Obituary
Bill Brown, the happiest man in town, went to explore a new territory on Tuesday, February 13.
Bill did everything with gusto. He had friends everywhere and could be found leading groups in three cheers for almost any reason. He loved a celebration and created a party wherever he went.
Bill was the founder and Chairman of Bill Brown Sales and ALP Lighting. He delighted in helping his customers find solutions. He received every honor the Illuminating Engineering Society had to give, but his greatest professional joy was mentoring and connecting young professionals. He maintained lifelong relationships with many colleagues, employees, and customers, some whom refused to acknowledge his early retirement at the age of 89.
Bill was a competitor, a ferocious bridge player, a horseback rider and a traveler. Although English was his only formal language, he managed to make himself understood by people across the globe.
His family was Bill's true joy. Bill was married to his beloved wife Norma for 70 years. Their home was always filled with guests, friends of theirs, friends of their children's, friends of friends. Everyone found a warm welcome. Some stayed for an hour, some for months. There was always room for one more (or a dozen) at the Brown house. Together, he and Norma raised four children Randi Gurian (Charles), David Brown (Joyce), Gayle Malvin, and Steve Brown (Marla). Even more exciting was the addition of eight grandchildren Josh Gurian (Perrin Romine), Lisa Malvin, Scott Brown, Michael Malvin (Leah), Robbie Brown (Leah Pappajohn), Jordan Brown (Keith Schuman), Jason Brown, and Dylan Brown. Great granddaughters, Billie Irene Malvin, named in his honor, and Margot Jean Gurian Romine, named for his wife, Norma, truly were his newest blessings and represented the promise of the future!
Bill will be missed and remembered by his sister, Vivian Rosengard, his brother, Shelly Gibbs (Linda), a plethora of nieces and nephews, and all of us who had the pleasure of knowing him and especially those who had the privilege of loving and being loved by him.
In lieu of flowers, please make memorial contributions to the Bill and Norma Brown Fund for Lifelong Learning at Temple Jeremiah, 937 Happ Road, Northfield IL 60093 or to the charity of your choice.
We will celebrate Bill's life at his funeral on Friday, February 16 at 10 a.m. at Shalom Memorial Funeral Home, 1700 W. Rand Road, Arlington Heights. Interment immediately following the service at Shalom Memorial Park.
For information, including a link to view the service, shiva or to leave condolences: Shalom Memorial Funeral Home, www.shalommemorial.org or (847) 255-3520.