Obituary of David L. Brown

GOUVERNEUR – David L. Brown, age 80, of Gouverneur, passed away on June 17, 2024 from injuries received in a motor vehicle accident. There will be a Celebration of Life held on Saturday, August 24, 20024 at the Gouverneur VFW from 12:00 – 4:00 p.m. Arrangements are with French Funeral Home in Gouverneur. Condolences may be shared online at www.frenchfuneralhomes.com. Dave, also known as "Brownie", was born on March 25, 1944 in Malone to the late Leon and Joyce (Taro) Brown. He graduated from Franklin Academy in 1961 and attended Paul Smith's College for Conservation Officer training. He then went another route, and lived a life of hunting and fishing without always following the law. As a teenager, Dave helped his father move headstones for the local monument company. He worked for the Laborers Union Local #322 for 50 years working in major construction projects, including underground piping. He retired in 2010. Dave was a hard worker who had a love for life. He loved camping, fishing, hunting, gardening, and playing cards on Thursday nights with the guys. He also enjoyed his morning breakfasts at the Silver Leaf Diner with the gang. After breakfast every day, he could be found at Spilman's Garage to do the tow call or any other job that needed to be done. He loved the garage and helping out. Dave was a determined man that did what he wanted. After having his feet crushed and being told he wouldn't walk again, he proved his doctors wrong. If you needed a hand, he was always there to help. Dave is survived by his life partner of 37 years, Mrytle Cook-Brown, a son and daughter-in-law, David Brown, Jr. and Julie, two daughters, Heather Leonard and Racheal Leonard and her companion Jim Henry, a brother, Larry Brown, and a sister-in-law, Nancy Brown. He is also survived by 8 grandchildren, Gavin Dickson, Jaydelynn Tamblin, Ashton Leonard, Logan Leonard, Dillon Storie, Payton Leonard, Blake Cushman, and Nicholas Storie, a grandson-in-law, Aaron Mason, and a great-granddaughter, Aaliyah Leonard. He is predeceased by his parents, a son, Kristopher Leonard, and a brother, Gary Brown, and a sister-in-law, Cindy Brown. Donations in memory of Dave may be made to the Gouverneur Breast Cancer Fund or the Ogdensburg S.P.C.A.