Neil Brown

Neil O. Brown, 80, of Bloomington, died in a tragic boating accident on June 12 while on a fishing tripin Manitoba, Canada.

Neil was born Feb. 22, 1936 in Sterling, the son of Teddie and Nida Orpa Cable Brown.  He married Sandra I. Conery on Nov. 11, 1961 in Sterling.  She survives.

He is also survived by his two children.  His daughter, Diana (Tom) Flynn of Colorado Springs, Colorado and their sons, Connor, Brady and Patrick Flynn.  His son, Ted (Lauren) Brown of Scottsdale, Arizona and their daughter, Emma Brown.

He was preceded in death by his parents, and his brother, Bill Gaumer.

Neil attended Sterling High School in Sterling, class of 1954.  He graduated from Southern Illinois University in Carbondale in 1959 with a B.S. degree in Finance.  He also did post-graduate work in International Economics.  Neil enjoyed a fulfilling 34 year career with State Farm Insurance Company.  He joined the company in 1960 and retired in 1999 as Vice President of Real Estate Investments Department, and President and member of the Board of Directors of Amberjack LTD, State Farm’s Equity Real Estate Subsidiary.  He also worked from 1972-1977 as President of HMI Management Company in Chicago, Illinois.

Neil, aka “The Rev,” loved his family, the outdoors, hunting, fishing, Labrador retrievers (Bart, Cajun, Boomer and Beretta) and chopping wood for his outdoor fireplace.  He always said that “Hecould cut, split and stack more wood than the average woodchuck. ”  He was known by his many friends for his wisdom, humor and his storytelling forte.  Neil definitely had an offbeat sense of humor.  For example, he created special memorial plaques for each of his hunting dogs with loving remarks such as “she was a fine lab,” and “my buddy.”  And, he made a plaque for himself that he placed next to the dogs, that read, “Neil O. Brown, 1936-?, He was OK.”

Many years ago, Neil told his family that upon his death, he did not want a funeral.  He wanted his friends and family to have a Celebration of Life Party.  The date and time of the party will be announced later.

Instead of flowers, memorials may be directed to St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital or the charity of the donor’s choice.

A motto Neil lived by and quoted often is:

“Every man dies, but not every man lives.  Whatever you want to do, do it now.  There are only so many tomorrows.  The REV”

Carmody-Flynn Funeral Home, Bloomington, is assisting the family with arrangements.

To express condolences online, please visit www.carmodyflynn.com.