Mike was born to John and Simone Brown in Paris France in 1947. He spent his childhood in different European countries as his father was posted in the foreign service.
Mike was an athlete throughout his high school years and especially loved watching and playing basketball. He met his wife Nancy during his time in the Air Force while stationed in Waikiki, Hawaii. They were married for more than 40 years until Nancy’s passing in 2020. They built a life together based on mutual respect, love, and laughter.
Mike was a graduate of Dartmouth College with MBA and degree in engineering. He worked for General Electric for over twenty years in the plastics division. Over the course of his career Mike made many lifelong friends from all corners of the globe; he especially enjoyed his time overseas in Japan and China.
After retiring to Lenox and Hawaii with Nancy he continued to keep busy with opportunities in China while working as a consultant. He loved experiencing different cultures and enjoyed traveling to exotic places in the Amazon, Africa, the Mediterranean, and throughout Asia and Europe.
Mike always had a passion for learning and had many hobbies throughout his life—continuing his Chinese language studies, bicycling, photography, golf, scuba diving, drawing—his mind was always moving. If there was a problem to be solved, he embraced the challenge and was never afraid to get his hands dirty.
He loved history and science fiction, and he could eat pasta for every meal. He was a kind and generous man and would lend anyone a hand, a tool, his truck, or advice without a second thought. He was strong and proud, and he loved his family above all else.
He is survived by his brother John Brown of Washington DC, niece Michelle Brown of Ariz, loving daughter Kathryn, son-in-law and dear friend Derrick Schrag, and his great joys: grandsons Elijah, Noah, and Micah of Lenox.
Service will be held at Saint Anns Church in Lenox, Mass. on June 30 at 10 a.m. In lieu of flowers please consider a donation to one of the following charities:
Community Health Programs
CHP Family Services Center
Central Berkshires Habitat for Humanity
To share memories and stories please visit the funeral home’s website.
