With heavy hearts, our family wishes to announce the peaceful passing of James Lemin Brown on August 8th, 2021. Lee was born in Big Valley, Alberta on March 1st, 1926 to James and Lillie Brown. His parents immigrated from Northern England first to Michel/Natal B.C. then to Big Valley Alberta.
Lee grew up in Big Valley working the fields and livestock for local ranchers until he was just over 17, then enlisted in the Royal Canadian Air Force in Edmonton Alberta. He was trained in Montreal, P.E.I. and Halifax and was then stationed in Britain.
He flew 33 sorties with 626 Squadron as a Tail Gunner in a Lancaster bomber under Royal Air Force Command. He left the RCAF as an Officer, and as a result of his service during the liberation of France, was honoured in 2016 with the National Order of the French Legion of Honour with the distinction of "Knight".
Lee returned from the war in 1945 to Medicine Hat Alberta where he met and married Doreen Prentice in 1949. Together they moved to Cranbrook B.C. in 1952 where Lee worked for the CPR until his retirement in 1986.
Lee had many interests including; fishing, hunting, camping, woodworking, hockey and of course family. He built many items of furniture for his children and grandchildren, many of which are still in use today. He helped organize a girl's hockey league in the East Kootenays in the 60's and volunteered his time to the local Junior B hockey club in the 70's. He was an excellent marksman, winning Skeet championships at home and abroad.
Lee was predeceased by his wife Doreen, father James, mother Lillie and sisters Sophie and Margaret Brown.
Lee leaves behind his daughters Cynthia (Grant), Dian (Chris), Bev (Terry), and his son Jim (Katharine). Also missing him are his grandchildren: Heather (Bernie), Sergio, Alysha (Lou), Keegan (Jessica) Carlee, Kaitlyn (Darren) and Miranda. Great grandchildren include Nolan, Evalena, Liam, Lola, Romyn, Mila and Danika.
The family would like to express their appreciation for all the care he received at Dr. F.W. Green Memorial Home, Joseph Creek Village, Kootenay Street Village and the Cranbrook Regional Hospital.
The family would like to invite the public to the interring of Lee with the Royal Canadian Legion Branch 24 Cranbrook, at the Legion Columbarium on September 18th at 2 PM. The family will hold a private celebration of life for Lee at a separate time. The Legion flag will fly at half mast during that week in honour of his service.
He will be missed.
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