Obituaries

On May 1, 2024, after a long battle with several illnesses, Charlie Brown, a beloved pillar of the Soo Township and Eastern Upper Peninsula Community peacefully left this world, surrounded by those that loved him. Born on December 28, 1946, Charlie's legacy of kindness and dedication extended far beyond Northern Michigan. Charlie’s roots in Soo Township started on Shunk Road where his mother, Isabelle and father Russell, owned and operated the Brown Dairy. Charlie was the youngest of three children by 18 years. He was preceded in death by his sister, Gert Gilroy, and his brother, Russell “Junior” Brown. Charlie’s life was destined to be an adventure. The night he was born, Chippewa County was in the grips of a severe winter storm. It was so bad, his mother had to be brought to the hospital partly by a horse drawn plow. The drama of that evening set the stage for his love of snow and beating the elements with machines of all kinds.

In March 1968, he married Cathy McLean, whom he met at an Armory dance in the Soo. After he worked up the nerve to ask her to dance they began dating and their love story blossomed. Together they raised their two children whom they instilled with the values of hard work and compassion. In 1972, they purchased, what would become, and still is, the Brown family home in Rudyard.

Charlie's ingenuity shone through in his innovative garden, constructed atop an old hay wagon. This mobile marvel not only spared him the discomfort of bending over, but also allowed him to strategically position his crops for optimal sunlight exposure. Among his varied harvest, his prized tomatoes stood out, a testament to his green-thumb and love for farming.

The only activity he loved more than gardening was competing in antique tractor pulls, where he met some of his closest friends. The shelves of his office at UP Tire, and his pole barn sag under the weight of dozens of trophies, each with the date when it was won written in magic marker on the bottom.

Charlie founded UP Tire in 1972, and it was more than just a tire shop; it was a fixture of the EUP community. Customers not only received top-notch service but also Charlie's warm smile and genuine concern for their well-being. His dedication extended to ensuring his customers’ safety, often remarking on the condition of tires, and making comparisons to what he would or wouldn’t allow his own family to drive on. His standard phone greeting, "UP Tire, Charlie," and his signature three-fingered wave became synonymous with his cheerful and friendly demeaner and willingness to greet anyone.

Charlie's commitment to his community was unwavering. He served on the Chippewa County Fair Board since 1990, played a pivotal role in establishing the EUP Antique Tractor Association, and was an active member of Sault Ste. Marie Snowmobile Association, which included personally grooming thousands of miles of pristine snowmobile trails. His involvement in the Co-op grocery stores in Rudyard, Kinross and Pickford and volunteer firefighting and EMS services showcased his dedication to community support. Charlie served as the Fire Chief of the Rudyard Volunteer Fire Department for 30 years. As a volunteer firefighter and EMT, Charlie's readiness to help in times of need was unmatched.

Beyond his civic engagements, Charlie's everyday acts of kindness, support, and generosity, endeared him to all. Whether hosting community events or championing local youth initiatives, his warm-hearted enthusiasm brought people together and made a lasting impact. One of Charlie’s passions was supporting the 4H community, specifically youth raising livestock for auction. Charlie was known for rallying business owners and members of the community to bid and purchase livestock during the annual livestock auction at the Chippewa County Fair. At UP Tire, there are two walls filled with pictures showcasing just a few of his contributions to the community. Those photos will remain as a tribute to his love of his neighbors.

Though he may have passed on, Charlie's legacy of kindness and dedication will endure in the hearts of all who knew him. He leaves behind a loving family, including his wife of 56 years, Cathy, of Rudyard; children, Tony (Alex Oliveira) Brown, of Toronto, and Aimee (Mike) Freeman, of West Bloomfield; grandchildren, Charlie, Maddy and Libby; and countless individuals whose lives he touched. Charlie was fortunate to be able to say goodbye so many of his family and friends before he was physically unable to. Mentions of Frank’s Place’s Meatball Soup, made him smile just a day before he left us.

The family expresses heartfelt gratitude to the staff of MyMichigan Medical Center ( formerly War Memorial Hospital ) Sault’s Comfort Care room on the second floor, and the Ball Hospice House for their compassionate care during Charlie's final days. Their support provided comfort and solace to Charlie and his family during the most challenging time, and ensured Charlie's end-of-life experience was surrounded by love and compassion.

Being a "good man" is something you do, not something you are. - Luvvie Ajay
By that definition, Charlie Brown was definitely a good man. The light he brought into this life will continue to shine through those who knew and loved him.
The family chose to celebrate his life with an event fitting of his character and contributions to the community. An event on Saturday, June 8th will be held with details to soon be published