Charles “Chuck” Raymond Brown died peacefully in his home in Prosser, Washington surrounded by his family on January 20, 2021.
Chuck was born December 5, 1949 in Chicago, Illinois to his parents Eleanor and Thomas Baldwin Brown II. Chuck is survived by his wife, Elizabeth Kay Brown; daughters, Claire Carbary and her husband Tony Carbary and Anna Wagner and her husband Daniel Wagner; his sisters, Pamela Zuchowski and Laurie Beasley; four grandchildren; Iris and Castle Carbary and Mira and Elina Wagner as well as beloved cousins, nieces and nephews.
Chuck spent his early years growing up in the Elmhurst neighborhood of Chicago and later in Cedar Rapids Iowa across from a small zoo, which began his life-long love of animals. His family moved to California during his high school years and Chuck graduated at the top of his class from Savannah High School. He went on to UC Santa Barbara for undergraduate work, spending a year abroad studying in Sweden where he discovered the world of plant breeding. He then went to UC Davis for his doctorate degree in plant genetics.
He met Kay during his doctoral studies at Davis and they married in 1975. He took a job in Lima, Peru at The International Center for Potato in 1977. Chuck and Kay lived in Peru for seven years. During that time, they made lifelong friends, welcomed their daughters Claire and Anna and traveled the world.
Chuck and his family returned to the states in 1984 and he took a position with the USDA, at the IRAEC Station in Prosser Washington. He spent the rest of his career as a potato scientist, mentoring graduate students from WSU as well. Chuck had a true passion for his work, which was clear to anyone that he encountered. He was an active member and former president of the Potato Association of America (PAA). He received many awards for his leadership and contributions to the Agricultural Research Service and a Lifetime Achievement Award from the PAA. Chuck always considered it a privilege to work on world food security through potato improvement. He was grateful to collaborate with other scientists around the world, industry technologists, growers and field workers. He contributed significantly to the field of potato genetics and breeding over his lifetime.
Chuck loved languages and learning. He was a ferocious reader and a brilliant Scrabble player. Chuck retired in 2017 and enjoyed spending as much time as he could with his family in his remaining years. “The enduring love of families and friends is a bag of precious gems. The perception that your children and grandchildren are fulfilled is like a calming breeze developing at twilight for a deep sleep.” CRB He will be missed by many around the world.
No services are planned at this time. You may leave a message or share a memory with his family at https://everloved.com/life-of/charles-brown/. In lieu of gifts or flowers please consider a contribution to Heartlinks Hospice of Sunnyside or a charity of your choice.