Steven Keith Brown

Steven Keith Brown died peacefully at home early Friday, May 16.

Steve was a caring son, husband, brother, father, and grandfather and was loved in turn by all who knew him. He was a skilled and compassionate lawyer, a voracious reader, and enthusiastic in his pursuit of knowledge. He was an avid outdoorsman, who championed rivers and the natural world. And he was stubborn as hell.

Born in Boise, Idaho, January 25,1955, to Keith and Carlene Brown, Steve was the first of five sons. He was raised in Idaho Falls but grew up in the wild places of Idaho. From fishing and camping with his grandparents as a young boy, to working in forestry and river guiding as a young man, it was in the backcountry that he felt most at ease.

Steve received his bachelor’s degree in forestry from the University of Idaho in Moscow. It was there that he met and fell in love with Virginia “Ginny” Gale. In 1981 they eloped to Bonner’s Ferry and soon after began their family. First their son Nathan was born and their daughter Jessica followed two years later. In 1985 he completed his law degree in Moscow and returned to Idaho Falls to begin his legal career with Hopkins Roden Attorneys. He became a partner and remained with the firm for forty years until his death.

Attorney by trade, oarsman at heart, Steve continued rafting rivers and seeking out other wonders of the natural world. He loved sharing these places and pursuits with his family, friends and colleagues. Closest to his heart was the Middle Fork of the Salmon River, which he would navigate more than 80 times over the course of his life. It seemed he knew every rapid, every rock, every tree along that river in the way only those closely tied to a particular place can know or understand.

Those who knew Steve can speak to the complex and sometimes contradictory nature of his being. A large man with a booming voice, he was contemplative and thoughtful, and he chose his words carefully. He spent most of his life in the American West but was well versed in the history and affairs of the world at large. And although he could be quite particular in his own preferences, he rarely hesitated to put the needs of others ahead of his own. Though his passing is a great loss, our lives are richer for having known him.

Steve is survived by his loving wife Ginny, children Nate and Jess (Matt), his favorite granddaughter Aspen, mother Carlene, and brothers Pat (Annette), Bob (Debbie), and Tom (Raquel), as well as his many nieces and nephews. Those who wish, may donate to the Idaho Conservation League, 710 N 6th St, Boise, ID 83702

The family welcomes friends to stop by Steve’s home on Friday, May 23, from 4pm-7pm.

Condolences may be sent to the family online at www.woodfuneralhome.com.