Gary M. Brown

Gary “Bapa” Michael Brown February 18, 1950 - January 29, 2022 Bapa had a shirt that said NOBODY on it, that was given to him based on a song that says, “I’m just a nobody, trying to tell everybody, all about Somebody who saved my soul.” It was a comical gift he received, but he loved it because he believed it. But to us he was so much more than a nobody. To his wife, Roxann, of 52 years, she was the love of his life since they were high school sweethearts. He was her rock, her provider, her hallmark watching buddy, road trip companion, and her best friend. To his daughters, he was their champion, their Mr. Fix-it, their selfless, generous, constantly giving of himself, caring father. To his sons-in-law he was their go-to guy, their encourager when they needed help to understand his daughters, their house renovation contractor and laborer, euchre partner, godly mentor and friend. To his grandchildren he was their Bapa, their cheerleader, homework helper, fishing buddy, boat driver, Truth speaker, guidance counselor, IHOP date, puzzle completer, builder, old man joke teller, sports-watching buddy, neighbor and friend. We know many more things could be added to that list, but what was most important to him was being a follower of His Savior Jesus Christ. Even until the end, when things got scary for us, he told nurses and doctors that he was not afraid because God was in control and he knew this world was not his final destination. Gary Brown was born on February 18, 1950 in Elkhart, IN. He eventually moved to Michigan, where he attended Allen Park High and played football with guys he is still great buddies with today. He also attended the youth group at Inter-City Baptist where he met the love of his life, Roxann Murray, married her, and where they are currently still members. They have four daughters Tracee, Katey, Allison (“Buddy”) married to BJ, and Meredith (“Emmy”) married to Ward; eight grandchildren, Brooklyn (Justin), Macaulley, Rory, Griffin, Aiden, Caroline (“Callie”), Allexis (“Pretty”), and Charlotte (“Charlie”). Their first great grand baby is excitedly expected to arrive in a few days. Gary was also an alumni of the University of Michigan where he received a Bachelor of Architecture in 1973. He was involved in many projects over the years, many while he was an Executive VP at Walbridge Aldinger for 25 years. Projects that took him many places around the world including moving his family to live in Hermosillo, Mexico for two years. That turned into a love for vacationing in Nuevo Vallarta, Mexico where he and Roxann loved to getaway. More recently he was involved in many Detroit projects with the DDA & DEGC: Comerica Park, Ford Field, LCA, DRCFA and many more. As the owners’ rep for COBO Hall (Huntington Place), he was very excited about upcoming projects. More important to him than any recognition on these projects, that he worked relentlessly on with unbounded tireless energy, were the many special relationships he would tell us all about when he came home. This is a most difficult time for our family because of our separation from our husband, dad, grandpa, brother and friend, but it is only temporary. We are excited that he has met Jesus face to face, and reunited with so many. He is survived by his mother, Marjorie Brown and two brothers, Ronald Brown and Gregory (Sue) Brown and numerous nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his father, Richard Brown, and his son-in-law, Timothy Veenstra. Until we see what you see, and join you standing in the Son, we love you and are so thankful for the life God allowed us to have with you. Memorial contributions can be made to Detroit Rescue Mission.