of Las Vegas; 13 grandchildren and 15 great grandchildren. At his request there will be no formal memorial but family and friends plan to gather for a “salute” sometime next year. Anyone wishing to make a remembrance in Jacks name is directed to the Humane Society of Tacoma at 2608 Center Street, Tacoma, WA 98409.