Calvin Fey Brown of Havre, 56, a business owner and mechanic, went to be with the Lord April 16, 2008, due to complications of kidney cancer, at the Sweet Memorial Nursing Home in Chinook.
A viewing and visitation will be 1 to 5 p.m., Sunday, April 20, 2008, at Edwards Funeral Home, 500 Indiana in Chinook. A funeral service will be held 10 a. m., Monday, April 21, 2008, at the Fifth Avenue Christian Church in Havre with Pastor Rowlie Hutton of the 5th Ave. Christian Church and the Rev. Richard Rice of the Van Orsdel United Methodist Church officiating. A fellowship luncheon will follow the service at the church. The burial will be held at the Hinsdale Cemetery in Hinsdale. A celebration of Cal’s life will be at 4 p.m. at the Hinsdale American Legion Hall. Services and arrangements are under the direction of Edwards Funeral Home in Chinook. Calvin was born Dec. 13, 1951, to Harold and Erma (Hartley) Brown in Glasgow. He grew up in Hinsdale and Fort Peck. At a very early age, while at his father’s side, Calvin expressed a passion and exhibited a talent for being able to repair broken equipment and vehicles. Calvin was a 1971 graduate of Glasgow High School. Following graduation he began his lifelong career as a mechanic by taking a job for a construction company as a mechanic and equipment repair man. While he enjoyed motorcycles and working on stock cars, he enjoyed even more solving a mechanical problem which others could not solve. A perfectionist in his work, he demanded the best of himself and his mechanics. For the past ten years, Cal owned and operated Technical Services in Havre, along with Inez Halseth. Cal’s natural talent and the training he received through General Motors made him one of the best auto mechanics in the Havre area. He took pride in finding used car ads in the Havre Daily News that stated “Serviced by Cal Brown.” However, his greatest pride were his children and grandchildren. Cal enjoyed life in Havre and appreciated the support of the community. He particularly enjoyed being a member of Havre Lodge #55 A.F. & A.M. and participating enthusiastically in Shriner’s parades and events. Through Technical Services, he frequently supported community events including the Chinook and Havre Rodeos. He was an active volunteer of the Havre Rural Fire District #1 and past fire chief, a member of the Elks Lodge, the Rocky Mountain Elks Foundation and the United Methodist Church. His battle with cancer over the past nine years took its toll but his strong belief in God sustained him. Following each treatment, whether radiation, surgery or chemo, his usual reply was that “it was just another bump in the road.” After losing his hair, he wore the familiar Tilley hat as a badge of honor. Cancer may have defeated his body, but it never defeated his spirit. His attitude was an inspiration to everyone around him. He will be greatly missed by his family and friends. The family has requested, in lieu of flowers, that donations in Cal’s honor may be made to the Shriner’s Hospital for Children, 911 West 5th Ave, Spokane, WA 99204-2901; or the Sweet Memorial Nursing Home, 125 Airport Rd., Chinook, MT 59523; or to Hope Lodge, 411 2nd St. N.W., Rochester, MN 55901. Survivors include life companion and friend Inez Halseth of Chinook; a daughter Leila (Jerad) Avery and grandchildren, Teigan and Tyler of Kalispell; a son, Johannas (Shanon) Brown, and grandson, Johannas Richard, “J.R.” of Havre; parents, Harold and Erma Brown of Glasgow; brothers, Harold “Buck” (Bonnie) Brown of Severna Park, Md.; Vernon (Patsy) Brown of Glasgow; numerous nephews, nieces, relatives and friends, and his faithful dog of seventeen years, Shilow. He was preceded in death by his brother, Robert R. Brown.
