Boys and Girls Club of Russellville Copes After a Major Loss

This photo portrays the Mr. Brown that many will remember forever. 

 
Russellville's Boys and Girls club lost a beloved staff member on September 29, 2011. 47 year old Michael Brown's death was unexpected and left his friends and families to cherish the moments they spent with him. It is no doubt that Brown left an impression on the Boys and Girls Club students, "What I remember of Mr. Brown is that he always had a smile on his face and a hug for me, too. Mr. Brown was wonderful to everyone. He would always be happy and so helpful to kids in a time of need. I know for a fact that Mr. Brown will be loved and missed," commented 10 year old Kelli George.
 
After serving in the military, Brown went on to work at Boys and Girls Club in Russellville. He not only worked at the club during the school year, but also shared his heart with the children of the Kiwanis Day Camp during the summer. Camp Director, Christian Noteboom, will always remember how much Mr. Brown touched the many lives of the children he worked with,  "Mr. Brown was an amazing man with a heart of gold.  He was always there for the kids, whether it was paying for a super trip, that a child may be otherwise be able to afford, or teaching the kids the value of hard work by having them wipe down tables and pick up trash. He was great with the older kids who often needed a male role model the most. As a co-worker and my assistant director, He was hard working, reliable and always eager to help in anyway that he could. Mr. Brown and I did not always see eye to eye, but I always knew he 'had my back.' I am a better person and director for having known him. Mr. Brown will forever be missed, but never  forgotten."
 
It is obvious that all the people that knew Brown could not help but love him. After a tragedy like this one, the children that knew Brown, are coping by remembering their favorite moments with him, "The best moment I spent with Mr. Brown was this summer at the zoo. He was enjoying himself. He bought me a small chocolate sundae. He was being really funny at the penguin exhibit. That was my best moment that I spent with Mr. Brown," recalled  12 year old Noah Tripp.
 
The staff and children of the Boys and Girls Club of Russellville are coping the best they can after this tragedy. "Mr. Brown, as he was known here at the Boys & Girls Club will be truly missed.  The children’s lives that he affected and his daily supervision along with his compassion for the club will be irreplaceable." Executive Director, Cathy Andrasik remembers Brown doing what he did best, "Whenever something needed repaired, which is daily, we would call on Mr. Brown. He would always involve his son Jeremy when he could to teach him what he knew. For just the two years that Mr. Brown was involved with the Boys & Girls Club his passing has left a huge void for the staff and kids.
 
One thing is sure, now there is a big hole in the Russellville Boys and Girls Club family, "We expect him to walk in the office at any time or step out of the gym or pull up with a van full of kids. It’s hard for all of us at the club because he was always here to help. Fortunately a part of Mr. Brown is still present through his children that are as passionate as he was about the Boys & Girls Club."  
 
Brown is survived by his wife of 22 years, Stephanie Brown, one son, Jeremy Brown, and two daughters, Kenisha and Brionna Brown, of Russellville.