Harry R. Brown, 77, left his loving family on August 7, 2011, after a courageous battle with cancer. Harry, originally from Oceola Township, resided the past 9 years in Deerfield Township. He was born December 21, 1933, to Ronald R. Brown (1989) and Helen E. Browning-Brown (2010).

Harry graduated from Hartland High School in 1952. He then married Ingrid Hasenbusch from Howell in 1953. Harry is survived by his wife, son Stanley Brown (Kimberly) of Deerfield Township, and daughters Darlene Coghill, of Deerfield Township, and Linda Brown, of Oceola Township. Together Harry and Ingrid have two Granddaughters: Carolyn Coghill-Schyck (Paul) and Emily Coghill. Harry’s siblings Dorothy Bourassa (Richard) of Canton and Richard Brown of Fowlerville share the loss of Harry and their beloved sister, Betty Jo Halpin.

As the owner of Brown Drilling Co., Inc., in Oceola Township, he was proud of his business and considered his employees family. He was known as a fair business man with integrity. He had been an active member of the Michigan Ground Water Association since 1954 and served the MGWA in many ways. Ten years later he became involved with the National Water Well Association and earned the highly coveted and exclusive Master Well Contractor status. He also worked as a Ground Water Consultant to the United States and United Arab Emirates, along with Yemen, Saudi Arabia and West African countries.

Aside from his business and family, he enjoyed being an avid outdoorsman, gentleman farmer, backpacker, adventurer, and pilot. He called the Hartland community his home and was a huge supporter. His family settled in the area in 1830 and it was important to him to carry on history. Harry lived a very full and rich in friendship life. He enjoyed managing projects, giving advice and working in his garden to the very end of his life.

The family would like to thank the staff at St. Joseph Cancer Center-Woodland and St. Joseph Livingston Hospice and all of his friends and colleagues for their help and prayers. We ask for donations to be sent in honor of Harry to St. Joseph/Mercy Livingston Hospice or Hardy Methodist Church in Howell.

Visitation will be from 1-7 p.m. Sunday, August 14, at MacDonald’s Funeral Home in Howell. A memorial service will be held from 1-3 p.m. Monday, August 15, at Waldenwoods in Hartland. A gathering will immediately following service from 3-6 p.m. with appetizers and desserts.