Obituary of Richard W. Brown

Brown, Richard W. (Dick) Age 84 of Excelsior, died May 18, 2017 at home. Survived by his beloved wife Marion; daughter Karen (John) Hughes; daughter-in-law Rosalee Brown; grandchildren: Kristen, Alisha, Alex (Jessica), and Julia Hughes, Stacey Rebiskie, Bridget and Gina Brown, Shannon (Travis) Pakonen, Ryan Anderson; and great-grandson Caleb Pakonen. Preceded in death by his 3 siblings and his dear son Rick Brown. Dick was a brilliant inventor and electrical engineer. He held dozens of patents, including one for the first fire detector. He started his career at Honeywell and went on to found 2 companies and co-found Rasco Industries, Inc. of Mound. A pilot and member of the EAA, he built his own airplane. With Marion he traveled the world, excited by everything. He loved Lake Minne-tonka, boating, and skiing. Known for his impetuous hospitality, he was not above inviting 60 for lunch at a moment's notice, leaving Marion to figure out the details. Dick became one of Jehovah's Witnesses in 1970 after carefully examining the Bible stating, "This is so logical; how could I not believe it?" He volunteered many hours teaching Bible truths in English and Spanish. He did volunteer construction work in Colombia and in Patterson, N.Y. He will be missed for his cheerful outlook, ready smile, and big heart. His family looks forward to the fulfillment of John 5:28,29, the resurrection of the dead. Memorial service June 3rd at 2 p.m. at the Kingdom Hall of Jehovah's Witnesses, 13001 Lake St. Ext. Minnetonka. Visit with the family 1 hour prior to service.