Funeral homes often submit obituaries as a service to the families they are assisting. However, we will be happy to accept obituaries from family members pending proper verification of the death.
Ross Allen Brown, of Hood River, Oregon, passed away on Tuesday, Oct. 13, 2026, at Providence Hood River Memorial Hospital. He was 72 years old at the time of his passing.
Ross was born on Nov. 22, 1953, in Hood River to Robert J. Brown and Elizabeth (Betty) Bakker Brown. He was the third of four sons born to the couple, which included John Brown of Helena, Montana, Carl Brown of Scotland and Chris Brown of Happy Valley, Oregon. He was the only brother to arrive early, a trait he would continue to show throughout his life. Ross attended many of the schools in Hood River in his childhood, including Frankton School, Hood River Middle School, and Hood River Valley High School, where he graduated in 1972. Growing up, he was a member of the Boy Scouts, Swim Team, and various other athletics.
After graduating high school, Ross started college at the University of Oregon, where he would go on to graduate with a bachelor’s degree in English. He returned home to help with the family orchard and in 1979, he met his wife, Alison, at the Grizzly Bear Pizza where they had both gone to watch Larry Bird in the NCAA finals. He would find himself soon after at the Hood River County School District office looking for more information on Speech Pathology — Alison’s profession and office location. They married on Nov. 15, 1980, and stayed together until her death in 2023.
Ross spent the majority of his career working in concrete. He worked for Schuepbach Builders and Custom Concrete and in 2004 became a partner in the business. Ross enjoyed his work, he enjoyed working with people in town, the businesses, but especially his co-workers. He retired in 2020, but always loved hearing how the work was continuing after him.
Throughout his life, Ross loved trying new things; he would often pick up new hobbies. Over the years, he tried his hand at golfing and mountain biking, but what stuck was cycling, hiking, and cooking. He would join groups on Cycle Oregon starting in 2001 and ending in 2014. Ross loved meeting new people, sharing stories, and of course drinking a few beers in the process.
In 2016, Ross was diagnosed with Parkinson’s Disease. Ross took this diagnosis in stride and often remarked that “everyone gets something and this is just what I have.” He didn’t let it slow him down from traveling with his family, joining a new community of support, and living his life the way he wanted.
Ross is survived by his two children, Benjamin Robert Brown and Kaitlin Daines Brown, as well as Ben’s wife Jena Marie Miller and their child Nora. He is also survived by his brothers and their wives, John and Mona Brown, Carl and Oliva Brown, and Chris and Vicki Brown.
A memorial service for Ross will be held 11 a.m. on Monday, Nov. 9 at Hood River Valley Christian Church, 975 Indian Creek Road, Hood River. Condolences may be shared with the family by visiting www.AndersonsTributeCenter.com.
Columbia Gorge News, Nov. 4, 2026
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