Gary Brown, 80

Gary Lawrence Brown, age 80, of Burr Oak, passed away Friday afternoon, April 18, 2025, in Nottawa Township.

He was born December 30, 1944 in Detroit, son of the late Lawrence “Bud” and Doris (Martin) Brown.

Gary, a true Michigander, lived in Sturgis for 24 years before moving to Burr Oak 15 years ago. On May 25, 1986, he married Pamela Merritt-Gear at the Heartlight Center in Sturgis.

Gary was a self-employed carpenter/handyman. He had also worked as an educator, St. Joseph County probation officer, massage therapist, and managed a Savings & Loan office in Lansing.

Gary was a gifted photographer. He was an environmentalist who never tired of the beauty of the outdoors. He was constantly intrigued by life and learning. Gary was an accomplished climber and repeller and enjoyed camping, especially during winter camping trips. Gary had a passion for bicycling. He would go on 30 miles or more bicycling trips several times a week, something he was still doing just this past December. Two of his favorite bicycle trails were the Kal-Haven Trail in Kalamazoo and the Pumpkin Vine Trail in Goshen.

He is survived by his loving and dedicated wife: Pamela; daughters: Jody (Paul) Cline, Jr. of Burr Oak and Christina (Andrew) Steeves of Milwaukee; son: Jeff (Gretchen) Gear of South Bend; grandchildren: Paul (Rachel) Cline, III, Courtney (Mark) Deroshia, Conner Steeves and Theodore Steeves; great grandchildren: Finn Deroshia and Beau Deroshia; brothers: Rod (Jan) Brown of Dewitt, Steve (Mary) Brown of Holland, OH and Greg (Cheryl) Brown of Topeka, KS and several nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents; grandson, Christopher Carl-Thomas Cline; great granddaughter, Charlie Rae Deroshia; and sister, Linda Ricer.

In honoring Gary’s wishes cremation has taken place. A celebration of a life well lived will begin at 1:00 on Saturday, May 10th at the family home.

The Hackman Family Funeral Homes of Sturgis is entrusted with the arrangements.

The family suggests those wishing to make a memorial donation in Gary’s memory consider Pumpkin Vine Trail Coalition, P.O. Box 392, Goshen, IN 46527 or Angels of Hope, 15348 Sandy Court, Spring Hill, FL 34610.

We encourage relatives and friends to share memories and condolences at www.hackmanfamilyfuneralhomes.com.