Paying Homage to Michael Brown

MICHAEL'S OBITUARY

BROWN, Michael Alexander Age 68 broke his bonds with gravity and soared into the great unknown on Friday, April 9 in Silver City, New Mexico. He was surrounded by his Southwestern family of friends and community who supported him in spiritual prayer, song, and love as they bore witness to the moment he transitioned from his life on earth.

   Michael grew up in Natick, Massachusetts among the tall pines and oaks on the shores of Lake Cochituate where he cultivated his love of the outdoors. He was a four-season outdoorsman who took advantage of all that New England had to offer. He utilized remote woods and waters as a therapeutic milieu for struggling teens. Enlisted by his activist mother, Shirley, he promoted environmental justice by exposing polluting industries. In the Southwest, he continued as a strong advocate for environmental preservation and joined indigenous communities as an activist for preservation of sacred grounds.

   Michael graduated from the University of Northern Arizona with a degree in botany and later attained his Doctor of Chiropractic. He attended Michael Moore’s Southwest School of Botanical Medicine in 1991. He found his calling in integrating and teaching healing touch, herbal therapy, and spiritual connection. His devotion and love for service as a healer and practitioner left a mark on the hearts of many. Michael lived his life with love, laughter, and intention.

  With strong appreciation and connection to Mother Earth and steeped in ritual, Michael attended Native American Tipi Ceremonies, Sun Dance, Energy Medicine Fire Ceremonies and sweat lodges. Foraging for herbs throughout the Southwest was a ceremony for him as well, giving offerings for plants as he gathered them. Deeply spiritual in concert with his SW surroundings, he brought people together in his life and in his death. An unofficial sports doctor for local youth, he loved homemade burritos given as payment for services. Humorous, though sometimes his jokes weren’t funny, he spoke the truth though some may have regretted asking for his opinion.

  Michael leaves behind his daughter Faith and her mother Diana in Canada, his mother Shirley, his brother Eric (Jean Camuso), sister G. Rose (Tim Carlisle), niece Emma Carlisle and nephews Jarred and Nate Brown. He was predeceased by his father, Clarence, his brother David and sister- in- law Dominique.

  A wise friend said: There are two deaths in life, the death of the physical body and the death when no one no longer mentions your name. Michael will live on because of the many stories that will be shared about him forever. He left this world the way he lived it, bringing people together in beauty, in a sacred way, with deep love and gratitude.

   A Celebration of Michael’s life will be held 10/30/21 (location to be determined, contact vnanez@yahoo.com). Donations in Michael’s memory may be made to Dine Hataalii Assoc. PO Box 4800, Window Rock, Az 86515; Luna Y Sol Sanctuary15030 Mountain View Ave, Desert Hot Springs Ca, 92240; or Washoe Zuishish Goom Than-Nu (Washoe Warrior Society), 202 Paiute St Carson City, Nevada 89703.

Cremation has taken place at Terrazas Crematory.  Arrangements are with Terrazas Funeral Chapels and Crematory “Trusted care for the ones you love” ~ 575-537-0777.  To send condolences, visit www.terrazasfuneralchapel.com.