Ron Brown, 71

Ronald Gene Brown, 71, died Dec. 19, 2005, surrounded by his wife of 52 years and his children.

A memorial service celebrating Ron's life will be held at 3 p.m. on Wednesday, Dec. 28, at Cole Community Church. A private family burial will take place at Morris Hill cemetery.

Ron was born in Nampa, Idaho, on Sept. 27, 1934, the second son of Glen "Brownie" and Marian Brown. 

He graduated from Nampa High School, and married Katheryn Ann Hahn, his high school sweetheart, in 1953.  Together they raised four children. 

Ron loved to listen to jazz, watch football, play cards, travel to Hawaii, play with his dog, Carley Brown, and devote his spare time to his grandchildren.

"He was a loving husband, father and grandfather," his family said.

He was a successful retail manager, civic leader and entrepreneur for over 40 years.  After 12 years with Wilson Motors, he and his wife founded Kay's Book Shop in Mountain Home, and Kay's Cards and Gifts in Boise. After he retired, he became the manager of the gift shop at Zoo Boise.  "Ron was loved and respected by all who knew him," his family said. "His integrity, loving support and playful sense of humor endeared him to everyone he met."

He is survived by: his wife, Kay, of Boise; his children, Rhonda Waterman and Jackie and Steve Huffman, all of Boise, Mitchell Brown and Brenda Powell of Albany, Ore., Marci and Jim Kopp of Huffman, Texas; 9 grandchildren, 3 great-grandchildren and a host of other family members and friends.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to Cole Community Church/Library Fund at 8775 Ustick Rd., Boise, ID 83704 or for a future memorial payable to Boise City Parks and Recreation, 1104 Royal Blvd., Boise, ID 83706 and put Ron's name on the check.