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He Was 'A First-Class Fellow'

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By JENNIFER HOWELL Tribune correspondent

The Tampa Tribune

Published: October 16, 2008

DADE CITY - Lee Brown embodied the Rotary model - "service above self."

The longtime accountant served the local Rotary chapter in his adopted hometown of Dade City for more than 40 years, served as treasurer of the Pioneer Florida Museum for more than 20 years and worked behind the scenes for countless efforts.

Friends and family members will hold a memorial service Friday to remember the man who gave so much of himself to Dade City.

Brown, 72, died last month after a battle with liver cancer.
Fellow Rotarians wanted to honor Brown and his wife of 50 years, Jeanette, while he was still alive. In August, they gathered at the First United Methodist Church of Dade City to pay tribute to his life of service and established a scholarship in their names.

"He's just a first-class fellow. He is diligent and a hard worker," said Barry Lynch, Brown's former business partner, shortly after the Rotary tribute. "We would always find it amusing when a client would say they want an early appointment, and then they would be aghast when we said 6:30 a.m.."

The Browns moved from Tampa to Dade City in 1964, when the firm Brown was working for opened a branch in town. After the firm merged with another outfit, Brown held onto his clients and went out on his own.

From the beginning, Rotary was an important part of the Browns' lives.

"You want to get to know the community better and get to know the people when you first come in to the club, plus the possible business contacts," Lee Brown said in an interview last month. "I've developed a lot of long-term friendships. After a while, the commercial part shrinks in the background, and you become more oriented in the service aspect."

Brown served as president and treasurer of the local club, assistant district governor and worked with Rotary's exchange committee, hosting professionals from across the world. Jeanette has played the piano for the Rotary, on and off, since she was 15.

Such work isn't always what's gets noticed, but it earned Brown the respect and admiration of his peers.

"They have been true and faithful servants of the Lord, and they raised their children in the same fashion," said longtime friend Lowell Harris. "They are perfect examples for all of us."

Moving to Dade City turned out to be as good for the Browns as they were for it.

"Dade City has been a wonderful place," said Jeanette Brown. "It's a great place to bring up a family. When we moved here, it fit like a glove.

"The Rotarians have been marvelous as many of our friends in Dade City. They will be my real support group for what's ahead."
LEE BROWN MEMORIAL SERVICE

WHEN: 11 a.m. Friday

WHERE: Hodges Family Funeral Home, 14046 Fifth St., Dade City
DONATIONS: Hernando-Pasco Hospice, 37445 Clinton Ave., Dade City FL 33525; the "Service Above Self" Rotary scholarship, Dade City Rotary Club Charities, P.O. Box 44, Dade City FL 33526-0044

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