Birth date: Jul 27, 1956 Death date: Feb 1, 2018
Ken Brown, age 61, of Gainesville, FL, originally from Cleveland, OH passed away peacefully at his home early Thursday morning. Ken found his way to Gainesville when he was only 17, leaving home with just a high school diploma and Read Obituary
Ken hired me as the 3rd pilot for a startup air ambulance program at Vanderbilt Univ. Medical Center in 1984.. By doing so, he got me out of the Gulf of Mexico and living back full time at my home in TN.. I own him a debt.. I will have a mass said for the repose of his soul as soon as possible. Thanks Ken.. May God grant you rest.
Ken's roommate in college was John Condon. Who also passed away to early. John was my roommate in college in Asheville, North Carolina. John suggested I help his friend move into his a house in New Zealand. John shares his stories with me about Ken's Airwolf helicopter and some of their adventures together. I jumped at the opportunity to meet the man. First meeting with Ken was Christchurch, New Zealand January 96. In the adventure capital of the world I met a lifelong friend and mentor. When we left the country he said we'll come back in 25 years. I said he could count on it. Some years later I visited the farm in Gainesville and took a wild ride on a golf cart, visited a barn with giant fans and many awesome mechanical toys in it. Later we jumped on BMW motorcycles and road through orange orchards with blistering speed. Constant Ken, you always knew hanging out with him would be more than extraordinary. Ken was calm, collected, and down to earth. Never raised his voice to anyone. He also wouldn't let you pay for dinner no matter how hard you tried. Last time I saw Ken he had ridden his favorite blue BMW up from Florida to Burnsville, North Carolina to ride with friends. We ate at pigs and grits because Ken likes eclectic food. I Gave him a big hug and said travel easy. I was very late in learning of Ken's passing. I would have been proud to introduce him to my kids. Just wish I could have had one more epic adventurous day with him. Such a wonderful soul to have walked, biked, and flown most of this Earth. I'm glad to have known him.
Ken was always loving and giving. He showed kindness to my family and myself during the most difficult time of our life. What impressed me the most about Ken, was his ability to hold it together under pressure. He was always willing to take people on a tour of the farm while explaining his newest project. Those baby blue eyes and smile will be etched in my memory forever (along with his blue jeans and truck). He loved kids and enjoyed watching them have a good time. On several occasions he stared at the pool and told me about how he enjoyed Nicole and her friends swimming in that pool and having such a good time. He always stated how much he missed it. You will be missed!
