William James Thomas “Bill” Brown
November 15th, 1941 - August 10th, 2024
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Bill's Obituary
William J. T. Brown — 82, died peacefully at his home, August 10, 2024 from complications of Parkinson’s disease.
Bill was born in South Haven on November 15, 1941, to William Brown and Virginia Eby Brown. He was a member of the SHHS Class of 1959. After graduation, he attended the University of Wisconsin, majoring in History. He then enrolled at Harvard Law School, where he served as Editor of the Law Review. Upon receiving his degree (Magna Cum Laude), he joined the New York law firm of Donovan, Leisure, Newton & Irvine, where he developed a specialty in international business law. His practice took him abroad many times (Europe, Africa, South America); his longest assignment was the 15 years he spent in Paris. Bill returned to South Haven in 2018.
Bill loved fine food and wine. He had extensive collections of Native American artifacts, antique candlesticks, books and furniture. Preserving his family’s legacy was very important to Bill. He was lucky enough to live out his last days preserving this legacy.
He is preceded in death by his parents and sister, Brita Brown Grover. Bill is survived by his nephew, Tony Grover of Thailand, niece Heidi Grover of California, cousins Joan Kearney, California, and John Clay of Michigan, as well as many second cousins.
Memorial contributions may be made to Wings of Hope Hospice or Meals on Wheels.
Cremation has taken place. A service of interment will be announced at a later date.
Bill was born in South Haven on November 15, 1941, to William Brown and Virginia Eby Brown. He was a member of the SHHS Class of 1959. After graduation, he attended the University of Wisconsin, majoring in History. He then enrolled at Harvard Law School, where he served as Editor of the Law Review. Upon receiving his degree (Magna Cum Laude), he joined the New York law firm of Donovan, Leisure, Newton & Irvine, where he developed a specialty in international business law. His practice took him abroad many times (Europe, Africa, South America); his longest assignment was the 15 years he spent in Paris. Bill returned to South Haven in 2018.
Bill loved fine food and wine. He had extensive collections of Native American artifacts, antique candlesticks, books and furniture. Preserving his family’s legacy was very important to Bill. He was lucky enough to live out his last days preserving this legacy.
He is preceded in death by his parents and sister, Brita Brown Grover. Bill is survived by his nephew, Tony Grover of Thailand, niece Heidi Grover of California, cousins Joan Kearney, California, and John Clay of Michigan, as well as many second cousins.
Memorial contributions may be made to Wings of Hope Hospice or Meals on Wheels.
Cremation has taken place. A service of interment will be announced at a later date.
Memorial Contributions
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