Richard D. Brown

Richard "Dick" Brown passed away Sunday, Sept. 13, 2015, at St. Patrick Hospital surrounded by his loving family. Dick was 83.

Dick was born Aug. 25, 1932, in Grafton, North Dakota, to John and Carrie Brown. Dick graduated from Central High School in Grand Forks, North Dakota, in 1951. Attended the University of North Dakota for one year.

In 1954 he married Joan Sandbrink, his high school sweet heart. Dick took a job with General Mills Co. as a salesman and moved to Missoula. Dick loved the traveling and the art of selling. He had a personality that would light up a room and a laugh that was infectious.

At the age of 12 Dick took his first job, working for Nash Finch, a grocery wholesaler in Grand Forks working in the produce department picking out the bad tomatoes. It wasn't long before Dick was promoted to delivery and into sales.

He credited his job at Nash Finch as his best and most fun job he ever had. It was also at Nash Finch that he acquired and developed his extraordinary work ethic that he would pass down to his children, Mark, Mike and Kathryn.

In the late '60s Dick ventured out with his father John and founded Grocery Boys, a discount retail grocery store with full service.

In 1970 he partnered with Norm and Ellen Greg and started a second grocery store in Ronan Montana called Mission Food Mart.

In the 1980s Dick started a wholesale Import Fireworks Company R. Brown Inc. R. Brown Inc. developed and trademarked the Great Grizzly line of consumer fireworks that is sold nationally. Dick had a great business sense but always believed in keeping it simple. Your word and a handshake were worth something. "Work Hard and Play Hard" were his motto.

After Joan's passing Dick met Beverly Verworn and the two of them had many great adventures and travels together.

Dick is survived by his three children and their families, Mark (Jeanne) Brown, Michael (Karen) Brown both from Missoula and Kathryn (Jesse) Holling of Woodinville, Washington; Bev's children, Michon Walker Missoula, Lance (Megan) Walker of Kalispell; 13 grandchildren and 11 great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents John and Carrie Brown; brother Duane Brown; wife Joan Brown and Bev's son Jason Shafer.

In lieu of flowers the family requests all gifts be given to Missoula Aging Services.

A graveside service for family and friends will be held at St. Mary's Cemetery Annex on Tuesday, Sept. 22, at 2 p.m. Reception following the service.
Read Richard Brown's Obituary and Guestbook on www.missoulafuneralhomes.com.