Melvin Brown

Melvin R. Brown (Peanut) was born November 13, 1945 in St. Ignatius, MT., to Melvin and Helen Brown. He was the first of four children and was the only boy. On March 29, 2012, at the age of 66, Dad began his new journey surrounded by family and friends. He was a proud member of the Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribe. Growing up, his family relocated many times. He attended 12 schools before returning to St. Ignatius, where he graduated from high school. His parents and a few of his relatives had formed a band providing many reasons to keep the family close. He shared many fond stories about growing up and having so many relatives around playing music and sharing stories. He worked at his parent's gas station at Post Creek before being drafted by the Army. While in the service he was stationed in Germany. Upon returning home he soon met Lynda Clairmont and they were married October 19, 1968. This marriage blessed him with brother-in-laws with whom he grew very close to. One of their favorite activities to do together was hunting, which provided everyone with great hunting stories that have been retold countless times for their humor. He worked at Don Aadsen Ford, which led to him driving a stock car for them. His racing took him all over the Northwest, and won him numerous trophies. His love for stock car racing was shared with a number of his son's, some of whom followed him into racing themselves. He and Lynda raised a family of 8 children, seven boys and one girl. They also had 13 foster children whom they would make a part of their family as well. In October of 1970, he began working for the Flathead Irrigation project and then transferred to Mission Valley Power. He started as a meter reader, then worked as a mechanic, and finally as warehouseman before retiring in November 2010 after 40 years of service to the Flathead Indian Reservation. During this time his Mission Valley Power family gave him the nickname 'Woodja'. Some of his hobbies included stock car racing, shooting pool, hunting, fishing, being outdoors, and spending time with his family, especially his grandkids. He is preceded in death by his parents, Melvin and Helen Brown, and an infant sister, Mary Regina. He is survived by his loving wife Lynda Brown: children, Chris (Rita), Craig, Jeremy, Josh (Tess), Shane, Chad (Chenoa), Sonya, Dustin (Keevy), William (Cec), Tara, Laura Tenas(Dan), Nina Tenas, Cody (Jasmine), Nicki, Echo (Chaney), Dion, Daniel, Jolanda, Athena (Mike), Bobby Hammer, Anna Hammer: his sisters, Cammie and Natalie: his nieces, Savannah and Selena: his nephew, Raymond: 40 grandchildren: 9 in-laws, and numerous relatives and many friends. Public viewing will be Tuesday, April 3, 2012 from 9:00am-5:00pm at Grogan Funeral Home in Polson. The rosary will be Tuesday, April 3rd at 7:00pm at the Immaculate Conception Catholic Church in Polson and services will take place Wednesday, April 4, 2012 at 10:00am at the Immaculate Conception Catholic Church. Melvin Brown will then be laid to rest in the Ronan Cemetery. Grogan Funeral Home and Crematory are entrusted with arrangements. Messages of condolences may be shared with the family online at www.groganfuneralhome.com.
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