Tom C. Brown

Tom C. Brown, age 81, passed away on June 5, 2015, with his wife of 38 years, Lillian Manso Brown (Velasquez) by his side. He was born on April 9, 1934 in Holyoke, Colorado, to Celia and J.C. Brown. Tom will be remembered for his bigger than life personality, his quick wit, love of learning, and his uncanny ability to move effortlessly through an impressive number of different careers such as, a rodeo bull rider, a nuclear weapons instructor in the United States Air Force, and an HVAC project manager at the Los Alamos National Laboratory. He had a real zest for life and considered learning a lifelong quest and could hold his own on a wide variety of subjects. He was the quintessential cowboy, having grown up on a working cattle ranch and farm in northeastern Colorado. He was a refrigeration specialist, electrician, plumber, and a member of the Plumber and Steamfitters Union Local 412. Gardening was a passion of Tom's and his roses, dahlias, and tomatoes were his pride and joy year after year. He was preceded in death by his parents; five brothers; and his daughter, Julia Gail Brown. He is survived by his wife, Lillian; his sister, Cleo Fryrear of Sterling, CO; his daughter, Rebecca Ann Gustin of Salt Lake City, UT; and his son, Steve Brown of Albuquerque. He is also survived by his step-children, Lynne Manso, Dawn Manso, Nicholas J. Manso, Jr., Michael Manso and Joseph Manso; and his step-granddaughter, Dawn Lynne Manso, all of Albuquerque; and many nieces and nephews. Also touching Tom's life were Eva Torres, his aunt; and Robert Hole, his friend. Many thanks are given to the nurses and care team of Hospice of the Sandias, with special thanks to Michael, Lynette, and Jacob, for the excellent care given to Tom during his illness. A celebration of Tom's life will be held on Thursday, June 11, 2015 at 2:00 p.m. at Chester T. French Memorial Mausoleum, 924 Menaul Blvd., N.E., Albuquerque, NM. Interment will follow at Sunset Memorial Cemetery.