Thomas R Brown

Thomas R Brown

(January 8, 1940 - October 13, 2016)

Thomas Brown, age 76, of Mahnomen, MN, formerly of White Earth, MN, passed away on Thursday, October 13, 2016, at the Mahnomen Health Center Nursing Home, in Mahnomen.

Thomas Reginal Brown, the son of Augustus and Mabel (Leaf) Brown, was born in White Earth, MN, on January 8, 1940. He was born into a family of eleven children and grew up alongside his seven brothers, three sisters, and Jesse Foster who was raised with the family like a brother. As a young man, Tom lived for a short time in Cleveland, OH, and received training as a barber. He also worked in Chicago, IL, before returning home to the White Earth Nation. Thomas had a creative personality and he used that in both his professional and personal life. He was schooled as a sign & letter professional, as well as painted and made crafts to sell. He was often found creating jewelry, jewelry boxes and wooden plaques for family and friends. He also attended many craft shows with his projects. At heart, Thomas was a true woodsman. He enjoyed hunting, trapping, fishing, gathering of berries and swamp tea. He harvested and finished wild rice his entire life, and also did leeching. Tom hand crafted canoes with his Dad & siblings, also made wild rice pounders & rice poles.

Thomas had the extraordinary gift of insightfulness and he used this to help others whenever he could. He knew the importance of family and truly cherished his own. He loved to share a meal with others, especially when it consisted of some of his favorite foods like chicken dumpling or potato soup and hard biscuits. Although he didn't have any children, Tom loved kids and helped care for many of his nieces and nephews, whom he grew very close to. Thomas shared the last 20 years of his life with his dear friend, Connie Bevins. Thomas was a born again Christian who loved his savior, Jesus. He walked with the Lord for over 25 years and now is in His true presence forever.

Thomas is survived by two sisters: Beverly (Jim Sr.) Libby of Ogema, MN, and Nancy (Larry) Larson of White Earth; five brothers: Kenneth (Aurelia) Brown of White Earth, Pastor Tim (Tammy) Brown of Waubun, MN, Franklin Brown of White Earth, MN, Ralph Brown of Frazee, MN, and Ray "Jesse" Foster of Minneapolis; he is also survived by numerous nieces and nephews and many great nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents; one sister and brother-in-law, Maeferd and Joe Foster; four brothers: August, Roger, Ronald and Herman "Buster"; two nephews, Franklin and Dominic; and a great-great nephew, Jamison.