Melvin C. Brown, loving husband, father, grandfather, friend, and mentor to many, died January 20, 2023, at the age of 81. Born May 1, 1941, in the village of Shaktoolik along the Norton Sound, Melvin was raised in Unalakleet. He attended Mt Edgecumbe High School in Sitka, and the University of Alaska in Fairbanks. Some of his high school track & field records remain unbroken today. While there, he also earned the highest score in the nation on the Presidential Physical Fitness test the first year President Kennedy started the program, and he was a member of the honor roll. He played on the University of Alaska basketball team, the Nanooks, throughout college. In the mid-1960s, their team was selected by the People-to-People program to be part of a 15-day good will tour playing basketball across Europe. Upon their return, the team also played a demonstration game with the Harlem Globetrotters. It was at the University of Alaska that Melvin met Katherine Chukan. They were married and began their family soon after, having three girls. It was Katherine who connected him to the commercial fishing industry in Bristol Bay, where he became one of the most respected drift net fishermen in the region. Melvin said regularly the two most important things he’d done in his life were havinghis family and becoming a Christian. He accepted Jesus Christ into his heart while working at Prudhoe Bay, where close friends invited him to their bible study. Melvin first helped to open the TransAlaska Pipeline, then maintain Prudhoe Bay, and eventually Endicott, becoming a journeyman electrician. Prior to his work on the North Slope, Melvin was a schoolteacher and coach. He returned to Southeast Alaska to the Wrangell Institute and later Mt Edgecumbe to work with other young people growing up in boarding school as he had. In Anchorage heworked at both Romig and Central Jr High Schools. Melvin’s life was defined by his willingness to mentor others whether through Bible study, hunting, commercial fishing, work as an electrician, or a schoolteacher and coach. He also had a powerful ability to recognize the best in someone and inspire them to make that the guiding principle of their lives. He believed God asked us to love others, work hard, and take care of family. He was preceded in death by his mother, Emily Ivanoff Ticasuk Brown, his grandparents Stephan and Amelia Ivanoff, and his brother Stanley Dickson. He is survived by his wife, Katherine Chukan Brown, his daughter Paula and her husband Kevin Taylor, his daughters Melanie and Elaine, and grandchildren Melissa and Emily Taylor, Rachel Williams, Mariana Bell, and Oliver Lamkin, as well as his brother Leonard, nephews, nieces, cousins, and countless friends. The Anchorage funeral service will be held on Thursday, January 26 at Anchorage Grace Church at 4:30 pm. He will be buried in Naknek, Alaska on Saturday, January 28. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in his memory to the BBNC Education Foundation or the Alaska Chapter of the Alzheimer’s Association.
I met Mel in 1977 on the North Slope , we both worked for BP. We immediately became friends. Having both worked in the oil field and fishing Bristolbay. We had much to talk about always . I looked up to Mel always . There’s a big part of Mel in me. Thank You Mel and your family for inviting me into your lives .
I met Mel & Kathy in about 1985 in Bristol bay. There will never be another Mel. He was really one of a kind & was kind & gracious in all things & he touched everyone he met. My heart aches and I pray for him & your family. I too thank you Mel and Kathy for including me in your lives. It's been a blessing. May he rest in peace.
Melvin is my childhood friend. He used my Mumeeluks (rain proof boots) when we play out in the spring. We attended the BIA elementary school in Unalakleet and graduated in 1960 at the Mt. Edgecumbe boarding school. I met his wife Kathy when they came to visit us in Anchorage. We both are World War II babies. Peace to his memory...we shall meet you again over yonder. Love U Mel..
I met Mr Brown at Romig Jr HS in 1967 where he was my teacher. At that time and place, he was an adult to look up to. Mel was knowledgable, fair, and a gentleman; the perfect role model for a 13 year old boy trying to figure out life. 15 years later (+), I worked with Mel at Prudhoe and Endicott; like a fine wine he improved with age. I will treasure his memory.
Gene and I met Mel in September of 1962. I was Kathy's college roommate at UAF. We became fast friends and have admired them as very honorable couple all these decades. It was a pleasure watching them raise their girls. Mel took pride in his 4 girls (including Kathy) And all their accomplishments and athleticism. May you rest in peace, Mel and be so proud of your wonderful life.
I met Mel and Kathy in the Mid -Eighties in Bristol Bay while working on his Boat. Over the years I got to be good friends with Mel and Kathy and their three dynamic Daughters. They are all forces of Nature in their own right, and that reflects on Mel and Kathy. My crew of guys all loved working for Mel. He was kind and so appreciative. I was honored to know him and will miss him so much.
My wife Ann and I go back 60 years Mel and Kathy at UAF. We have kept in touch over the years sharing many wonderful dinners at Southside Bistro and since Ann and Kathy's birthdays and our wedding anniversaries are one day apart. Mel was always the firm minded but the most kind, gentle and soft spoken man I have ever known, God speed Mel Brown -- the fish are running in heaven.
I first met Mel at Romig Jr. High school. Mel was my 6th grade teacher. Then many years later I had the pleasure of working on Mels boat the FV Mae Anna. I also had the pleasure of meeting his wife Kathy. Mel always inspired me and I will always miss him. My deepest condolences to Kathy and all of Mels children and family.
