Burton Brown

The Swain Ski Patrol mourns the loss of Burton L. Brown who died peacefully at his home in Scottsville, NY on May 2, 2011. He was 88 years old.

Burt first joined the National Ski Patrol in 1958 at Frost Ridge where he became a Senior Patroller in 1966 andthen transferred to Swain in 1972. He patrolled for a total of 28 years, retiring in 1986.

Born in Scottsville, NY in 1923, he was educated at the University of Rochester and served in the U.S. Navy in both the European and Pacific Theaters during World WarII. He and his wife Loretta attended many happy reunions with his shipmates from the USS Ordronaux. After completing his navy service he worked for the Hartford Insurance Company in Connecticut and then opened his own insurance office in Scottsville, NY, working there until he recently sold it to James Sullivan.

Burt was an avid skier, sailor, musician, singer, and dancer whose love of music was spread throughout his family, several of whom played instruments and sang hymns and songs, especially his favorite Rogers and Hammerstein song, “Edelweiss” at his Memorial Service at the Scottsville Union Presbyterian Church. He was a devoted member of his church and of the Scottsville Free Masons who paid a wonderful tribute to him at his memorial. Burt was an avid story teller and a friend to everyone he met. His gentle laugh and generous spirit will be greatly missed by all who knew him.

Burt is survived by his loving wife of 55 years, Loretta;daughter, Susan; son, Robert; granddaughters, Winnifred, June, Shana, and Heidi; brother, Arthur; sister, Marian Johanknecht. In lieu of flowers, friends may send contributions to the Union Presbyterian Church of Scottsville or the Scottsville Free Masons.

Harry Stoneham, Swain Ski Patrol Alumnus and Nick Schiavetti, Swain Ski Patrol Alumnus