Leroy Gilbert Brown

December 2, 1934 - December 2, 2020

Posted

Leroy “Lee” Gilbert Brown passed away at his home on Dec. 2, 2020 on his 86th birthday. Two longtime friends were with him as he made his transition.

Lee was a 20-year resident of Port Townsend and he dearly loved this town. He was a presence at every Kinetic Ball and Rhody parade for more than a decade. He established so many dear friends while working at Fountain Fitness, the city library, and at festivals for Centrum. No one was a stranger; be it a clerk at the grocery store, the chief of police, or a nurse at Jefferson Healthcare. He greeted all with warmth and an open heart.

Lee was born in Paterson, New Jersey, graduated from high school there; and spent four years in the US Navy aboard the USS Newport News. Following his military stint, he lived in Southern California and worked for General Telephone. He moved to the Pacific Northwest and eventually to Port Townsend.

Throughout his life, Lee was so proud of his African-American heritage and his gay orientation. He was fiercely independent and open about who he was as a person and what he thought was important and really mattered in life. He had a passion for interior decorating and always created a beautiful home no matter where lived.

Lee is survived by his niece, Michele, and her husband, Ron Austin of Brunswick, Georgia and a host of Port Townsend friends.

Lee so appreciated the care and love he received from his nurse Camille, his counselor Christine, his aide Michael, Dr Butterfield, and his assistant Char. Everyone wishing to make a memorial in Lee’s name, please consider Jefferson County Healthcare at 2500 W. Sims Way, Suite 304, Port Townsend, WA 98368.

Lee’s wishes were for cremation, and to have his ashes returned to the ocean.

RIP dear Lee from all your Port Townsend friends.