Harold Brown
Harold David “Buck” Brown, 81, died Oct. 2, 2024.
He was born Feb. 10, 1943, in Hinsdale to Harold Martin and Erma Fay (Hartley) Brown. He lived with his mother and grandfather in Hinsdale while his father served in World War II. When his father returned home two years later, the family settled on the South Bench to farm.
As the eldest of four brothers, he was often charged with helping his father around the farm, from breaking horses to driving the tractor. He was also an avid athlete, but basketball was his true love. He played for Nashua when they moved to Fort Peck when he was in the 11th grade.
After graduating from Nashua High School in 1961, he earned a full ride basketball scholarship to Carroll College in Helena. He wasn't sure what the future held, but he knew that he liked history and English. He graduated in 1965 with a degree in political science.
While working for the Department of Vocational Rehabilitation in Helena, he met Bonnie Rae Kositzky. They were wed Feb. 7, 1970. Their honeymoon to Spain sparked their desire to live and work internationally. After completing an MBA at Thunderbird School of Global Management in Arizona, he worked as a pharmaceutical sales representative in Minnesota and New Jersey until he could find an assignment that would take him overseas.
The first opportunity would take him to Jakarta, Indonesia. As was the practice, he went early to ensure he was a fit for the ex-pat assignment. Before Bonnie could join him, he was promoted to a new assignment in Hong Kong. A promotion would take them to Madrid, Spain, in 1975 where their children, Jason and Jessica, were born. They traveled widely, exploring the new country with their children.
The ex-pat life was seldom settled as they moved to Santiago, Chile; back to Spain a second time; then to Fort Worth, Texas; Severna Park, Md.; Montana; and finally back to Fort Worth. They made many cherished friendships throughout their travels, maintained an active social life, played tennis, skied and sailed often. He never forgot his roots and always maintained his love for Montana, returning often.
Wherever he lived, he quickly established himself as a business leader, joining and eventually chairing various business chambers and boards around the world. This included leading the Navy League in Spain where he was awarded the Cruz De Merito Naval by the Spanish Navy for his service. He also served the American Chamber of Commerce in Chile where he was instrumental in obtaining recognition of U.S. pharmaceutical patents. His legacy of service would continue after his retirement through volunteering for the Red Cross.
He was preceded in death by his wife of 51 years, Bonnie; and brothers, Robert and Calvin Brown.
He is survived by his children, Jason Brown of Fort Worth, Texas, and Jessica Brown of Luxembourg; and five grandchildren; brother Vernon Brown, and many nieces and nephews.
A memorial service will be held Wednesday, Aug. 6, at 11 a.m. at St Pius X Catholic Church in Billings.
