William Brown Obituary

Brown
William I
Brown
March 27, 1934
December 15, 2023

William (Bill) Brown, a respected social worker and activist, passed away peacefully on December 15, 2023, at his home in Colorado Springs, Colorado. Once famously described by a grandson as very, very, very old, Bill was actually just 89.

Bill was born on March 27, 1934, in Alexandria, Virginia, to Herman and Helen Brown, and was one of two children. He attended seminary as a high school student in Baltimore, Maryland, where he developed a strong faith and a passion for helping others. He graduated from St. Charles College in Baltimore, MD with a degree in Philosophy in 1955 and then went on to Catholic University in Washington, D.C., earning a master's degree in Social Work in 1961. He met the love of his life, Wanda, while he was a graduate student. They married in 1960 and moved to Milwaukee, Wisconsin, after their first daughter was born.

Bill had a distinguished career as a social worker, working with struggling adolescents and families. Besides working in - and eventually leading - the St. Aemilian Child Care Center in Milwaukee, he also started his own family therapy practice where he helped young adults and their families work through their challenges to thrive and grow.

Bill and Wanda were also dedicated to serving their community and advocating for social justice. They were involved in building a grassroots faith-based church group that promoted a more inclusive approach to Catholicism. They also participated in various civil rights movements. They moved to Colorado Springs in 1978, following the tragic death of a close family member. There, Bill was recruited to open The Need School, a new program that catered to troubled teens for several districts in and around Colorado Springs. He was one of two founders that acted as visionaries behind the school, which provided a safe and supportive environment for the students to complete their education and overcome their difficulties. He retired from the school in 2000.

Throughout his career Bill was a leader and a mentor to many colleagues and young adults, who admired his professionalism, wisdom, and compassion.

An avid racquetball player and swimmer earlier in life, Bill came to love and enjoy Colorado's natural beauty and outdoor activities. He liked camping, skiing, and taking long drives with Wanda to admire the mountains. During retirement he and Wanda traveled the world, visiting many countries and experiencing and embracing various cultures. He also continued his advocacy work as a member of several boards, including The Independence Center. And of course they cherished their time with their children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren, who brought them joy and pride.

Bill was described by others as a man who had his priorities straight, his integrity solid, and his love for his family as obvious. He mattered to many - the work he did probably saved many lives, and he humbly navigated all of that with character and grace.

Bill is survived by his wife of 63 years; his five children, his 12 grandchildren, and five great-grandchildren (with one more on the way!).

A funeral mass followed by a celebration of life luncheon will be held at Holy Apostles Catholic Church in Colorado Springs, CO on February 17 at 11am. Rosary and Chaplet prayer will begin at 10:15am. In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to the Catholic Charities Marian House & Hanifen Center or Care and Share Food Bank of Colorado Springs.