Gene Curnow Brown

At the age of 97, our Dad, Grandpa and “Gramps”, Gene Curnow Brown, passed away on January 9, 2026.

Born February 1, 1928, he was the son of Chester and Grace Brown. He grew up in Idaho Springs, Colorado. During his childhood years, he was very close to his Grandpa George Curnow. Grandpa George was his ‘hero’.

When Gene was a junior in high school, he transferred to St. John’s Military School in Salina, Kansas, and graduated in 1945.

Gene then spent 2 years in the Navy stationed in Guam doing bookwork and accounting in the Naval office. Gene has fond memories of playing competitive basketball in Guam. After he got out of the Navy, he attended the University of Colorado and graduated with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Business Administration in 1951.

While at the University of Colorado, he met Mary Ellen Martin. Gene and Mary Ellen married on Nov 11, 1951. Together they raised 4 daughters. Later they divorced.

During his early career years, Gene worked at Colorado Interstate Gas. In 1973, he accepted a position at Northwest Pipeline and moved his family to Salt Lake City. Gene became the Chief Financial Officer for Northwest Pipeline. During the final years of his career, he worked for Mountain Fuel. He retired in April 1993.

Gene met Lucy Carabine and they married in March of 1983. Gene and Lucy enjoyed travel and family. Family was extremely important to Gene and Lucy and they were blessed with a wonderful, blended family, with Gene’s 4 daughters and Lucy’s 2 daughters, blessing them with many grandchildren. Along with an active life with Lucy, Gene enjoyed golf and was a car enthusiast. He was always on the lookout for a great deal on a car, especially if it was luxurious or sporty. He owned various makes and models and enjoyed them all!

Gene and Lucy were married for 40 years. He was deeply saddened when Lucy passed in August of 2023. He treasured his time and the wonderful family connections he made in Utah. Gene’s years spent in Colorado always held a special place in his heart.

Gene was a “gentleman and a scholar”. He was courteous, respectful and honorable. He could remember historical events and years. His mind remained sharp to the very end.

Gene is survived by daughters Susan Elliott (Richard), Jean Stetson, Dianne Bray, and Lucy’s daughters Kim Stringham (Paul), Suzanne Dudley (Kyle),16 grandchildren, and 28 great grandchildren.

Proceeded in death by his wife Lucy, daughter Linda, and granddaughter Erika Dudley.

Family service to be held Saturday, January 24, 2026, at 1:00 p.m. at the Memorial Holladay Cottonwood Mortuary, 4670 South Highland Drive in Holladay. Graveside interment to follow at 2:00 P.M. at the Memorial Holladay Cemetery, 4900 South Memory Lane, Holladay, UT.