In Memorial – Kent Brown

At Friends we are saddened to learn of the passing of Kent Brown on December 15, 2022. A devoted and longtime member of Friends, Kent served on our board of directors for 17 years, from 1999 to 2016. He also served Friends in numerous other capacities including the Endowment Committee, now known as The Otter Society Committee, which he helped launch. Kent was also instrumental in the build out of our McCormick Bridgehouse & Chicago River Museum.

In addition to his work at Friends, Kent, and his wife, Jane, established a land trust adjacent to their Wisconsin cabin where they restored wetlands and uplands to provide critical wildlife habitat and to improve the health of nearby Lake Ripley.

“Kent’s passing is a great loss; he was a tremendous leader and a dedicated environmentalist,” said Margaret Frisbie, executive director of Friends of the Chicago River. “Kent and Jane were long-term, enthusiastic, and generous members who wholeheartedly attended all of our events and got to know program staff through their constant presence.”

We extend our sincere condolences to Kent’s family and friends.